Song: Nee Korinaal from Nootrenbadhu
The Artists
Singers – Karthik, Shwetha Mohan
Composer – Sharreth
Lyricist – Madhan Karky
The Setting
A loving husband plans a treasure hunt for his excitable wife. Madhan Karky’s lyrics double up as the puzzles; because, why not?
The Film
Nootrenbadhu (2011), directed by Jayendra, had a lot going for it at the time of its release. Two highly photogenic leads – Siddharth and Priya Anand, scenic locations, and the financial backing of SPI Cinemas (not to mention its huge publicity machine). And yet, it failed. The story, about a man who leaves his life behind when he learns that he has a life-threatening illness, didn’t get the intended reaction from the audience. Instead, appreciation veered towards the film’s music, composed by Sharreth.
Nithya Menen also makes an appearance in the film, as Siddharth’s lovelorn friend. Alongside are Moulee and Geetha in supporting roles. Siddharth manages to look quite appealing for a man suffering from end stage pancreatic cancer. He plays football with the local kids and performs stunts whenever required. He does all these things as he waits for death. He has been six months to live, and moves far from home and his wife, who thinks he’s dead. Still, he finds the courage to keep on moving, till death finally claims him.
The Song
Recommended
Nee Korinaal has a melody that is easy on the ears. It’s catchy, and the video was made eminently watchable by Siddharth (the man even runs perfectly), who was at the height of his romeo image back then. Music director Sharreth, an ardent fan of Ilaiyaraaja, tends to use complicated song structures in his songs. This particular track is a classic example. Its playful vibe is reflected in the song, with intermittent guitar work to speed up the pace here and there. And just when it hooks us into the rhythm, Sharreth surprises us again with a sweeping violin score, reminiscent of Ismail Darbar.
The song celebrates the early stages of love. Here, Jayendra shows us a couple, newly married and effervescent with joy. Anticipating growing old together, the couple is unaware of what fate has in store for them; that this perfect little world will come crashing down soon is the kind of knowledge that is sobering.
*****