Songs 2016 - My favorites so far

My favorite song of this year so far is "Telusa Telusa" from Sarrainodu even though I didn't understand anything when I started hearing, loved Sameera Bharadwaj's sweet voice.

And, ARR rocked the first half this year with his two albums 24 and AYM (including AYM, since you can never wait for a Simbu's movie to release). Missing Ghibran and Anirudh so far. SaNa's albums are mixed bag so far, few hits and few misses.

Impressive album is Oru Naal Koothu by Justin Prabhakaran, even though the songs released last year itself, the movie finally made it to the big screens this year.

Top 3 Albums

Oru Naal Koothu - Justin Prabhakaran
Achcham Enbathu Madamaiyada - A R Rahman
Irudhi Suttru - Santhosh Narayanan

Top 10 Songs

1. Eppo Varuvaaro - Oru Naal Koothu
2. Avalum Naanum - Achcham Enbathu Madamaiyada
3. Ei Sandakara - Irudhi Suttru
4. Kohila - KO2
5. Aval - Manithan
6. Agnikunjondru - Uriyadi
7. Naan Un - 24
8. Munnal Kadhali - Miruthan
9. Hey Mama - Sethupathi
10. Un Mela Oru Kannu - Rajini Murugan

Other Favorites

• Adiye Azhage, Patta Podunga ji, Yaeli yaeli - Oru Naal Koothu
• Raasali, Idhu Naal, Thalli Pogathey - AYM
• Vaa Machaney, Usuru Narambula - Irudhu Suttru
• Rain Rain Go Go - Pokkiri Raja
• Kannamma - KO2
• Mei Nigara, Punnagaye - 24
• Aavi Parakkum Teakadai - Rajini Murugan
• Domer-u Lord-u, Shoot the Kuruvi - Jil Jung Juk
• Eeena Meena Teeka, Thaimai, Jithu Jilladi - Theri
• Mirutha Mirutha - Miruthan
• Kutheeti, Aaravalli - Velainu Vanthutta Vellaikaran
• Karuvakaatu Karuvaaya - Maruthu
• Paravai Parandhuchu - Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum
• Konji Pesida Venam - Sethupathi
• Ni Sa Gari Sa - Darling 2
• Athuva Ithuva, Adiye Unna - Vetrivel
• Dushta, Manidhi - Iraivi
• Vathana Vathana, Theme, Idarinum - Thaarai Thappatai
• Vizhigalil Vizhundhavalo - Pugazh
• Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam - Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam
• Uyire Un Uyirena, Engae Ponaai - Zero
• Azhage - Kathakali
• Maane Maane, Kaantha - Uriyadi
• Snegidhiyae Snegidhiyae - Raja Mandhiri

Malayalam

Best Albums

1. Jacobinte Swargarajyam - Shaan Rahman
2. Kali - Gopi Sunder
3. Maheshinte Prathikaram - Bijibal

Top 10 Songs

1. Thiruvaavaniraavu - Jacobinte Swargarajyam
2. Idukki - Maheshinte Prathikaram
3. Vaarthinkalee - Kali
4. Vaathe Poothe - Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti
5. Para Para - Kammatipaadam
6. Ta Ta Ta Tang - Darvinte Parinamam
7. Rosie - Monsoon Mangoes
8. Neeyen Sayahna Swapnathil - Ma Chu Ka
9. Pookkal Panineer - Action Hero Biju
10. Ennilerinju - Jacobinte Swargarajyam

Other Favorites

• Kaathirunna Pakshi Njan - Kammatipaadam
• Oh Punnyala, Kathangal Kinavil - Darvinte Parinamam
• Ee Shishirakaalam - Jacobinte Swargarajyam
• Pularkaalam Pole, Pooram Kaanan - Vallem Theeti Pulleem Thetti
• Theliveyil, Mounangal - Maheshinte Prathikaram
• Chillu Ranthal - Kali
• Oonjalilaadi Vanna - Action Hero Biju
• Mazhaye Mazhaye - James and Alice

