Podaa Podi Music Review

by Poornima Balan

STR and Varu Sarathkumar lead the cast of Poda Podi. The music composition is done by Dharan. His “Unnai Kandene” and “Yedho Nadakudhu” from Parijatham already proved his talent. But, he didn't get the necessary break. Thanks to STR for giving the talented Dharan a break. STR’s movies have always had a couple of chart topping numbers and Poda Podi keeps up with the tradition. 

Love Panlaama Venama (Singers: Silambarasan Rajendar, Lyrics: STR, Vignesh Shivaa)

A peppy number written and sung by STR himself. This song is conversational style lyrics made famous by Simbu. This song is touted as being in repeat mode in the city’s leading nightclubs. The song has shown glimpses of great dance moves by STR. “Love Panlaama” has already left its mark with listener for both good and bad reasons.

Poda Podi (Singers: Benny Dayal, Andrea Jeremiah, Lyrics: Na.Muthukumar)

This is our pick of the album. A cute and fresh title song by Benny and Andrea. “Poda Podi – kaadhalai kaadhalikkiren” phrase is romantic and upbeat. The song starts with clean mouth organ which proceeds to rich orchestration which keeps the song engaging throughout. Andrea starts husky and quickly move up to higher pitch. The guitar sequences fit fine to the song mood. This is a great foot-tapping, head nodding and a must-hear number!

Hare Rama, Hare Krishna (Singers: Dharan, Lyrics: Vignesh Shivaa)

Song with western touch where the overlapping of voices and the merging concepts of the chorus is well implemented. The song has nice chorus, simple lyrics and nicely-paced beats. The second-half score seems to contrast the style of singing -- different try. The song could have toned down heavy voice doctoring. Nevertheless, another potential hit song showing promise!

Maattikittene (Singers: Naresh Iyer, Suchitra, Benny Dayal, Lyrics: Vignesh Shivaa)

The song starts with soft piano notes as Suchitra and Naresh Iyer pair up to render some silly lines with a lot of sincerity. The song slides to higher pace back-and-forth as techno sounds and club mix fill the song. Overall, it seems to be a usual peppy song with not much lyrical value other than “Aiyyayo Maattikittene” which comes up with full josh at the end.

Un Paarvaiyile (Singers: Sindhu, Monisha, Pradeep, Lyrics: Vignesh Shivaa)

A fair attempt starting as a Rock and Roll (similar to yesteryear Viswanathan Velaivenum) with medley of other instruments clubbed in! The song does not make much of an impression despite having mixture of genres of music instruments with some goofy singing.

Appan Mavanae Vaada (Singers: Silambarasan, Lyrics: Vaali)

This is already a hit song which is topping the list with frequent repetitions in FM. Vaali's thinking is still in line with current crop of lyricist as he tailor-makes a song just for STR. The lyrics is about the next-gen father and son relationship narrated in a comical manner. The flute-piece is a real plus. STR shows maturity in bringing nice vocal range in this song.

I am a Kuthu Dancer (Singers: Silambarasan Rajendar, Shankar Mahadevan) 

STR and Shankar have sung this song, which invokes the names of many popular hit numbers of STR. The expectation was high with Shankar lending his voice after a brief hiatus from Tamil music scene. STR’s lessons on how to do a Kuthu dance is the highlight as the lyrics blend excellently with the music. It ends with escalating “Kuthu” beats. Yet another Hit for STR.

Poda Podi Theme 

One of the best themes of 2012 -- Dharan delivers a theme that starts unassumingly with Piano notes as it scales up brief touch of andean music before moving to flute notes alternating with violin that carries through rest of the theme. The theme when used as BGM track in the movie should help the scenes like Deivathirumagal theme did last year.

VERDICT : Though it may sound like a usual Simbhu style album, the simple lyrics mounted on fresh sounds with medley of instruments make it a different experience. Dharan has done a great job delivering a distinct collection of rap, melody, rock & roll, kuthu and more. The songs have good scope for dance moves and picturization. Poda Podi is a treat for STR fans.

Music Rating: 7/10