Horror flicks are definitely making a comeback, and BIG Pictures' Tamil movie 13B yil ...Yaavarum Nalam (Everyone's Alright in 13B), starring Madhavan seems to be making big news. The music CD's cover, with mysterious red splotches garners your interest. Even better news is that the music's tuned by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, while lyrics are by the queen of song-writing Thamarai. So here's the lowdown on what the magical trio have to offer:
Heavy thumping beats and the strains of a harmonica begin Yaavarum Nalam, sung by Shankar Mahadevan [Images] in his characteristically fluid voice. This one is a rather happy-go-lucky tune that almost seems to belie the general theme of the movie. With its casual pace and despite its familiar notes, this short number is a likeable piece.
Karthik begins Chinnakuyil Koovum, a song that seems rather would-be enthusiastic and little too syrupy with its new mornings and raindrops that patter onto the sea. But it might work for those who thrive on feel-good numbers. It makes for mildly pleasant hearing, without being particularly remarkable.
Kaatrile Vaasame appears a different story altogether and you can appreciate the effort being put into this duet, rendered by Shankar Mahadevan and Chitra. It begins in an angsty fashion, and then morphs gently into more romantic mode (which makes you wish it had stayed angsty). You realize how much you've missed Chitra when you listen to her sing a tune that forcibly reminds you of Kannalane from Bombay, and on the second listen, it grows a bit more appealing. Still, the catchy rhythm really clicks only at the very end.
Jassy Gift's slightly lazy voice is perfect for Oh Sexy Mama, and he's matched by Anuradha Sriram and Loy Mendonza. Since the CD cover mentions that this song is a 'super hit', you're a bit curious about how it measures up. It's the kind of song you can simply give yourself up to on the dance-floor, completely ignoring such things as a tune. It's the beat that rules supreme here, and a monotone that lends itself to the rhythm. Made for the dancers, this one.
The remix versions of Yaavarum Nalam, Chinnakuyil Koovum, Kaatrilae Vasame and Oh Sexy Mama are, in some incomprehensible fashion, actually better than their non-remixed versions -- the dash of instruments adds some pep to them, and they're bound to hit the spot.
The composers have made up their minds to add some spiced up numbers. But even as Thamarai's lyrics set the perfect tone, and despite one or two memorable moments, you realize that most of the numbers seem more like a mildly fragrant potpourri that seem to wander a bit, and don't really satisfy the expectations they raise in the first couple of lines.
Worth a listen though.
Rediff Rating: 
