There are composers whose work you look forward to. You know that their tunes have the stamp of quality and you will be disappointed if the songs turn out to be bad. Bijibal is one of them. He has been delivering excellent soundtracks constantly, cementing his position right at the top in the Malayalam film music industry. While doing so, he makes it a point to not sound repetitive. Look at his numbers in KL 10 Pathu and Pathemari, they are unique compositions that get along perfectly with the narrative.
Now, when Bijibal joins hands with director Aashiq Abu once again, for the Manju Warrier-Rima Kallingal starrer Rani Padmini, the musical wires in my head seemed to be attached to the sentiment—it better be the good stuff on offer.
The album has four songs, written by Rafeeq Ahammed and Nellai Jayantha ('Puthu Puthu'). Let's see what this team has in store this time.
Varu Pokaam Parakkam (Singers: Shwetha Menon, Devadutt, Lola)
It is very evident that the child singers Shwetha Menon, Devadutt and Lola are in their comfort zones while crooning 'Varu Pokaam...'. They have their solo portions in the song and they sound nothing short of endearingly confident. Minimal orchestration, especially the way the light drum beats drop in your ears, makes this number a soothing listen. By the time we realise that we like this song coated with nostalgia, it ends.
It is very commendable that the pronunciations of the child singers are top-notch. Bijibal has given us lovely songs in the voice of children previously too ('Maanikya Chirakulla' in Idukki Gold and 'Vellaaram Kannulla' in Vellimoonga) and 'Varu Pokaam Parakkaam' is not an exception.
Oru Makaranilavay (Chithra Arun)
Bijibal starts off with a brief piece where sitar notes follow up a violin entrée right before the vocals—good enough to catch my attention. He then lets the singer Chithra Arun take control; she hits the highs and lows effortlessly, and proves a good choice for this moody number. The teeny-weeny harmonium sound is a great value addition. The way Chithra's voice climbs down at the end of each stanza, the standout point of this composition, is another element worth mentioning.
The tune is good, nothing sensational but the way Bijibal has arranged it with sitar and strings in prominence is particularly notable.
Puthu Puthu (Soumya Ramakrishnan)
Ah, this voice! The fact that Bijibal's regular singer TR Soumya (listed as Soumya Ramakrishnan in the YouTube jukebox) was crooning this Tamil track hiked expectations. 'Ee Pooveyilil' in the 2014 film Pakida, again composed by Bijibal and sung by Soumya, is one of my favourites.
In 'Puthu Puthu', Soumya's earthy, slightly husky vocals are ably backed by bass guitar and triple. It sounds fresh and has a pleasing romantic touch to it. A short number but quite a sweet treat .
Mizhimalarukal (Sayanora)
First things first. This one is a sophisticated, emotional song and calls for a singer like Sayanora's calibre. A shroud of mystery covers the track and you feel the west wind hitting your face; probably because the setting is the imperious Himalayas, a significant location in the film. She does a wonderful job in this meticulously crafted tune by Bijibal. Her Western Classical music training makes her the right person to render it.
'Mizhimalarukal' is less about a splendidly orchestrated composition and more about setting the mood. With its effortlessness and a deceptively easy feel to its rendering, the song is perceptive and different from the other tracks. Quite an enjoyable listen for some of us, if not all, who take to its kind.
Verdict
'Varu Pokaam Parakkaam' and 'Puthu Puthu' are my favourites for obvious reasons mentioned above. Bijibal has delivered another above-average soundtrack. The songs vary in their traits and they tell us that composer has stuck to the film's narrative while churning out the soulful music.
P.S: Good job, Muzik247, in listing the names of musicians involved in each song on their YouTube link. It is heartening to see that.