Songs at the end.
Penne Penne would have greatly benefited from more solid vocals. Composer Vishnu Mohan Sithara has an engaging tune and an even better arrangement (nice touch, the ghatam amidst the percussion) in place. But he lets himself down by handling the singing, limitations of which are particularly evident in the soaring central hook. Vishnu’s singing makes a better fit for the wacky Sumbharani however. Once again the arrangement is the star with its finely incorporated jazz elements and folksy (mildly evocative of Endi Ippadi) percussion. Composer gets behind mic for the maappilappaattu-flavoured Pranayamanithu as well, but alongside Sachin Raj and Joyesh Chakraborty. Engaging song that the Vishnu spruces up with electric guitars et al, but there are multiple points when one is bound to get reminded of the under-rated Cham Cham from Striker. TV follows the kuthu route and Anwar Sadath is sprightly on his part. It is the lyrics with the confused mix of dialects that I find jarring. Rounding off the soundtrack is another melodic piece, Laila Laila, which again has a neat tune and a simple yet appealing arrangement led by guitars and clarinet(?), but is again lacking on the vocal front; this time it’s Salih Haneef.
Basheerinte Premalekhanam. Vishnu Mohan Sithara definitely shows promise, but needs to improve his choice of vocalists.
Music Aloud Rating: 3/5
Top Recos: Sumbharani, Pranayamanithu, Penne Penne
