Jilla is the Pongal Treat of 2014 from Vijay for his fans. Expectations are high on this film as it is expected to join the string of hits Vijay has been churning out ever since Kavalan. Starring Mohanlal in a pivotal role and Kajal Aggarwal paired opposite Vijay for a second time since Thuppakki, the film has music by D.Imman. The music director, a favorite with music lovers with his long list of hits recently has
definitely work hard to give an album to satisfy everyone. Without
compromising on his trademarks and at the same time keeping in mind
Vijay's mass following, he has given a high energy album seasoned with
melodies. A brief review of the individual songs follows.
Paatu Onnu Kattu
The album starts literally with a bang of guitar and drums, then Chenda Melam joins in, giving the feel of being in a village festival. A different opening song for a Vijay film, that too a duet, Imman makes sure in giving all the required mass feel to it. SPB and Shankar Mahadevan put in through their voices, the expressions of an affectionate father towards his trustworthy son and a obedient son towards his respected father. A song with the flavour of both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this is sure to attract the masses in the first listen itself. Simple and meaningful lyrics by Yugabarathy are catchy.
Verasa Pogayile
This romantic ballad sung by Imman himself has simple western orchestration where the violin and whistling interludes stand out. Beautifully written lyrics by Parvathy explaining the after effects of falling on love, are brought to life by Imman by his expressive singing. This is one of the best solos by the music director. Though a little better work could have been done on composing the harmony, on the whole the song emerges as a winner. It seems "Verasaa pogayile" means "when going swiftly" in Madurai slang. New word for the day!
Jingunamani
A folkish fast beat song with a slight touch of carnatic too here and there and with heavy percussions, this will set you swinging to the beat. Simple and colloquial lyrics makes it easier to sing along. Sunidhi Chauhan and Ranjith who have both sung many hit solo songs Vijay films earlier, come together for this high energy number. The Veena interlude, a favorite in Imman songs is there here too. It is sad that the song is short with only one charanam. Nevertheless, short duration, high impact cracker of a song. Aamaango!
Kandaangi Kandaangi
The Chinese violin that plays at the very beginning of this song, takes you to a different world altogether. As if that was not enough, Vijay and Shreya Ghosal with their "Kanjaa vecha Kuralu" export you to another level of eternal bliss. A very very scintillating melody that requires a thorough professional to execute it, has been handled in the best possible way by the lead singers. No one would have expected this level of excellence from Vijay, though we all know he is a brilliant singer. The kick in Vijay's voice with the nasha in Sherya's voice makes this a perfect folk cocktail. The parts in harmony are awesomely done by both singers and same holds good for the finale also. Imman makes best arrangement of this song with lot of string instruments especially the chinese violin and mild percussion. Vairamuthu's lyrics after a long time in Vijay film is an added icing on this cake.
Yeppa Maama Treat
Super singer fame A.V.Pooja enters a new genre of her career in film singing with this kuthu number. Imman also has a diametrically opposite avatar in this song compared to Verasa Pogayile song. The changeover from western to folk and from fast to faster beats towards the end is done casually and neatly. With English rap and folkish lyrics, this is a perfect party song. It will rock the theatres with the visuals and Vijay's dance.
Jilla Theme
A perfect ending to the high energy album with backing vocals from Super Singer contestants, this theme rocks all through and will definitely be a treat to watch on screen with scenes. Lyrics portraying the characteristics of Jilla aka Ilayathalapathy Vijay written by Viveka are excellent. Here too, the transition from western to country side has been done neatly. The Chenda Melam towards the end and that particular arrangement transports us to God's own country for a moment, only to return back to the first song of the album once again.
Innordhabaa!