Hindi

Favorites : Best Album - Udta Punjab - Amit Trivedi

• Ikk Kudi, Da Da Dasse, Chitta Ve - Udta Punjab
• Paashima, Yeh Fitoor Mera, Honedo Badiya - Fitoor
• Sab Tera, Cham Cham, Agar Tu Hota - Baaghi
• Tere Bin - Wazir
• Jhalli Pataaka, Dil Ye Ladaku - Saala Kadoos
• Qatl-E-Aam - Raman Raghav 2.0
• Bol do Na Zara, Oye Oye - Azhar
• Dheere Dheere - Jal Gangaajal
• Rock the Party, Rehnuma, Titiliyan - Rocky Handsome
• Let's Nacho, Bolna, Kar Gai Chull - Kapoor & Sons
• Foolishq, Ji Huzoori - Ki & Ka

Telugu

Favorites: Best Song - Telusa Telusa - Sarrainodu (Thaman)

• Rang De, Yaa Yaa, Yellipoke Shyamala - A Aa
• Madhuram Madhuram, Brahmotsavam - Brahmotsavam
• Love Dhebba, Love Me Again, Follow Follow - Nannaku Prematho
• Tauba Tauba, Nee Chepakallu, O Pilla - Sardaar Gabbar Singh
• Nuvvante Na Navvu, Ulikipadaku Ulikipadaku - Krishna Gadi Veera Prema Gaadha
• Nuvvena, Okko Nakshatram, Paravasame - Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu
• Athiloka Sundari,  Blockbuster - Sarrainodu
• Vasthane Vasthane, Nee Navve, Untale Untale Nee Vente Untale  - Soggade Chinni Nayana

Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada - GVM + ARR as good as GVM + Harris

Finally the songs of AYM is out which was started way before Yennai Arindhal. Does GVM ever disappointed with his movie's sound track? No. And, his record continues in AYM also, his second outing with ARR after their fantastic VTV.

Thalli Pogathey: The most heard teaser in recent times should be this song's one minute teaser. The amount of curiosity it created was sky high and that one minute teaser went viral. And, the full song didn't disappoint as well. The much expected "Thalli Pogathey" line was delayed in the full song to tease everyone. Sid Sriram once again did a fantastic job for ARR. Also, Thamarai's lyrics or as she said it's more of a "kavidhai", is wonderful. This song doesn't follow the usual pattern and ARR does this time and time again easily. FAVORITE.

Rasaali: The second single and it tops the previous song. A song with strong classical touch from ARR, Shasha and Satya Prakash continues from where they left in "Naane Varugiren." Once again Thamarai's lyrics for GVM's movie is topnotch as if only she can write those. Shasha rocks that "ninnukori" part of this song and Satya Prakash during the lines "Ettu thisai" which sounds like "Muthai Thiru". FAVORITE.

Idhu Naal: Only song which was not released as single or even a teaser and it beautiful as well. This song totally belongs to Madhan Karky's beautiful verses and I think this is his first song for a GVM's movie. Didn't like the tempo change towards the end, but otherwise another likeable song in this album. FAVORITE.

Showkali: My least favorite song of this album so far and an odd song in this album. It's about guys love towards his bike. It sounds like a mix of "Attakara" and "PettaiRap". ADK as usual bursts through this song with a lot of energy. And, someone singing few lines faster than those who say, "MutualFundsInvestmentAreSubjected" in the TV advertisements so it's hard to get the lyrics.

Avalum Naanum: My favorite song from this album. I liked those two lines when it was released in the first teaser itself, "Avalum Naanum Amuthum Thamizum, Avalum Naanum Alaiyum Kadalum". I assumed it's written by Thamarai, but these lines are from one of the Pavendhar Bharathidasan's poems. And, ARR has tuned it perfectly and Vijay Yesudas breezes through this song as good as his father. The violin solo sounded odd at first hearing, but it sounds perfect after repeated hearing followed by a blissful flute. Cheers to GVM (I assume) for choosing this poem and ARR for making it as a wonderful song. MOST FAVORITE.

When Thalli Pogathey released it was instant hit and became everyone's favorite, but after the album's release each one will have their own favorite from these five songs. Wish the album had few more songs. GVM's track record continues, one director who consistently delivers fantastic albums and will not miss to film it as well. Now, I just hope the movie releases soon.

Kabali Songs - Neruppu Daaa...

The much awaited album of this year, at least for me, is out. SaNa scoring for Superstar is like a dream come true. Never thought someone other than ARR will work with Superstar. When the film was first announced with SaNa as music director my first thought was Gana Bala singing for Superstar and it happened.

