It's been a while since we watched a film set in pre-Independence India, and so, “Madharasapattinam” has evoked curiosity. And, fittingly, for its audio launch recently, the venue, Sathyam Cinemas, wore the old-Madras theatre look.
In fact, the invitation itself showcased photos of old Madras, coins of that era, map of old Madras, and more… Kamal Hassan and director Shankar were present.
The film's director A.L. Vijay (of “Kireedom” and “Poi Solla Porom” fame) says the the film is set in the 1940s and takes place in Vannaarapetai (Washermanpet) area.
“Madharasapattinam” revolves around a washerman, who is also a wrestling champion. Problem arises when a British girl Amy Wilkinson falls in love with him. Arya is paired with actor Amy Jackson, who won the Miss Teen World title. Nasser, Cochin Haneefa, Alexx O'Neil, M.S. Bhaskar and Bala Singh form the cast. The music is by G.V. Prakash Kumar.
There are seven songs in the album, including two theme numbers. ‘Feel of love' is by Seenu and Naveen Iyer, while ‘The dance theme of Madharasapattinam' is by Naveen Iyer; the flute rendition mesmerises. The songs are written by Na. Muthukumar. As always, one wonders why Hindi playback singers are used, for they never get the diction right.
‘Pookal Pookum' is a jugalbandi of sorts, and is sung by Roop Kumar Rathod, Harini, Andrea Jeremiah, and G.V. Prakash Kumar. The English lyrics are written by Andrea Jeremiah. ‘Vaama Duraiyamma' is a pleasant number sung by Udit Narayan, VMC. Haneefa, and Amy Jackson. ‘Megame Megame' is a nice number that brings together actors Vikram and Nasser, music director M.S. Viwanathan, Na. Muthukumar and Ajayan Bala. ‘Aaruyire' makes an impact in Sonu Nigam's and Saindhavi's voices. Hariharan, Zia, and Augustin Choir have rendered ‘Kaatrile…'
“Patta Patty”
The audio of AVR Talkies and Flicker studios' “Patta Patty” was released recently. Cricketer Sadagopan Ramesh, the lead actor, plays a cricket coach. The story revolves around him, as he stops at a village in Theni district and provides coaching to a cricket team taking part in a rural cricket tournament. There, he falls in love with Ranjitham (new-find Harini).
The film is directed by Yuvaraj, and the music is by Arul Dev. The lyrics are by Jayamurasu.
There are five songs in the album, and the best one is ‘Idhuvarai Idhuvarai', sung by Hariharan, Mahathi and Arul Dev. ‘Padai Nadungum' is a fine one, by Pavan. The English song ‘Never Gonna Change' is a good one, sung by Vijay Narain and written by Kevin Shadrach. ‘Ekku Thappa' has been rendered well by Ranjith and Sathyan, just as ‘Adangaadha Vegam' has been, by Karthik.
