Kaala is the soundtrack album for the film of the same name, starring Rajinikanth in the title role, produced by Dhanush and directed by Pa. Ranjith. The album composed by Santhosh Narayanan, in his second collaboration with Rajinikanth and Ranjith after Kabali (2016), features nine songs written by Kabilan, Umadevi, Arunraja Kamaraj, Arivu, Dopeadelicz, Logan and Roshan Jamrock.
| Kaala | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Soundtrack album cover | ||||
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 9 May 2018 | |||
| Recorded | 2017–2018 | |||
| Studio | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 37:43 | |||
| Language | Tamil | |||
| Label | Wunderbar Studios | |||
| Producer | Santhosh Narayanan | |||
| Santhosh Narayanan chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Kaala | ||||
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The album was initially slated to release in March 2018, but the launch was postponed due to the standoff between Nadigar Sangam and Digital Service Providers on the increase of Virtual Print Fee charges along with the 2018 Tamil Nadu protests for Kaveri water sharing issue. The audio launch event, took place on 9 May 2018, at YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai where Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Santhosh Narayanan, Pa. Ranjith, the film's cast and crew and others attended the event.[1]
The album received positive critical reception from music listeners, and audiences, praising Santhosh for a different kind of blend of mixtures and genres in the soundtrack album.[2]
Development
editSanthosh Narayanan, signed in to compose the film's soundtrack in 2017, collaborating with Rajinikanth and Pa. Ranjith once again after Kabali (2016), and also its second collaboration with the former.[3] Recording of the songs, which commenced in September 2017, was completed within the end of 2018. The soundtrack album, consists of nine songs in the Tamil version. The album consists of one a cappella song, only in the Tamil version of the soundtrack album. The lyrics for the songs were written by Kabilan, Umadevi, Arunraja Kamaraj, Arivu and rap portions were penned by Logan and Roshan Jamrock. Dharavi-based street rapper band, Dopeadelicz also contributed to the album, by writing and also performing three songs, apart from playing an important role in the film.[4] Celebrity singers also sung the songs, which included Shankar Mahadevan, and Vijay Prakash. Ananthu, Pradeep Kumar, Dhee also sung the songs for the film, with three of the songs were sung by the former.[5] Malaysian rapper Yogi B rendered one song, which is reported to be the theme music of the film. His rap portions were used in the teaser of the movie, only in Tamil version.[6]
Marketing
editThe audio rights of the film were secured by Wunderbar Studios, a subsidiary of the production house Wunderbar Films, along with Divo. The official theme music used in the film's teaser was released on 7 March 2018.[7][8] Later in April 2018, Dhanush, the producer of the film posted on his official Twitter account, stating that the film's audio will release on 9 May 2018.[9][10]
On 1 May 2018, the makers released the first single track from the film,[11][12] titled as "Semma Weightu" in all streaming platforms and on YouTube.[13][14][15] The song penned by Arunraja Kamaraj, with Hariharasudhan, Santhosh Narayanan and Arunraja Kamaraj, crooning the vocals, with Dope Daddy, Stony Psyko, MC Mawali, a part of the Dopeadelicz band, rendering the rap versions.[16] The official lyric video of the song crossed 2 million views, within 24 hours of its release.[17]
An album preview was released on 7 May 2018 on YouTube where director Pa. Ranjith, and Santhosh Narayanan, shared their views by expressing their opinion about working for the film's soundtrack.[18] The tracklist was released on 8 May 2018.[19][20]
Release
editThe grand audio launch event of the film took place, on 9 May 2018,[21][22] at YMCA College of Physical Education, Nandanam, Chennai,[23] where Rajinikanth, director Pa. Ranjith, composer Santhosh Narayanan, Dhanush, Aishwaryaa R. Dhanush and the entire film cast and crew and other celebrities attended the event.[24][25] The film's album songs were released at 9:00 a.m. in all streaming platforms.[26][27] Santhosh Narayanan, and his musicians gave a live performance of the songs in the film.[28] The audio launch event was aired on live on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube,[29] and was telecasted live on Airtel TV, a live television streaming portal of Airtel, the film's telecommunication partner.[30] However, it was not aired live on television. The audio launch event was telecasted on Star Vijay on 20 May 2018.[31][32]
Reception
