Favorite Southie Songs : A Beginner's Guide to Southie Music

Well, I have already explained in this post why do i like South Indian films, now its time for the music. Yes, its very tough to understand and loving the songs other than your language. So South Indian music took long for me to getting used to - and now I am addicted to find and listen music of many of the Southie languages. Thanks to friends on twitter @mad_nad & @FagunB for recommendations. Here I would like to list out some of my current favorite soundtracks - that anyone who's new to the genre, would love to listen.

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya: [Tamil]

My first encounter with Tamil songs - and how I loved it ! I just can't get enough of gorgeous songs composed by A R Rahman, by far one of my most favorite by him. While Kannukkul Kannai is a foot tapping number, Anbil Avan is fab with its 'big' sound. Omana Penne - combined with Tamil and Malayalam lines -steals your heart at first listen, 'rock'ish Aaromale and soothing Title song are just fantastic. But there are two tracks which has stolen my heart - Mannipaaya and Hosanna.

Shreya Ghoshal and Rahman sings this gorgeous melody, Mannipaya, with continued strings of Piano, a lovely LOVELY track.


And hosanna...oh, HOSANNA !!! This track by Vijay Prakash, Suzanne D'mello and Blaaze - is simply out of this world [for me atleast :P] the strings, the flute, the rap ..ah the works !



Varanam Aayiram : [Tamil]

Harris Jayraj - I have many recommendations of him. The one I have heard is Varanam Aayiram. Breezy soundtrack. From traditional Annul Maelae and Ava Enna, to rocking Adiyae Kolluthey - its addictive.

While it has two versions of song 'Oh Shanthi Shanthi', my most favorite is the slow one. 'Nenjukkul Peidhidum' sung by Hariharan, the lyrics are just wonderful. calm strings and dreamy voice makes it so special.




Second Favorite is Mundhinam. Sprinkled with 70's fun beats- the duet is a -fun-romantic song.




Anwar : [Malayalam]

This latest movie from down south has some really good songs composed by Gopi Sunder. Njan is a commendable effort of rap in English as well as Malayalm. Vijanatheeram sounds like a warrior's song sung by Sukhwinder. Kanninimma is a really addictive tune with its breathless singing.

Kavithapol is a favorite - sung by Gopi Sunder and A V Uma. A haunting track.



while Kizhakku Pookkum was a surprise to me. Arabic vocals by Sabri Brothers, accompanied by sweet voice of Shreya Ghoshal - excellent fusion.




En Swasa Kaatrea : [Tamil]

Well, this is an old Rahman soundtrack, as old as 11 years. But still it sounds fresh as all Rahman songs do. This is the movie which has original sources of 'Que Sera Sera [pukar]' and Jumbalika [Thakshak] - my favorite 90's Rahman numbers. Kadhal Niagara and Jumbalakka. While title track is a silent slow number, Chinna Chinna is a Tamil Garba !! Only Rahman could think of such arrangements.

Theendai Mei Theendai - is quite an innovative track, with its 'Enigma'ish sounds and Church choir singing. Sung by the perfect pair - SP Balasubramaniyam and Chitra.



and Thirakkaatha Kaattukulle is a really sweet song with naughty singing by Chitra and Unni Krishnan. Arrangements are gorgeous.



and finally,

The first southie movie I had seen,

Bommarillu : [Telugu]

Love love love Genelia, and this movie, and Sidhu. And why not the songs? All songs are fun fun. Bommani Geesthe - the romantic song to We have a Romeo - a fun college song. Kaani Ippudu - hmmmm.... and a typical 'shaadi' song - Laloo Darwaja with the lines Love makes life beautiful.... What's there to not love this soundtrack?

And the most favorite of mine - just for its fabulous singing by Siddharth himself. Appudo Ippudo !! Love its choreography love the lyrics love Genelia !!

Tags : Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya, Varanam Aayiram, Rahman, Harris Jayraj, Gopi Sunder, Anwar, En Swasa Katrae, VTV, Hosaanna, Mannipayya, Oh Shanthi Shanthi, Tamil Songs, Telugu Songs, Malayalam Songs