Music Review: Jaanu

Album:

Jaanu

Genre: Tollywood

Prem Kumar’s Sharwanand and Samantha-starrer Jaanu’s

OST

has a whopping seven numbers all composed by Govind Vasantha who was also the composer for the original Tamil movie, 96. The album is mostly penned by Shree Mani and while it fails to create the same magic that the original does, the OST of Jaanu sure has its moments.

The Life of Ram, the only number penned by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry features vocals by Pradeep Kumar. This song’s greatest draw is the tribal incantations that are peppered throughout the number which provide the setting for the story to progress. The tune from the original used at the end of the song is also a memorable feature of the number. But Pradeep Kumar’s vocals are sadly lacking, failing to inject some much-needed emotion into the number.

Naa Kale Kalai, a melancholic number gets the right treatment from Brinda’s vocals. Govind’s understated melody is on-point and Shree Mani’s lyrics do a good job of conveying the grief without going overboard. Inthena in Chinmayi Sripada’s voice too flows in the same vein. The addition of acoustics that sound like a heartbeat just elevates the listening experience of this number.

Pranam

, the next number in the album is almost haunting in its lyrics, tune and mood. Chinmayi and Gowtham Bharadwaj V’s vocals brilliantly complement Govind’s composition. Both vocalists do a great job of pouring emotion into the beautiful lyrics penned by Shree Mani.

With Oohale, Chinmayi beautifully recreates the same magic that she weaved with Kadhale Kadhale from the original 96. It begins with almost Hindustani classical-style rendition which goes on to sound more contemporary as the song progresses. Govind casts a spell on the listeners with the rhythm rising and falling like a crescendo.

The duo nails it again with Komma Veedi, a number that hints at how the film will end. Compared to the other numbers, this one may seem a tab underwhelming but it is not bad either. Govind does a decent job with the vocals and lyrics are beautiful.

Anantham sums up the movie through its music and lyrics. The tempo of this number shifts a lot but it somehow manages to work. Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s voiceover (Nasser provided the voiceover in the Tamil original, 96) at the end is an added bonus.

Give the album of Jaanu a chance over the weekend and you just might find your next favourite romantic track. Despite the album’s length, it is sure to keep you hooked.