The much awaited music of Kamal Haasan's "Uthama Villain" was released on 1 March and the album has received some overwhelming response from the audience and critics alike.
With 17 tracks, the album is seen by critics as one of the best in Tamil industry till date. Composed by Ghibran, the album has seven songs, seven original sound tracks and three karaoke.
Kamal Haasan has contributed to the album singing six songs and writing lyrics for five songs. The other singers include Padmalatha, Sharanya Gopinath, Anitha, Nivas, Subbu Arumugam and Rukmini Ashok Kumar.
Besides Kamal Haasan, lyrics are penned by Viveka and Subbu Arumugam.
The music of "Uthama Villain" is brought out by Eros International. Directed by Ramesh Arvind, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on 2 April.
Here are the reviews of "Uthama Villain" album by various critics.
"Love'aa Love'aa", Singers: Kamal Haasan,Sharanya Gopinath,Anitha, Nivas; Lyrics: Viveka
"Psychedelic chants, electronic pop, trance like EDM and quirky voices along with purposefully programmed jarring beats are this song's strong elements. Kamal's range and Sharanya's Usha Uthup like rendition add juxtaposing flavors to this uniquely sounding track. The Loveeaa Loveaa portion is addictive and will very soon develop repeated listens. The acoustic guitarist sets the pace and establishes the soul of the song. The rhythm breakdown in the second BGM is surprising and enterprising. Ghibran is exploring beyond the horizons. "- Behindwoods
"The album opens up with a song for the contemporary age. Ghibran makes use of heavy western elements to deliver a blazing song. A good listener might identify a jarring effect throughout the song, but that's done on purpose. The composer usually dishes, many flavors in the interludes and he doesn't disappoint here as well. The second interlude is one of the highlights in the song where the drums take the center stage to delight our ears. Kamalhassan as usual played with his words, ex – 'Perithaana Velaikku.. Pillayar Suzhi Thaan Muththam'."- Indiaglitz
"Aadhalaam Kadavul Mun", Singers: Padmalatha, Lyrics: Kamal Haasan
"Beginning with the hang drums and dwelling into a scintillating voice with brilliant gamakas, a carnatic number that is sure to be used for Bharathanatyam ballets. Haunting chorus, rim shots on the hand drum, nuances like setting a ghost note on the chord progression by tingling the harp, minute detailing with accentuating effects with the Kanjira, Mridangam and chimes are all pure ingenuity."- Behindwoods
After the humdinger opening, Ghibran shifts down the gears to provide a Hindustan classical. The track boasts a serene prelude and this could well be the song for the 18th century episode. Padmalatha has rendered some gems for Ghibran in the past (Aruvakkaran, Edhedho Ennam Vandhu, Dhaagam Theera) and this one will be the ultimate turning point in her career. Like a swing, she shuttles between the highs and lows of the track beautifully with minimal effort. 'Mogathai Sollida Mozhiyum Oru Thadai Aagumo'."- Indiaglitz
Utthaman Arimugam; Singers: Kamal Haasan, Subbu Arumugam; Lyrics: Subbu Arumugam
"The Morsing gives the ideal start to a Villupaatu that's busy telling a story. The group singing, manually created lively rhythms by bhols, Kamal's soulful voice especially in the thisra nadai, is inspiring. The track effortlessly changes from Mayamalagowla scale to Shankarabharanam base. The lyrics going along with the fast paced tune is foot tapping. The rhythm change towards the end with an octave higher is the goosebumps giving moment. An authentic ballad." - Behindwoods
"The album goes on to offer the traditional Viilluppattu here, with a track which we have heard already with regards to the art. Kamal throws some sarcastic punch lines (Arasiyalvaadhi Unmai Sonnadhuppol Adhisayam Kanden). Ghibran deviates from the base genre and raises the tempo for a while and takes a mild break to let us guess what will be the rest of the song. The chorus deserves a special mention for elevating the mood of the song/story."- Indiaglitz
"Saagaavaram" Singers: Kamal Haasan; Lyrics: Kamal Haasan
"This composition is an outrageous cry. Ektara to kindle and Kamal's range of of being a soprano is jaw-dropping. Begins in Harikambhoji and deviates to alien notes in between. A light-classical composition treated with unusual elements like using electronic beats and playing accents with the grand piano. Sounds of the sword, an allegro for the group singers and the magnanimous chenda melam are ambitious. "- Behindwoods
"By this time, we get to understand that the album is not the regular run-of-the-mill kind and the protagonist is trying to convey a story in every track. This one starts off with the swords clashing and Kamal starts to plead to a king and explain him why there is nothing worse than being immortal. He aptly conveys the same to us as well (Sagavaram Pol Sogam Undo). The Sofia Symphony offers a never heard experience. The 'Chenda Melam', Drum Beats, 'Kombu' (Kerala Instrument) treats us big time."- Indiaglitz
"Iraniyan Naadagam" ; Singers: Kamal Haasan, Rukmini Ashok Kumar; Lyrics: Kamal Haasan
"A monologue driven by a sing-song pattern. A potpourri of genres, involving ball room music to carnatic to opera to hard-rock to what not? Possibly a visually driven piece, establishing a journey. An experimental, progressive track that has to grow into you. The lead vocals follow the wonderful carnatic touch which has flavours of Shakarabharanam with slight deviated notes.There is so much to notice every time you listen to it. A highly orchestrated track with brass sections, syncopated rhythms and deadly bass lines. The usage of Theyyam-exclusive instruments like chenda, kuzhal, perumabara and utuku are top class. A listening experience than to be termed as a song."- Behindwoods
