Cobra is one of the most anticipated movies of the year, directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu of Demonte Colony and Imaikka Nodigal fame. AR Rahman is the film's composer and he raised expectations for the film music after Thumbi Thullal was released over two years ago. Let's see whether the remaining songs in the album live up to the hype or not.

Thumbi Thullal

Thumbi Thullal is a delightful melody with semi-classical undertones. Rahman throws in the celebratory wedding sounds in the interludes especially lovely Nattai-based Nadhaswaram by Sivakumar Yuvaraj. Shreya Goshal effortlessly hits the high notes, supported by Nakul Abhyankar. Loved the way the chorus and the strain of Uyir Urugudhey's flute portions glued towards the end of the track.

Adheera

A few neat touches by Keba Jeremiah's guitar solo elevate Adheera's middling techno tune. Although Vagu Mazan sings spiritedly, the tune does not captivate. Overdosing of vocalization effects could have been avoided.

Uyir Urugudhey

Rahman gave a teaser of Uyir Urugudhey's flow towards the end of Thumbi Thullal. The soothing arrangement makes up for the inconsistent processing of Rahman's vocals. The track turns much better with the Charanam portions and eminently enjoyable Shreya Devnath's violin solos and Naveen Kumar's flute portions in the interludes.

Tharangini

Sarthak Kalyani features regularly on Rahman's soundtrack these days and gets to croon one of the best tracks, Tharangini, on the album. Besides Rahman's foot-tapping tune, the track's pulsating rhythm and pop base add to the song's breezy feel. Mira Sengupta marks her presence with the effectual humming in the interlude.

Yele Ilanchingamey

Yele Ilanchingamey's serene tune is accompanied by Raksitha Suresh's impeccable poignant performance, while Rahman kept the arrangements simple with the flute and rousing strings. The tune transitions effortlessly from the calm first half to the buoyant soundscape towards the end.

Bottomline

After an impressive Iravin Nizhal, Cobra seems to be a minor blip for the composer. Nevertheless, Rahman made the soundtrack worthwhile with a couple of melodies.

Rating: 3/5

Pick of the Album: Thumbi Thullal, Tharangini, Uyir Urugudhey