Music : A.R.Rehman

Direction : Azhagampermal

Lyrics :   Pazhanibharathi, Gangai Amaran, Arivumathi and Ilaiyakamban  

Audio : HMV

Cover : Simple with just a  portrait of Vijay and a calendar free with the cassette

After nearly two years of hibernation, signs of resurrection of much awaited "Udhaya" are showing up and the release of its audio being one important sign. Both Vijay and A.R. Rehman were in their peak of fame when the project began and now both are desperate for a hit after series of flops.Vijay's films usually have hit songs, be it the maestro or Deva or any debut music director who composes the music. In such case, Vijay and A.R.Rehman combination raised a lot of expectation among both Vijay, Rehman's  and neutral music fans.

The album begins with "Pookum malargal" by Hariharan. Usually much care is taken for the starting lines of the pallavi of the song, which has to be catchy and features again and again so that it gets familiarised to the listener. Breaking this convention, the first part of pallavi appears only once in the song. This song with usual beats is an yet another number where the hero admires the rustic beauty of early morning village scenario.Hats off to Pazhani Bharathi for his excellent and innovative lyrics. Lyrics go on like "Who tickled the Cotton plant causing it burst into laughter?" which are commendable.

"Udhaya Udhaya" by Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam is a beautiful melody number penned by Arivumathi. This song is tuned to already written lyrics which is apparent in places where Rehman is seen to have struggled to fit in words into  the tune. The song is O.K., but do our normal filmgoers have the patience to sit and enjoy such melodies rather than going for a puff. For such fans , next comes "Thiruvallikeni Rani" by Sukhwinder singh and Karthik. Gangai Amaran has written the lyrics for this song for the first time in Rehman's music and hope his elder brother is not cross with him for that. It's a toe-tapping, peppy dance number which will get into the listener on first hearing itself. Sukhwinder singh has spoiled the song by tearing off tamil into pieces with his awful pronunctiation.Thanks to Karthik for being the saviour of this song.

"Enna Enna" by Shankar Mahadevan and Gopika Poornima  with Palanibharathi's lyrics is an average song which reminds of many songs and Rehman's touch is nowhere to be seen in the song. Even Deva would have composed such song very well.Listening to such songs, one may doubt whether Rehman is composing the tamil songs or since he is busy his assistants are doing that.        

"Anjanam" in golden voices of S.P. Balasubramanian and S. Janaki is sure to be a auditory treat to music fans. It has Malayalam + Tamil lyrics by Ilaiyakamban. It is a variety song with sudden transition in rhythm, tune and language. Since it has malayalam lyrics and sung by S. Janaki, one cannot resist the dejavu of "Nenjinile" song from the film "Uyire". This song will also get into the listener on first hearing itself and the credit goes to the metallic voice of S.P.B and S.J.

 Overall "Udhaya" is an average album which has failed to meet with the expectations. Vijay usually lends his voice for atleast one song in his films and here he is not given any chance for singing. Moreover except for the first song, the album has very mediocre lyrics and the absence of Vairamuthu is clearly felt. Mr.Rehman, as Valee said, you may be the Robin Hood stealing the hearts of Hollywood, Bolly wood and Kolly wood, but we the kollywood fans expect a lot from you. We don't want you to abandon Hollywood and Bollywood, show some involvement in films made in your mothertongue too.