editThe soundtrack received positive reviews. Behindwoods rate the album 3 out of 5 stars, stating that "A dynamic album by Santhosh - dominated by tracks with social messages - who weaves his magic with his not-to-miss mass and melody tracks!"[33] Indiaglitz rated it 3 out of 5, and summarised that "Santhosh as a mindful composer understanding the politically charged nature of the tracks, balances composition to match the lyrics and not vice versa. 'Kaala' album has most songs that might fit as easy on a political protest as it does on a dance floor."[34] The Times of India summarised it as "The album of Kaala, in many ways, sounds like an extension of Kabali – be it in terms of soundscape, instrumentation or the heavily-worded lyrics. Listen to the songs with the story and background in mind, and you'll be able to appreciate its nuances better."[35] Scroll.in reviewed it as "Lots of revolutionary spirit and some good tunes".[36] India Today summarised the soundtrack as "blend of genres, and political messages".[37] Firstpost rated it as "Kaala is not an album for those of you who are looking for the usual commercial tracks that uplift Rajinikanth's image. What Santhosh does here is bring together a pool of local talent and an ensemble artist line-up at to give us a very different jukebox. Infused with Thalaivar's style yet crafted for the people, Kaala is slow kill for many. Not your everyday album, that makes you groove or stay hooked, Kaala is the one with thoughtful lyrics and for Tamil rap lovers. Except for the few breezy melodies completely contrasting to Kabali — Santhosh's last outing with the same team."[38] Hindustan Times reviewed it as "Santhosh Narayanan's album evokes a sense of revolution in Rajinikanth's film".[39] The Indian Express reviewed the album as "Experimental and definitely not the material of a full-blown mass film, Kaala's music is a mishmash of genres and instruments that is interesting but leaves us with a mild feeling of being lost."[40]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Semma Weightu" | Dopeadelicz, Arunraja Kamaraj, Logan | Hariharasudhan, Santhosh Narayanan, Arunraja Kamaraj | 4:57 |
| 2. | "Thanga Sela" | Arunraja Kamaraj | Shankar Mahadevan, Pradeep Kumar, Ananthu | 4:37 |
| 3. | "Katravai Patravai" | Kabilan, Arunraja Kamaraj, Roshan Jamrock | Yogi B, Arunraja Kamaraj, Roshan Jamrock | 3:45 |
| 4. | "Kannamma" | Uma Devi | Pradeep Kumar, Dhee, Ananthu | 4:49 |
| 5. | "Kannamma (Acapella)" | Uma Devi | Ananthu | 2:54 |
| 6. | "Urimayai Meetpom" | Arivu | Vijay Prakash, Ananthu | 6:43 |
| 7. | "Poraaduvom" | Dopeadelicz, Logan | Dopeadelicz | 3:29 |
| 8. | "Theruvilakku" | Dopeadelicz, Logan | Dopeadelicz, Muthamil | 2:35 |
| 9. | "Nikkal Nikkal" | Dopeadelicz, Logan | Dopeadelicz, Vivek, Arunraja Kamaraj | 2:44 |
| Total length: | 37:43 | |||
Background score
editThe original soundtrack of Kaala features fifteen tracks by Santhosh Narayanan. The theme music "Rain Fight" was released as single on 13 June 2018,[41] and the "Hari Dada Theme" was released as the second single on 29 June 2018.[42] The full background score was released on 13 July 2018.[43][44]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Rain Fight" | 4:30 |
| 2. | "Hari Dada Theme" | 6:22 |
| 3. | "Patriot" | 1:06 |
| 4. | "Fond Memories" | 0:32 |
| 5. | "Selvi" | 1:00 |
| 6. | "Vengai Mavan" | 2:16 |
| 7. | "Zarina" | 0:57 |
| 8. | "Evil Men" | 1:22 |
| 9. | "Sorrow" | 2:18 |
| 10. | "Hari Dada" | 2:00 |
| 11. | "Revolt" | 1:17 |
| 12. | "Face Off" | 0:55 |
| 13. | "Kula Deivam" | 1:53 |
| 14. | "Nilam" | 2:33 |
| 15. | "Riots" | 0:34 |
| Total length: | 21:55 | |
Album credits
editCredits adapted from CD liner notes[45]
All songs composed, arranged and programmed by Santhosh Narayanan
Musician credits
edit- Acoustic Guitars: Keba Jeremiah, Joseph Vijay, Telfie
- Electric Guitars: Jhanu Chanthar, Keba Jeremiah
- Nylon Guitar: Joseph Vijay
- Bass: Naveen, Mani
- Electronic Drums: David Joseph
- Harmonium: Satish Raghunathan
- Flute: Vishnu Vijay
- Trumpets: Louis Dowdeswell
- Shakers: Pradeep Kumar
- Tapes: "4 Idiots" group
- Ethnic Tones: RK Sundar
- Indian Percussions: RK Sundar, Ganapathy, Venkat, David Joseph
- Pianos & Additional Synths: Karthick Devaraj
Personnel
edit- Beatbox: Beat Slayer (Dopeadelicz)
- Whistle: Ananthu
- Chorus: Rohith Fernandes, Yogi Sekar, Chinna, Tony Britto, RK Sundar, Santhosh Narayanan
- Additional Vocals: RK Sundar, Rohith Fernandes, Tony Britto, Chinna, Yogi
- Backing Vocals: Ananthu
Production
edit- Recorded at
- Sound Engineers: Sai Shravanam, RK Sundar, Abin Pushpakaran, Kishore Dharan, Dinesh Antony
- Mixed by Santhosh Narayanan
- Additional Mixes - Sat Richard, Dinesh Antony
- Mixed at
- AM Studios, Chennai
- Future Tense Studios, Chennai
- Mastered by Alex Gordon, Simon Young (Abbey Road Studios, London)
- Mastering Co-ordinated by: Andrew T. Mackay
- Musician Coordinator: Meenakshi Santhosh
References
edit- ^ Kaala - Audio Launch Event | Rajinikanth | Pa Ranjith | Dhanush | Santhosh Narayanan, retrieved 28 September 2019
