Oru Mexican Aparatha marks the composing debut of Manikandan Ayyappa.When it's a campus movie in Malayalam, we look forward to its songs with heightened expectations. Same is the case with Oru Mexican Aparatha (OMA), a film that revolves around student politics. The soundtrack's general mood is revolutionary as the film's lead characters, essayed by Tovino Thomas and Neeraj Madhav, are supporters of Left student wing SFY (read SFI).
Oru Mexican Aparatha, directed by debutant Tom Emmatty, also introduces a new composer to Malayalam cinema - Manikandan Ayyappa. The album has five songs, out of which 4 are composed by Manikandan and one (Emaanmare...) by guest composer-lyricist Renjith Chittade.
Tuning in.
Aakasha Kuda... (Singers: Nithin Raj, Sulfiq. Lyricist: Rafeeq Ahammed)
Manikandan opens the album on an energetic note with Aakasha Kuda, a song that rides high on upbeat percussion. The brass band layer is neat and so is the rendition by Nithin Raj, along with chorus. Sulfiq adds the vigor to it with his narrative lines. The song also takes an interesting shift towards the end. Aakasha Kuda is confident work from Manikandan.
Ivalaro... (Singer: Vijay Yesudas. Lyricist: Rafeeq Ahammed)
Ivalaro is the lone melody in Oru Mexican Aparatha and is the best track of the album. Vijay Yesudas is impeccable with his rendition. But the song gets you hooked to it with the peppy chenda-backed chorus before the anupallavi. The Kathakali padam is another fine value addition by composer Manikandan. Ivalaro is classy work from the debut composer.
Emaanmare... (Singer: Shebin Mathew. Lyrics, music: Renjith Chittade)
This song already enjoys the status of the much-talked track of this album, for its rebellious stance. Emaanmare was originally made by Renjith Chittade to express solidarity with 'Oorali' lead singer Martin John Chalissery when he was arrested for his long-haired appearance. The 'Mexican' version is good and Shebin applies the required punch with his singing. Sticking to the movie's campus politics theme, the tune is high on inspiration mode.
Munneraan Samayamai... (Singer: Franco. Lyricist: Anil Panachooran)
It's been a while since we have listened to singer Franco and he is behind the mic for yet another inspirational song in OMA. Munneraan sounds akin to sloganeering; the tune does not have much to offer.
Kalippu Katta Kalippu... (Singers: Arunraja Kamaraj & Manikandan Ayyappa. Lyricist: Tom Emmatty)
Neruppu Da... singer Arunraja Kamaraj is on board for the brief Kalippu song and he does what he is asked to – roar the song. The track is passable but Kamaraj's mouthing of Oru Mexican Aparathaaaa might stick with you.
Verdict
Manikandan Ayyappa has sure made a promising start as a composer with Oru Mexican Aparatha; two of his songs get a thumbs-up from us. Ivalaro is Onmanorama's top pick from the album for you.
Onmanorama rating: 2.75 out of 5
