'Vedalam': Music review

'Vedalam': Music review
Shruti Haasan and Ajith in 'Vedalam'. Music director Anirudh on the right.

Composer Anirudh Ravichander has been on a roller-coaster ride ever since his debut film '3' in Tamil. The hugely popular 'Kolaveri' number put him in the limelight, and his other songs in the album proved that he is here to stay. In no time, he had his hands full. Almost all his soundtracks found their spot in the hit chart.

This time, the young musician has come on board for Ajith-starrer Vedalam, his first 'Thala' flick. Anirudh's last outing as composer in Naanum Rowdydhaan was a charming attempt, which gave us a good platter of quality songs.

The expectations had skyrocketed with Vedalam and finally we have the album, which has 5 tracks.

Earphones on.

Veera Vinayaka (Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, Vishal Dadlani)

A Ganapathi Bappa song to start the album with—one that is accompanied by bass guitar strings and heavy percussion. Anirudh and Vishal Dadlani try to infuse energy but the plain tune fails. It lacks creativity and offers nothing that will make us want to go back to the song. Not at all a good start to Vedalam listening experience.

Don't You Mess With Me (Shruti Haasan, Shakthisree Gopalan)

We have two skillful crooners here—Shakthisree Gopalan and Shruti Haasan. The Western, EDM-based track begins well in the pallavi. Shruti, also the heroine of the film, growls, screams and sings intermittently for this 'on-your-face' number. However, with the cacophonous loop before the anupallavi, the track loses its direction and fails to impress. It's disappointing to see that the gifted Shakthisree has nothing much to do here.

Vedalam
Ajith and Anirudh.

Uyir Nadhi Kalangudhae (Ravishankar)

Looks like Vedalam is following that routine of most commercial Tamil films—an introduction song for the hero, a duet, another dance number, a melancholic tune and the theme music. 'Uyir Nadhi' takes the job of being in the doldrums at the time of a possible sorrow or crisis in the film. Again, sadly, an uninspiring piece from Anirudh.

The Theri Theme (Anirudh Ravichander)

If the theme music works, it takes the hero's appearance in the movie to a whole new level. Yuvan Shankar Raja did it for Ajith with Billa theme music and that was used to maximum effect in the film. Here, Anirudh goes the techno-dubstep way again for the 'Theri' theme. While listening to it, my brother said, "Can't believe the composer is the same guy who did the villain's theme beautifully in Kaththi." He meant the number titled 'Bad Eyes'. I had to play the Kaththi number again – groovy, musical and very catchy. The theme that Vijay had in the backdrop in Kaththi was good too—The Sword of Destiny, but the villain's theme takes the cake.

Give it a listen here.

Well, the point is - 'Theri' theme has the buildup and climbs up the ladder as it develops to get that adrenaline rush but it is just okay. 'Theri' lies there much below my expectations.

Aaluma Doluma (Anirudh Ravichander, Badshah)

You might have watched the 22 second-long song teaser of 'Aaluma Doluma'. That will do and you can save yourself from listening to the full track, a dance number. The composition does not try to go beyond that tune other than bringing in the techno bit. Badshah's brief rap is not a big boost to the song either.

Verdict

Anirudh had the Vedalam on his shoulders, with the weight of expectations hanging heavy. Looks like he hasn't realised it or applied his heart to it. The youngster has shown us that he can do much better than this. Vedalam is unimaginative.