The much-awaited audio and trailer launch of Rajinikanth's movie "Lingaa" is released at a gala event in Sathyam, Chennai on 15 November. The movie, directed by KS Ravikumar has a huge star cast of Jagapati Babu, Anushka Shetty, Sonakshi Sinha, Dev Gill, Santhanam, Karunakaran, Brahmanandam and Radha Ravi in pivotal roles.
Meanwhile, the five songs, which are composed by AR Rahman and penned by Vairamuthu and Madan Karky, have received mixed reviews. The songs are sung by Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam, SP Balasubramaniam, Aditi Paul, Srinivas, AR Rahman, Mano, Neeti Mohan, Tanvi Shah and Haricharan.
"Lingaa" is produced by Rockline Venkatesh under the banner of Rockline Entertainments. The music rights of the film are bagged by Eros Music.
Here are the reviews of "Lingaa" songs by various critics:
"Oh Nanba" - Singers: Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam, SP Balasubramaniam; Lyrics: Vairamuthu
"Reverberating SPB kicking in with the flamingo type orchestration, Oh nanba is a thorough retro. Isaipuyal has taken an outdated genre' and has cleverly fused it with party-mix and rap. The acoustic strumming and the congo add a constant pace. The period setting in the movie might give an edge to the track." – Behindwoods.com.
"The introduction song is sung by S.P. Balasubramaniam, Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam. The album starts with the Oh Nanba song. Vairamuthu lyrics are simple and rocking. This song starts with fast beat on Jazz's guitar. It is a foot trapping number and it simply makes you dance." – Iluvcinems.in.
"The highly expected intro song for Superstar after seven long years doesn't meet the expectation. S.P.B is in terrific form and gave it all the placid tune and Aryan's rap portion which sounds too far and do not add any excitement to the song. What's so surprising is, A.R. Rahman usually hits a sixer for Rajni's intro, but he failed miserably here. A passable song, which might get some push with the presence of Rajini in the visuals." – Indiaglitz.com.
"En Mannavva", Singers: Aditi Paul, Srinivas; Lyrics: Vairamuthu
"Rahman tends to keep it simple when its for Superstar. Thanks to the tune, this duet is chirpy and Bollywood like. The bhols, swarasthanams and tambourine give us an idea of what to expect on screen. Might not be instantly accessible though." – Behindwoods.com.
"This is a soft romantic song in the melody genre. This song is sung by Srinivas and Aditi Paul. This song has catchy tune and Vairamuthu lyrics are meaningful. No doubt this song is romantic melody and Srinivas and Aditi Paul voices added flavour to it. This song turns out to be one of chartbusters in album." – Iluvcinems.in.
"The album heads to one more somlonet number, where the singers try their best to inject some life into the lethargic tune. The situation of the song could be the pre-independence era, but, Rahman shows no imagination whatsoever and produces another lethargic track. Aditi Paul's rendition, 'Athi veera uyirai uyiraal thoduveera' alone makes some impression in this lifeless song." – Indiaglitz.com.
"Indianne Vaa" - Singers: AR Rahman; Lyrics: Vairamuthu
"The magical Rahman voices for a song that readily talks of unity and patriotism. The powerful chorus, authoritative lyrics and the groovy rhythm progression make it an addictive number. Rahman scores as a quality tenor again. The experimental tape-beat towards the end and the sudden change in the lead tune are typical Rahman elements." – Behindwoods.com.
"This is the third song with captivating composition. It is in the genre of native folk with slight teenmaar mode. This song has meaningful lyrics and is sung excellently by A.R Rahman." – Iluvcinems.in.
"This track must be the central theme of the movie and the composer himself has voiced for this inspirational/patriotic song. Rahman slowly builds the momentum and the moment one would think he would present the knock out punch; well, he falls short, once again. The chorus & steady beats throughout the song does offer some cheer, but, it lacks the firepower that usually presents in a Rahman – Rajinikanth combo." – Indiaglitz.
"Mona Gasolina" - Singers: Mano, Neeti Mohan, Tanvi Shah; Lyrics: Madan Karky
"The powerful Mano is back. Nadhaswaram for a melody? That is AR Rahman. Starts off like a mash up of all the recent international trends in music with all the growling in the singing and the Spanish phrases. But the catchy lyrics, thavil and interesting chords in the background make it fun filled and celebratory. Neeti and Tanvi, the female singers are top class." – Behindwoods.
"This song is in fast-beat genre with dominating drum beats. This is the mark of A.R Rahman music and it is a feast for teenmaar lovers. Lyrics appeal to masses and contain typical mass language. Usage of foot-tapping rhythms and guitars make the song to be one of the chartbusters of the album." – Iluvcinema.
"At last! A song which reminds us that we are listening to A.R. Rahman's album. Six minutes of sheer roller coaster ride and one might wonder why the current composers are not making use of Mano's thunderous vocals? This one could well be his second innings and may he rocks the charts once again. The composition, orchestration, and sound arrangements are so Rahman'ish, especially the part which comes after 3.30 mins where he mixes the traditional instruments with the glorious string section. This track is destined to rule the radio and music channels for the next few months." – Indiaglitz.
"Unmai Orunaal Vellum" - Singers: Haricharan; Lyrics: Vairamuthu
"The much needed pathos of the album. With just the hand drum and the deep Haricharan's voice, Unmai orunaal is soft and sober. The instrumentation and the singing neatly parted for an uncomplicated listen shows Rahman reaching out to the casual listeners." – Behindwoods.com.
"A.R Rahman provides a soulful sadness song with so much emotion. This song also shows the sorrowful side of the delightful carnatic Shankarabharanam at places. Singer Haricharan voice added flavour to it. Classy, elegant and usage of hand drum makes this one to listen more times!" – Iluvcinemas.in.
"After the rocking, Mona Gasolina, the album puts a full stop to the fun right away with one more plodding number. Neither the tune nor the vocals make you listen to the track and gives a feeling to see how long we need to wait for the entire song to complete. Haricharan, who is having a tremendous run in 2014 sounds too labored and it may not be his fault. Another comatose number to end the album." – Indiagltz.com.
