OK Kanmani: Maniratnam-ARRahman-PC Sreeram

[ajaybaskar]

OKK has easily exceeded my expectations and the combo has always done that. If any contemporary composer manages to come half close to the genius of ARR, I will be happy.

Thalaivar effortlessly jumps across genres and gives a different experience on each listen. We have been cheated with fake benchmarks till the entry of ARR and now he sets his own benchmarks. OKK is one such.

Parandhu Sellava - My pick of the album. What starts as a capella slowly transcends to a different plane altogether with a burst of strings in the final part. Karthik and Shashaa have done a fabulous job, complementing ARR

Naane Varugiren - Another pick of mine. I dont know much about the raagas. But i am quite sure that it is close to the one uses in Main Vari Vari in Mangal Pandey. Again Shashaa nails it. A very difficult track to sing.

Aattakkaara - Another 'Only ARR possible' song. Mixing rap intelligently with a stunning chorus with heavy beats in the backdrop.

Malargal Kaetten - Chitra again proves that experience matters. She does complete justice to the beautiful tune and ARR signs off in style.

Theera Ula - A trance blended with carnatic. Honestly, I listened to it only once because i was immersed in the above mentioned songs. Sounds promising