"You might have heard this story during your school days, but when it gets transported with Kamal's vocals the magnitude of the story gets multiplied. The trailer of this movie too carries the glimpses of this track. A truly majestic prelude sets the tone for the track. The instruments let Kamal take the foreground, but it stays in synch with the song. The song does send out invigorating vibes, especially the 'Mruthyunjaya Ho' part is terrifically done. The symphony part, which includes the violins, piano, and drums are kept, making their way one by one to deliver an international substance."- Indiaglitz
"Mutharasan Kadhai"; Singers: Kamal Haasan; Lyrics: Kamal Haasan
"Mridangam and English horn in a single song? An animation of emotions ranging from cartoon like funny portions to intriguing arrangements creating fear. With Sofia symphonic orchestra chipping in, this song has all the elements to be called purely international. The condescending arpeggios in the preludes become a strain, but the song situation might justify it. Timpani, string sessions, use of Celtic instruments and a wide variety of instruments make it a power-packed track. Absence of a set rhythm makes the song a little hard to follow. Every element in the song has a purpose and reason. The folkish ending is a relief."- Behindwoods
"Version 3.0 of Viilluppattu – Kamal renders this one with the help of a glorious chorus team. Though we just hear the audio, the composer's effort might create various illusions in front you. This story got all the elements to be a perfect stage play and it will be a treat to watch on the big screen. The WOW factor in this track to see the western instruments played along with the traditional Indian instruments to create a magical fusion."- Indiaglitz
"Utthaman Kadhai"; Singers: Kamal Haasan; Lyrics: Kamal Haasan
"From a Pallavi to a sudden outburst of tunes and some dialogue driven sequences in the middle, Uttaman Kadhai narrates a story using woodwinds, brass and strings. Keeping symphony as the foundation, the composer has jumbled with a cluster of genre's. Needs repeated listening to get a hold of it. A therukoothu that is a quintessential masterpiece. From tapping the strings to acapella to tune progression, a tiresome listen that'll creatively challenge you. "- Behindwoods
"One more masterful composition from Ghibran for the final story. An enthralling episode of Symphony strikes again and the composer uses the stop and start once again to create the goosebumps. The chorus part in the teaser has made its presence here for a while and gets merged with the central theme. Sofia Symphony wields one more supreme composition."- Indiaglitz
"Utthama Villain" Theme
"Song mastering at its best. Kamal's haunting voice, killer sarvalagu of the percussion, didjeridoo and some unnameable drone pipe comprehending Kamal's Tuvan (overtone) like singing, are a whole new experience for the Indian ears." - Behindwoods
"Ghibran throws the 'Uttama Villain' theme at the end to end the OST on a high. The vibrant violins added charm to the already known 'Baga Baga' chorus rendering to aggrandize the theme,"- Indiaglitz
"Guru Sishyan" Theme – Instrumental
"Ghibran weaves his magic again to offer a very soothing listen. Those who are deprived of sleep can put this one on loop for a while. An emotional composition is evident all over the sound arrangement."- Indiaglitz
"An instrumental track that's based on ambiance music centered around the Polka and the Waltz. If the visuals are comprehending, then this OST is bound to turn heads."- Behindwoods
"Father & Daughter"
"A theme tailored to suit the pathos. It seems that the composer wanted to strictly put his attention none other than the Violin and the visual might do the justification for that strategy."- Indiaglitz
"This track is no less for all the Zimmer like scores you come across in Hollywood films. A full-fledged orchestra with French horns to Double bass to every part of the Sofia Chamber Orchestra. Ghibran is the Indian Yanni."- Behindwoods
"Uthaman & Karpagavalli"
"A scintillating melody is what we get to hear after a sad one. The piano + violin sweeps us completely. The theme hits the high point when it required to." - Indiaglitz
"The beautiful Grand Piano and the Contrabassoon along with clarinet to get along with the strings? Another orchestrated symphony that'll make you feel light."- Behindwoods
"Father & Son"
"A single section of chorus travelling in three phases to build momentum at the end to accelerate the glorious 'Mruthyunjaya Ho'."- Indiaglitz
"The softer version of Iranya nadagam. Pianos, chimes, humming and mrithyumjayaho chants create a stir." - Behindwoods
"Letters From/To Yamini"
"The composer has shown his prowess once again with the string instruments with a brilliant sound arrangements to offer an emotional piece."- Indiaglitz
"Head singing, melancholic Pianos and the symphonic arrangements take you on a soulful trip of pure devotion. The flute in the end is a new addition to the album."- Behindwoods
"Dr Aparna"
"Dr. Aparna The album officially comes to an end with one more spellbinding theme, which could have been composed to narrate a story in the movie."- Indiaglitz
"Santoor, harps and Pianos merge to give a feel of letting it go. Another OST that will beautify the visuals. "- Behindwoods
