Andhra Pori is an upcoming youthful entertainer starring Akash Puri and Ulka Gupta in lead roles. This is the debut film for Akash Puri as a full length hero- who happens to be the son of versatile director Puri Jagannadh. Music for the film is composed by Josyabhatla and here is an iQlik exclusive audio review of the album:
The effervescent album begins on a folksy note with Detthadi comprising of gripping rhythm and mellowed layers of orchestration. The track slowly builds up tempo and energy levels in terms of presentation and impressive folk lyrics by Suddhala Ashok Teja add a new vigor to it. The funky guitar touches and clarinet presence is quite good.
It is time for a relaxing melody Ye Kaviki sung brilliantly by Hemachandra and Pranavi. Krishna Madineni’s lyrics are quite poetic and youthful. The blissful piano base and neat chord progression is done in this composition which is essentially based on Carnatic Raaga Hamsadhwani. The way in which carnatic melody is blended with western classical is quite commendable.
Gundello begins as a fantastic Carnatic number sung brilliantly by Kalpana which has shades of Shanmukhapriya and Abheri effortlessly drifting to other horizons. Quite unpredictably, the composition transforms to an inevitable item number with gripping rhythm section. Kalpana does a great job in transforming the singing style from two opposite ends. The composer uses the evergreen Ilaiyaraaja’s tune Yedalo Tholi Valape from Kamal Hassan’s Erra Gulabeelu in between as well.
The title track Andhra Pori has a Far East style presentation with Pan Flute usage and trance like chord progression. This composition is cleverly composed in Hindustani Raag Jog (Counterpart of Carnatic Raaga Naata) in the midst of trance like orchestration and hard rock guitars.
Ye Charitha is an emotional solo with unmistakable classical touch based on the compelling Carnatic Raaga Chaarukesi. The mellowed guitars and Hema Chandra’s vocals does the job perfectly. Despite the melancholy, the song speaks of optimism and hope in a brilliant manner.
The finale arrives in the form of Dosthi with great folk flavor and passionate vocals by Balaji. The usage of local single stringed violin and neat rhythm speaks of the music of River Godavari in modern palette. Nanda Kishore’s unpretentious lyrics are another huge asset for this composition.
Verdict:
Andhra Pori is a good mélange of classical music with folk and contemporary sounds. A good album in recent times but given the current scenario, the album could have become a commercial chartbuster with a better commercial touch.
Rating: 3/5