Vishwaroopam music review

Movie: Vishwaroopam
Directed Kamal Hassan
Producer: Chandra Hassan, Kamal Hassan
Written by Kamal Hassan,, Atul Tiwari
Star Cast: Kamal Haasan as Vishwanath, Pooja Kumar as Dr. Nirupama, Andrea Jeremiah, Rahul Bose as Omar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Samrat Chakrabarti, Zarina Wahab, Nassar, Shekhar Kapur in a special appearance, Miles Anderson as Dawkins, James Babson as Tom Black, Jude S. Walko as Captain Joe, Chris Kotcher as Tollbooth Operator, Greg Sammis as F.B.I. Agent, David Scott Diaz as F.B.I. Agent, Melissa Bayer as Store Customer
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cinematography: Sanu Varghese
Editing: Mahesh Narayanan
Studio: Raaj Kamal Films International
Release date: 11 January 2013

Vishwaroopam is an upcoming Tamil-Hindi bilingual Indian spy thriller film written, directed and co-produced by Kamal Hassan that features himself in the lead role. The film, also has Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose, Andrea Jeremiah and Jaideep Ahlawat in supporting roles. The soundtrack is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, with lyrics by Vairamuthu for the Tamil and Javed Akhtar for the Hindi versions respectively. The film was shot with the same cast in both languages simultaneously, and is titled in Hindi as Vishwaroop.

It’s a rarity to see that only certain filmmakers choose to place songs that blend well with the situations. Kamal Hassan has been ritually adhered to this formula as his films (except commercial movies) do not boast of unwanted songs. Vishwaroopam brings back the combination of Kamal Hassan and Shankar Ehsaan Loy after his magnum opus Aalavandhaan. The album has 5 songs that are inclusive of a remix track with Vairamuthu penning lyrics for 3 songs and Kamal Hassan on two songs.

Vishwaroopam

Vocals: Suraj Jagan
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

Overpowering and it’s full of thunders with storming effect from beginning till end. The orchestral composition by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy brings the best out of their spellbinding composition in their entire career. Of course, be their venture in Hindi or South music industry, the trio has never exerted such a mighty efforts as in this song. Kudos to Vairamuthu for penning lines with massive effect: The first four opening lines is more than enough to offer you an ample evidence. Yaarukkum Adimai Illai, Ivan Yaarukkum Arasan Illai, Yaarendru Purigirudha, Ivan Theeyendru Therigiradha, Thadaigalai Vendre Sarithiram Padaithavan, Gnyabagam Varugiradha. Vishwaroopam remix version takes a leap into the techno and DJ stuffs with chord strokes on guitars and heavy beats. However, it’s the original version that leaves a strong effect.

Thuppaki Engal Tholile

Vocals: Kamal Hassan and Benny Dayal
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
English Lyrics: Asif Ali Beg

This is perhaps the favourite style of Shankar Mahadevan-Ehsaan-Loy as they often prefer striking chords on this rhythmic pattern. An apt illustration could be title song of SRK’s Don-2. The song reaches the peak with fast-running rhythmic accompaniment and the wonderful composition on vocalisms in orchestral panache. It sounds like this song is placed in the backdrops of a critical juncture in the film. The good choice of singers – Kamal Hassan and Benny Dayal bring out the best on whole.

Unnai Kaanadhu Naan

Vocals: Kamal Hassan and Shankar Mahadevan
Lyrics: Kamal Hassan

Listen to the opening lines and discover the other avatar of Kamal Hassan. His unique elan of rendering the classical song in fast tempo is fabulous. What follows next is the sudden transition to medium-paced beats with a good scope offered for Sitar, Miruthangam, flute, violin and other classical instruments. Shankar Mahadevan makes the song sound so melodious with his intonation.

Anu Vidhaitha Boomiyile

Vocals: Kamal Hassan and Nikhil D’ Souza
Lyrics: Kamal Hassan

Not very often we find a slow pace song having the best sound editing. Listen to this song in a surround system and you’ll have a different experience. Hats off to the music director trio for this endearing quality of song: be it the vocalizing quotients by Kamal Hassan and Nikhil D’ Souza, they’re so enchanting. The rhythms programmed on strings and harp is excellent that is occasionally joined by slow beats.

Final Word: The distinguishing trait about Vishwaroopam album is that the songs aren’t composed just for the sake of audio sales, but instead is completely bound to screenplay. In simple words, the songs completely bring the visual elements of the film and it turns the listeners cognizant about what the film is all about.

Verdict: The album is a 23-minute preview of film. An enthralling showpiece..