We have been bombarded with Anirudh from all sides throughout the year. To be fair, it's been a year of Anirudh till now. He has been churning out chartbuster after chartbuster and Vikram was an epitome of music and an outstanding BGM. However, towards the second half of the year, we have also seen several AR Rahman compositions climbing up the charts.
It's been a while since we experienced ARR albums in such short intervals. There was a time when we waited patiently for his album or single to release and we know for sure it will be a chartbuster. That phase of ARR is over. In most of his recent films, we get to hear only a few chartbusters and the remaining songs are very mediocre (am telling this with a lot of disappointment).
The year started with the songs from Atrangi Re (though it was released in Dec21) topping the charts. Rait Zara Si is one of my all-time favorites. This was followed by a mediocre Heropanti 2 in 2022. The later part of the year saw several films released one after another. There were two singles as well – Moopilla Tamizhe Thaye and FIDE Chess Olympiad Anthem. We also had a Malayalam film Malayakunju after a long gap. Rahman has categorically told that he no more wants to be associated just with big films ..but would like to choose movies with different themes and genres irrespective of the budget or language, as that gives him more scope to experiment and learn.
Am sure some of you would have missed these among other songs or ignored them after listening one time. To make it easy for you, I have listed below the 10 best songs of AR Rahman which were released this year (not in any order). Trust me, these are magical. Yes, as with all Rahman songs you have to listen to them several times before you judge them. :)
Miss Hairan – Heropanti
This is a peppy number from AR Rahman. It does take time to build on you, but once you get the hang of it – there is no stopping from humming it. Something along the lines of Maacho from Mersal.
Kannethire – Iravin Nizhal
This is undoubtedly the best of the lot. This song haunts you forever, I can't express the feeling. You have to hear it a few times to know that.
Kaayam – Iravin Nizhal
During the 90s Rahman normally had one track in each album where he experiments with different instruments or tunes. This was a common thing, however, it was missing in his later albums. Kaayam is one such experimental track and it more syncs with the movie theme than as a song. But this is a great track for its uniqueness and composition.
Cholapenne - Malayakunju
Cholapenne is that typical Malayalam song with soothing music and Rahman's special interludes. Its an instant like and reminds you of 90s Malayalam songs.
Uyir Uruguthey – Cobra
Of late Rahman has got a liking for romantic tracks and he sings most of these himself. It is very hard to imagine any other singer who can give the same feeling to these songs. Uyir Uruguthey is one such song that will melt your heart.
Marakuma Nenjam – Venthu Thanindhathu Kaadu
My recent favorite. The chorus portion in this song will bring goosebumps to you. When I was watching the film in a theatre, the entire crowd was humming the chorus part. The song moves into a high pitch in between and also takes a playful note later. This is Rahman at his best.
Mallipoo – Venthu Thanidhathu Kaadu
Mallipoo is a very normal song when you hear it for the first time. But it slowly takes over you. The way the song was picturized in the movie has made it an instant hit with the audience. This song will be part of many dance shows for some time.
Ponni Nathi – Ponniyin Selvan
First single from Ponniyin Selvan. This is a peppy number with some innovative singing from Rahman. The attitude he brings to the song is very special and surprising. It will be very interesting to see how it's captured by Mani Ratnam on screen.
Alai Kadal – Ponniyin Selvan
Alai Kadal from Ponniyin Selvan has a Malayalam feel right from the first line. A very smooth melody that will soak you in its beauty.
Moopilla Tamizhe Thaaye
This is a typical ARR magic..starts very slow with his magical voice and picks up momentum and moves into various genres. Another song that has a Rahman stamp all over it. And yes, you will have to listen multiple times to get the tune into your head.
Hope you enjoyed these. Well, this is not the end of it. There are more films lined up this year (Pathu Thala, Aadujeevitham, Maamannan) and hopefully, we should get to hear some great tracks very soon.
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