sandram kooDa sthambhinchEla mana satta chooppiddaama sang Mahesh in Okkadu and tongue-tied were his detractors. Such is the magnitude of Okkadu's success that sometimes it seems that is the only blockbuster this talented actor, who likes to experiment with his roles and films, has to his credit. It's quite unfortunate that not all of his experiments resulted in the kind of rousing reception he enjoyed as Okkadu. Now, when the main crew behind Okkadu - Mahesh, director Guna Sekhar and music director Mani Sharma - is coming out with another film Arjun, sky is the limit for our expectations. And why not, when Mahesh's last success still remains Okkadu followed by disasters like 'No-gem' Nijam and 'No- no' Nani?

Mahesh's elder brother Ramesh produces Arjun on a lavish scale (look at Thota Tharani's jaw dropping Madhura Meenakshi temple set) under Krishna Productions banner and Mahesh who is still unbeaten with his 'I-get-a-new-heroine-for-every-movie' record will now be seen with Shriya for the first time. Kirthi Reddy is acting as Mahesh's doting sister. Veturi, after Anand, enjoys another album as the single card lyricist.

1. Okka maata
Though not as instantly appealing as Hare Raama [Okkadu], this one has racy orchestration and Shankar Mahadevan's rendition is in his typical style. Veturi's simple words are written to make this song sound cool and catchy. Sample this line - manasu unte marsu daaka maargam undi chalo. The chorus throughout the song enhances the mood of the song greatly.

2. Aey pilla
An okay number with some funky instrumentation. Though it reminds us of Sorry sorry [Baavagaru Baagunnara] at places, it nonetheless has pulsating musical arrangement. But the tune is nothing great. SP Charan and Shreya Ghoshal croon this one. Veturi's lyrics go like this - rEpochhi kanipinchu renDO krishnayya, eela kaina leela kaina veLa undayya.

3. Dum dumaare
A brilliant composition by Mani Sharma. Orchestration wise this is not only the best song in this album but also among the best works of Mani Sharma. Kudos to you sir. Whatever Tamil flavor one might sense (especially in the stanzas) is palpable since the movie is set in Madurai. SPB and Chitra are remarkable and you just can't imagine any other singers singing this one to the same ecstatic effect. A detailed (with an explanation of Veturi's lyrics) laudable review of this song by one of our discussion board members zone5 is worth a perusal here.

4. O cheli
Another enjoyable song composed in an infectious manner by Mani Sharma. Karthik and Chitra cast the same unbreakable spell of Hai Re Hai [Okkadu] here. Veturi's lyrics are mediocre but serve the purpose of making this song catchy. Regardless of you liking it or not, you will start humming the repeated lines - pilli pilli vochhe … - after you listen to this song just two times.

5. Madhura madhura
This semi-classical song has connoisseurs like Unni Krishnan and Harini singing it with an ease they are known for. Veturi's crispy lyrics revolving around Madhura Meenakshi also talk about the cultural influences of Telugus and Tamilians on one another. Though a semi-classical song, Mani Sharma composes it in a manner appealing to everybody alike. Again, zone5's write-up gives great insight about this song. Worth a read!

6. Ra Ra Ra Ra
With a sonorous orchestration and amusingly rhyming lyrics, this serves as a pucca mass number sung by Udit Narayan (who actually sounds good) and Swarnalatha (though she sounds nasal for most part of the song, hers seems to be perfect voice for this song). Without making a big deal of the quality of the lyrics, it suffices to say that Veturi words the song. His effort to make the lines rhyme is quite funny. But, who cares for lyrics in such songs. Just get the beat and tap your feet.

Overall, the best thing about this album is that, for most part, it has no trademark orchestration of Mani Sharma. In fact, orchestration wise this album shows that Mani Sharma has embraced novelty and at the same time he has dished out contagious numbers. As is the case with Mani Sharma's music for big stars, there's something for everybody in this album. Mass songs, hero solo song, a beat song, you name it, this album has it all. If you are looking for beautiful lyrics in this album like in Okkadu, then saving two songs you will be in for a big disappointment. But no second thought about the popularity of this album. Arjun's music is like slow poison which grows on you slowly but surely.

Sreya Picks: Dum dumaare, O Cheli, Madhura madhura

Special Thanks to zone5 for his reviews of Dum Dumaare and Madhura Madhura

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