What would undeniably surprise, if not shock South Indian audiences, is a track rendered by the comic superstar, Vadivelu, on an AR Rahman soundtrack no less. For over a decade now, Vadivelu has been roped in to showcase his vocal chops in the form of rap or spoken word – funny punchlines really – which were an extension of his on-screen character. But on the blistering folk-based track “Raasa Kannu,” composed by Rahman for the political thriller, Maamannan, Vadivelu sounds like he could fool veteran Tamil folk singers into believing that he is part of their troupe.
Also on our Tamil playlist this month is the soundtrack of Modern Love (Chennai), the highpoint of which is composer Illaiyaraaja. While some of the episodes including Paravai Kootil Vazhum Maangal, directed by Bharatiraja, play snatches of Illaiyaraaja classics in the background, the soundtrack has impressive originals. There’s the jazzy “Aanaal,” with a distinctly 1960s’ vibe, superbly delivered by Ananya Bhat, who has also sung a new Illaiyaraaja favourite “Onnoda Nadandha” from the film Viduthalai Part 1 (2023). “Thendral” is another track that recalls some of the best work done by the music director through the 1980s. In fact, I can hear a seamless lo-fi mash-up of “Thendral” and “Valaiosai Kala Kala” from the Kamal Haasan-Amala starrer Sathya (1988). Other film music directors including Yuvanshankar Raja, GV Prakash and Sean Roldan have contributed to the soundtrack. Of the lot, Roldan’s tracks stand out, especially the duet titled “Uravu”. Sung by Roldan and Padmapriya Raghavan, “Uravu’s” lush melodic lines evoke a sense of nostalgia and definitely seem to be drawing from Ilaiyaraaja’s glory days. And if you can imagine a remix of “Haanikaarak Bapu” from Dangal (2016) and “Leke Pehla Pehla Pyaar” from CID (1956), you might land on the sound of “Kukkunu.” Composed by Prakash with Remya Nambeesan and Vagu Mazan on vocals, “Kukkunu” is a playful, thoroughly enjoyable track that sticks with you.