You can listen to the entire soundtrack here.
Composer Sharath gets the two veterans Chithra and Yesudas to sing the two respective versions of Ponnodu Poovai, a song with arrangement very evocative of Rahman’s 90s style, topped with some delightful employment of the kanjira. Chithra’s version worked better for me coz of the dainty touches that she adds to it. Her voice sounds quite young, strangely. Sharath’s imaginativeness on the orchestration lifts the otherwise regular Kannara Thumbi sung by the ever-energetic Mano. The percussion and basslines are especially noteworthy. The song of the soundtrack comes next, one more brilliant piece along the lines of Sandhikkaadha (180) called Enthe Hrudayathaalam. Like with Sandhikkaadha one would note the background elements coming in bursts – the effect is spectacular! Madhu Balakrishnan and Jinsha K Naanu are top class at the vocals. Going by the recurrent RGMRS swara sequence, I presume this is based on Poornachandrika raga. All-round winner, this!
Poovaaname belongs to the composer’s Shesham line of songs, the western classical-ish template and a slightly unsettling sort of tune. That is not to understate the brilliance of the composition in any manner. Alka Ajith and Anand Aravindakshan (who sang Unni Menon’s part in Santhikkaatha’s Telugu version) do their part flawlessly – especially so in the vocal harmony portions. Palghat Sriram rules the melancholic heavy-on-percussion Oh Thingal Pakshi (Poorvi Kalyani-based?), the way he handles higher scales is just enviable. And in the last track Sharreth features the singer he chose from Mazhavil Manorama’s Indian Voice, Siyad. Interestingly arranged again, portions of the classic Akkarappachayile from Sthaanaarthi Saaraamma being placed smartly in a pop-based arrangement. Percussion usage is of note here too, mridangam, thavil etc. being fused brilliantly with the drums.
While reviewing 180 last year I had expressed a wish that Sharreth give a similarly brilliant soundtrack in Malayalam. Less than year later, the composer grants that wish. Fabulous soundtrack!
Music Aloud Rating – 8.25/10
Top Recos – Enthe Hrudayathaalam, Oh Thingal Pakshi, Ponnodu Poovai
Songs of thalsamayam oru penkutty are really beautiful…sharreth sir’s music is complicated and superb…loved the song poovaname the most..anand and alka great job..