Director Seeman's Tamil film Vazhthukkal is expected to reach the theatres with Pongal Vazthukkal (Pongal greetings) this week.

After Arya, Madhavan [Images] and Bhavana are paired together in this film -- Bhavana as an Agriculture student hailing from a joint family and Madhavan as a software engineer. The story focuses on life in a joint family and the importance of relationships.

Yuvan Shankar Raja has scored music. And, unlike many of his previous albums, there are no remixes, no western instrumentation, no cosmetic gimmicks, no climbing the speed wagon with racy percussion, no cacophony of screaming vocals, and no deafening decibels. What you hear is straight, simple and adorable music.

Lyricist Na Muthukumar has also contributed with his chaste meaningful output.

The album kicks off with Enthan vaanamum nee thaan, a melodious duet by Haricharan and Mahathi. The youngsters' love for each other is so all pervading that they even lose their identities. Their care and ardour for one another are nuanced bewitchingly in the lyrics. The melodious tune, heart-warming rendition, controlled instrumental interludes with predominant violin, guitar and saxophone responses and cozy chorus make this a delightful piece.

Chinna chinna kanavugal eulogises life in a joint family with all its little joys, silly bickerings and beautiful bondings. Muthukumar's simple lyrics and Swetha's lilting voice make it worth a listen. Outstanding instrumental prelude dominated by flute elaborations and interlude with guitar and violin strands, and skillfully woven rhythm are the hallmarks of this track.

Pookkal rasithathu eppothu is a brilliant piece with fantastic vocals. Haricharan has done a marvelous job. Muted percussion with rhythmic drumbeats, clapping, lilting accompaniment on guitar and flute and the exotic violin interlude, all make this an evocative piece.

Muzhumai nila is perhaps the only track where Yuvan has faltered. He has gone abominably slow while tuning Bharathidasan's famous lines. Sriram Parthasarathy's lackadaisical rendition doesn't help either.

Ummelae aasappattu is a duet with Saran and Anuradha Sriram singing about the deep attachment and tenderness for each other with an undercurrent of playfulness. Yuvan throws a surprise when you least expect it. The choice of Anuradha Sriram to render this melodious ditty is one such surprise. Contrary to her usual fiery vocals, the singer's warbling (with remarkable ease) showcases her range. Saran's strong voice is a perfect foil. Easy-flowing simple rhythm accentuates the beauty of the number which has a mild folk touch in places.

 Kannil vanthathum nee thaan is a soulful solo number about failed love. Muthukumar's lyrics are poignant but not mushy or sepulchral. Haricharan renders the track in a tear-soaked, choking voice. The composer has wisely avoided percussion, adding violin ensemble to enhance its appeal. And the slightly slow flowing tune suits the lyrics. The instrumental fading away at the end is a smart touch by Yuvan.

The album has an encore of the opening track Endhan vanamum nee thaan as the concluding piece but in different voices -- Rahul (a surprise choice again, as fast and fiery tracks are usually his forte) and Rajalakshmi. This version with a faint undercurrent of melancholy is equally appealing.

A remarkable album that is worth listening to over and over again.

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