Vaanam Paarthen - SaNa's regular Pradeep Kumar handles this pathos song well as usual. It's interesting to hear a pathos song in our Superstar's movie, now waiting to see this on screen. The orchestration is very minimal and could establish some emotional connect of the film.

Maya Nadhi - The only song which comes close to a duet in this album. Pradeep Kumar as usual shines in another SaNa's melody, but it was Ananthu's voice which I liked more in this song. The lyrics, "Thooya naraiyilum kadhal malarudhe", suggest this is older Kabali's romance. IMPRESSED.

Veera Thurandhara - Gana Bala for Superstar happened in this song. Gana Bala sounds very different from his usual self and it's fantastic with  SaNa's stamp all over the song. And, the rap portions make this a stylish don song, can't wait to see Thalaivar's swag in this song. IMPRESSED

Ulagam Oruvanukka -  This song is like a group of  Rajini fans come together to celebrate our Superstar. SaNa, Gana Bala and others sing this spiritedly and the output is fantastic and energetic. The KabliSwag rap portions in the middle is too good. And, if it the opening song then, this is way different from Superstar's opening numbers over the years. No hero praising or advising the youngsters or dropping hints on Rajini's entry into politics are present in the lyrics.

Neruppu Da - The opening siren sound, the electronic guitars and the whistles with the Arunraja Kamaraj's singing makes this song of this album for sure. Arunraja Kamaraj with his lyrics and singing with support by SaNa's fantastic orchestration owns this song or even this album completely. And, what more it has Superstar himself mouthing some dialogues especially that 'Naan vanthuten nu sollu' is the highlight of this track and can't wait to experience this in theater with the fans. Heard this again and again repetedly before moving on the next songs. The "Mass" will be redefined for sure this year. MIGHTY IMPRESSED

Ranjith and SaNa delivered an album which completely related to the movie which results in a different album for a Rajini film. Now, can't wait for the movie. 

Losing My Religion - Vishwas Mudagal

Losing My Religion is author Vishwas Mudagal's debut work. I got this book from the FINGERPRINT! publishers, another book through Flipkart Blogger Review Program.

LMR, is about a young entrepreneur, Rishi's journey after he lost everything. He meets a hippie from US Alex and they start their journey together leaving everything behind. They do some crazy stuffs and Rishi meets his love Kyra and things get interesting once they get to know who she is. And, they all end up in a reality show to prove themselves to this world. It was one hell of a roller coaster ride for Rishi. Rishi and Alex goes to Malana, then Om beach, then Maha Kumbh Mela and finally to the USA.

Rishi's first trip was to Malana with his new friend Alex, who's a careless go lucky hippie. It's interesting to know about this place, where people think all the outsiders are untouchables and their main business is to sell Malana Cream, purest marijuana. They think they are descendants of Greek and they have their own laws. Rishi and Alex have a great time until they create some trouble to the people there and they have to escape from that place ends up being a thrilling experience. It was good to know about this place, which is in India.

The next part is Rishi and Alex end up on Om beach, another place you would like to visit after reading this. They get hold of some Malana Cream during their escape and they decide to own a shack in that beach by selling it. They ends up buying an old shack and renovates it and things get going as per their plan. Then, Rishi meets Kyra in a casino at Goa during a video game championship event and he even compete against her. And, Rishi falls for her right away, they end up together, but eventually she leaves him to go back to her home, U.S.

In the next part Rishi struggles to get over Kyra, they go to Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest human congregations on the Earth. Rishi gets back to his business skills and Kyra joins him finally. We get to know about one of the biggest event. Rishi forms a team called The Coconutwallahs and they start selling coconuts and eventually turn this into bigger and they make millions.

And, the next part was full of surprise and exiting. where we get to know who's Kyra and her background and where it leads Rishi, Kyra and Alex to. And, they finally ends up participating in a reality show and things get really exciting. It was a different reality show and they compete against a biggest businessman.

The good thing about this book there was never a dull part in it. It was hard to put down and things keep getting interesting on the go. Alex character is the most funniest and he had a big influence on Rishi. And, Kyra, a strong woman character who wasn't just for romance, she was as good as Rishi in everything.

The end suspense could have been guarded, we know Rishi's going to win and we also know how even before we reach the end. Overall, Vishwas Mudagal's excellent debut, looking forward to his next or even a sequel to this LMR.

You can buy your copy here: http://bit.ly/1PGUwad