Petta Songs - Music Review 

Suhansid Srikanth

I like how the soundtrack of a SuperStar film has changed over years. Its no longer the package of a mass number - a duet number - a 'leaving it all behind' track! Thanks to SaNa who broke the long constructed wall with Kabali and Kaala.

And now, with Petta, Anirudh pushes the boundary a bit more than what you expect out of a Rajini album. The sound and style of the album tells you that Karthik Subbaraj is cracking an Annamalai set in a Baatshaa zone with Rajini of Padayappa times.

The album opens with Petta Theme ✓, a piece that really grows into you. It sets the mood for the story and welcome bells a Rajini that you haven't seen in a while. And the Madura Petta, a Thiruvizha like number reminding the 'Podhuvaaga en manasu thangam' days kicks in everyone's inner fandom!

The slow burning, stepping rhythm in Singhaar Singh Theme is evilistic. You can already previz what an aura of Nawazudeen would become with a sound like that!

Ilamai Thirumbudhe is refreshingly youthful! The rendition really adds charm to the actor's persona despite the meandering lyrics.

Aaha Kalyaanam, a wedding number treated like a musical equivalent of a Chaplin or a Buster Keaton soundtrack is interestingly done. The song keeps you thinking about 'Solla Thudikkudhu Manasu' from Iraivi.. another retro wedding number! But.. to bring Anthony Dasan in a number like this is itself a cool idea!

Jithu Theme, the cranky tune has the vibes of taking you to the shrudded nooks and corner of North! Years ago, who would have imagined characters having their very own theme tracks in a Rajinikanth album?

Kaali Theme ✓ is probably the best of all the instrumentals in the album. When I heard it for the first time, I thought it was quite underwhelming for a SuperStar theme. But it really grew up majestically inside me as I kept hearing. And this for sure is such a 'roof shattering' piece of music that anyone has made for Rajini in years.

Thappad Mara, a folk piece about Jithu is rich with instruments. The under toned rhythm really keeps it alive and riotful!

Marana Mass ✓, the first single that came out from the album is a cracker of a number! This has to be the perfect intro number tailor made for Rajini since 'En peru Padayappa'. The Kaali theme that intrudes in the interlude is a high!

Ullaala, the trippy track is addictive. The grooving renditions by singers and chorus have really worked their charm.

The wavering inconsistency in the album is still bothering. Variety and spectrum is one thing. But Petta foreshadows a heavy 'too many cooks' syndrome. And I hope we feel everything being justified in the film. But as an album, this, for sure is a work that is from the fans, by the fans and for the fans.

Bottomline: Petta is what you call a feast of an album! Anirudh and Karthik Subbaraj gloriously let their inner Superstar fans serve a soundtrack that's a delight to hear!

Rating : 3/5