- Sreya Sunil

After April 1 Vidudala, Vamsy's subsequent films [Detective Narada, Joker, Prema & Co., Neeku 16 Naaku 18, Lingababu Lovestory, W/O V. Varaprasad] had neither haunting music, which was a hallmark of Vamsy's movies, nor the erstwhile magical touch of the ace director which was his trademark. Vamsy's movies are synonymous with clean comedy, simple storylines and mesmerizing melodies. Unwanted foreign locales, larger than life sets, rich palatial mansions, dazzling costumes, were never his forte and favorites. Of the very few directors in Telugu film industry who strive to retain 'nativity', in the true sense of the word, in their films, Vamsy's name comes almost instantaneously into our mind.

Vamsy is now back, after a brief hiatus, with his latest offering Avunu Valliddaru Istapaddaru starring Ravi Teja and Kalyani (Kaveri of Seshu now renamed as Kalyani). Though Vamsy tried his hand at music direction in most of his recent movies [Joker, Prema & Co., Neeku 16 Naaku 18, Lingababu Lovestory], it is his association with Maestro Ilayaraja, which resulted in pristine musical gems, that is regarded as one of the best combinations in the history of Telugu Cinema. Songs from Vamsy - Ilayaraja's films like Sitara, Anveshana, Preminchu Pelladu, Aalapana, Ladies Tailor, Maharshi, Sri Kanakamahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe, Chettu Kinda Pleader, April 1 Vidudala and Detective Narada, are musical feasts to Telugu song lovers. It is because of those songs that the audiences watch out for the music of Vamsy's movies with special interest.

Vamsy now teams up with upcoming music director Chakri to deliver the goods and goodies for his latest movie. After a brilliant musical score for Kanulu Moosina Neevaye, Chakri is back with yet another winner up his sleeve. Though some of the songs remind us of old Vamsy - Ilayaraja hits, they nevertheless impress. Is it because they make us nostalgic of some wonderful vintage tunes of Ilayaraja for Vamsy or is it the talent of Chakri to offer good melodies for some beautiful lyrics [by Sai Sriharsha, Chandrabose and Sirivennela] that make this album worth listening to? Read on -

1. Vennello Hai Hai (Listen)
If you are an ardent follower of Vamsy's songs then even before you strain your gray cells, you can make out that this is a typical Vamsy song. However, Chakri not only comes up with a lilting tune but also croons this song effectively (barring the pronunciation of the word 'ela' as 'ella', but that is mostly because the tune demands so). Sai Sriharsha doles out simple and good lyrics talking about hayi without using any hi-fi words.

2. Ra Rammani rara rammani (Listen)
The pallavi of this song reminds us of 'Laalelo' song from Suthradharulu composed by KV Mahadevan. Easy on ears music, telugutanam filled lyrics; about two people in love; by Chandrabose and good singing by Kousalya are plus points of this song. But it is the ever-reliable SPB who elevates this song to a worthy elevation, with his infectious singing.

3. Nalo nenu lene lenu (Listen)
Yet another beautiful composition sung soulfully by Sandeep (who sang 'Naa Gudilo' in Nuvvu Nenu) and Kousalya. Sirivennela dishes out enthralling lyrics about the sweet feelings when in love. Chakri weaves a web of melody that captures us instantly, giving utmost importance to the tune and relying heavily on lyrics and his singers. None of them disappoint and this song appoints our attention almost demanding it.

4. Seetakoka Chiluka (Listen)
An average song written by Sai Sriharsha, where two lovers, like most of their counterparts in Telugu movies, talk about doing some fanciful things to extract the most out of their love and life. Chakri and Kousalya sing this song, which has a slight tribal/folk song flavor to it.

5. Yennenno Varnaalu (Listen)
A short song about two 'friends-now-lovers-soon' persons trying to make their point very clear to each other about their likings and priorities in life. Sai Sriharsha introduces the traits of the lead characters very well through his sharp and subtle words, which are the life of this cutesy song. SPB as usual triumphs while Kousalya gives him good company.

6. Pogadamaku Atiga (Listen)
Another short song written beautifully by Sai Sriharsha talking about the love letters exchanged by lovers and the mandatory encomiums written in them. SPB and Kousalya impart a sweet charm to this one like the previous song.

7. Nujiweedu Soniya (Listen)
Ravi Verma returns with yet another mass number after 'Rukhmini' in Allari Ramudu. This song is another example of the manner in which our music directors are killing the joy and spirit of a folk song by making it banal and transforming into a bane for true folk songs. Bhaskarabhatla Ravi Kumar pens some dissonant words in the name of lyrics while Chakri's symphony is sheer cacophony.

The music of this album might not live up to the music of Vamsy - Ilayaraja's golden oldies; nevertheless Chakri came up with some beautiful tunes, which should definitely consolidate his position as one of the most promising music directors today. Simple yet subtle lyrics, which have always been a coherent part of Vamsy's songs, are present in this album too (except in Nujiwedu Soniya song which can be easily overlooked). Vamsy has a very good ear for music, excepting the songs in the movies where he was the music director, and he has successfully extracted some laudable and likeable songs from Chakri for Avunu Valliddaru Istapaddaru.

Sreya's Picks: Vennello Hai Hai, Nalo nenu lene lenu, Yennenno Varnaalu

Click here to read the other articles by Sreya Sunil

click here for other audio reviews - Allari Ramudu, Indra, Jayam, Sreeram, Kanulu Moosina Neevaye, Vasu & Santosham

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