The name Gudumba Shankar rings one bell with a reverberating sound like an echo in a beautiful terrain. No prizes for guessing that I was referring to Pawan Kalyan there. With just 8 films; comprising of 6 continuous hits and super hits; to his credit, Pawan's power on the box-office is unquestionable. No wonder he is fondly addressed as the Powerstar. After a dismal Johnny, Pawan is now geared up to entertain us in and as Gudumba Shankar. Pairing with him for the first time is National award winner Meera Jasmine. Veera Shankar [of Creative Commercials' Hello, I love you fame] directs this movie and Nagababu produces it under Anjana Productions banner.

Mani Sharma, after Kushi, teams up with Pawan to deliver another brilliant album. Musically, Kushi is one of the best works of Mani Sharma. Whether it's the saccharine Cheliya cheliya, or the catchy Ammaye sannaga, or the racy Yeh mera jahan, or the well-orchestrated Premante suluvu kaadura, or the impressive mass number Gajja ghallu mannaadi, or even the reworked Aaduvaari Maatalaku, Kushi is a gem of sorts from Mani Sharma. So what about the music of Gudumba Shankar?

1. Le le le
A foot tapping number urging us to live life in our own terms and not to get bogged down by anything or anybody. Chandrabose pens it with fervor and must say that his punch packed lyrics make this one the best hero solo songs in recent times. KK sings it with verve. Mani Sharma's orchestration is quite different and adds charm to the song.

2. Chiguraaku chaatu
One of the best melodies of this year. Soaked in the soft and honey drenched vocals of SP Charan and Suneetha [and not Sujatha as listed on the album], this song will engulf you leaving you in a state of delight. Though the situation of the song sounds hackneyed, Sirivennela's simple lyrics elevate this song from being a routine fare. Enjoy this one for a very melodious orchestration, lovey dovey lyrics and good rendition. Suneetha has not sounded this good in any of her recent songs.

3. Chilakamma mukkuki
Karthik starts the song with a slow alaap and the tempo picks up almost instantly from there. He takes to this song like a fish takes to water, adding vigor to it with a perfect rendition. Sri Vardhini and Hanumantha Rao accompany him for a short while towards the end. Chandrabose's lyrics, though in his usual style and incoherent at some places, overall are good. This one's a good beat number preaching that if something is destined to happen, it will.

4. Chitti nadumune
Last time Pawan ogled at heroine's 'nadumu', the movie turned out to be a blockbuster. And now when he is singing a full fledged a song on 'nadumu' can you guess what the outcome's going to be? Sentiments and speculations aside, if there is anybody who can pen a song dealing with a sensual topic and make it sound likeable to everybody then it has to be Sirivennala. His lyrics are a riot that you don't mind indulging in. Mallikharjun is at his best in this number. Before you dismiss the rap bit, sung by Premji, as frivolous listen to it once more and you will know the fabulous effect it adds to the song. Sample this - If you are my enki, I am your naidu bava, naidu bava. Now, how cool is that?

5. Emantaaro
This slow melody has Chandrabose penning the confusion of the lovers neatly. SP Charan is good, as always. Harini, though sounds typical, lends charm to the song. This may not be an instant winner but will grow on given some time. Again, Mani Sharma' musical arrangement is soothing and is in sync with the mood of the song. Interestingly, of the two duets in this album, the lead pair in this song are in doubt if they are in love with each other [emantaaro neeku naakunna idi ni?] and ascertain their feelings as love in the second one [chiguraaku chaatu chilaka ee alajaDi premei gaa!].

6. Killi killi
Considering the usual quality of lyrics in such songs, Masterji's lyrics for this song are pretty decent. Though at places [especially in the second interludes, the aadu aadu part] it reminds us of Mokkajonna song from Satyam, this one is an enthusiastic number that might appeal more on screen than when heard. Mallikharjun sings it with ease. Pawan Kalyan voices the first few lines of the song.

Overall, the audio of Gudumba Shankar is another feather in Mani Sharma's crowded hat this year. Almost all the songs create a good impression in the very first listening. Mani Sharma's novel orchestration in each song adds freshness to the album making it a winner all the way. And as an icing on the cake, you can listen to all the songs without complaining about the singers and their pronunciations. Now, that's a welcome change. Go Mani go.

This audio is marketed and distributed by Aditya Music.

Sreya Picks: Chiguraaku chaatu, Le le le, Chitti nadumune, Chilakamma, Emantaaro

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