- ^ "Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' album is out". The Times of India. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Rajinikanth's next film titled 'Kaala Karikalan' - Times of India ►". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "A rap team from Mumbai is now a part of Rajinikanth's film - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "The voice behind three songs in Kaala - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Yogi B collaborates with Santhosh Narayanan for Kaala - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (7 March 2018). "#KaalaTeaserTheme Topping Up @Saavn Weekly Top 15!". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (7 March 2018). "Music of #Kaala is Coming Soon!!". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' audio launch on May 9th - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' audio to be out on May 9 - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (30 April 2018). "#SemmaWeightu 1st Single from #Kaala Releasing Tomorrow at 7pm". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "'Kaala': Dhanush confirms the release of 'Semma Weightu' song tomorrow - Times of India ►". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (30 April 2018). "#SemmaWeightu - #Kaala Single releasing at 7pm Today!". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "'Semma Weightu' song from Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' unveiled - Times of India ►". The Times of India. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Kaala: Semma Weightu song released! - Times of India". The Times of India. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "A million voices in a song in Rajinikanth's Kaala - Times of India". The Times of India. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (3 May 2018). "2M Views & Counting.. #SemmaWeightu". @wunderbarfilms (in Estonian). Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (7 May 2018). "Here we go! Album Preview of #Kaala. Music out on 9th May". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (7 May 2018). "Official Tracklist of #Kaala! Music out on May 9th". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Here's the track titles for Rajinikanth's 'Kaala'! - Times of India". The Times of India. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Kaala mega audio launch on May 9 with Rajinikanth in attendance". India Today. Ist. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (28 April 2018). "#Kaala audio will release on May 9th! Get ready to celebrate Thalaivar's swag with Santosh narayanan's stylish music". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Audio of Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' to be launched on May 9 at YMCA - Times of India". The Times of India. 4 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Kaala audio launch: Highlights". The Indian Express. 10 May 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ Staff Reporter (10 May 2018). "'Kaala' and the different shades of Rajinikanth". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (8 May 2018). "#Kaala - Music Out NOW!!!". @wunderbarfilms (in Estonian). Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (8 May 2018). "Dropping the tracks of #Kaala Today at 9am IST across all streaming platforms". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "'Kaala' audio launch: Santhosh Narayanan to perform live at event - Times of India ►". The Times of India. 7 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (10 May 2018). "#Kaala Audio Launch Event on YouTube". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (11 May 2018). "Watch #KaalaAudioLaunch on Airtel TV". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Vijay TV to telecast Kaala Audio launch on Sunday, 20th May at 4 PM". MediaNews4U. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (14 May 2018). "The Grand Audio Launch of #Kaala will be telecasted in @vijaytelevision on 20th May, 4:00pm IST". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ "Kaala Music Review Summary | Kaala Music Review". Behindwoods. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Kaala Music review songs lyrics". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Music Review: Kaala sounds like an extension of Kabali - Times of India". The Times of India. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ Nathan, Archana (9 May 2018). "'Kaala' music review: Lots of revolutionary spirit and some good tunes". Scroll.in. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Kaala music review: Blend of genres and political messages". India Today. Ist. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Kaala music review: For Rajinikanth's next, Santhosh Narayanan crafts experimental soundtrack dominated by Tamil rap". Firstpost. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Kaala music review: Santhosh Narayanan's album evokes a sense of revolution in Rajinikanth's film". Hindustan Times. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Kaala music review: Santhosh Narayanan gives us an eclectic mix of genres and sounds". The Indian Express. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (13 June 2018). "Here we go!!! "Rain Fight.." (Original Sound Track) from #Kaala". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (29 June 2018). "The Majestic #HariDadaTheme is here!!!!!". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Kaala (Original Soundtrack) by Santhosh Narayanan, retrieved 17 February 2020
- ^ Films, Wunderbar (13 July 2018). "Here we go! The Original Soundtrack of #Kaala". @wunderbarfilms. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Kaala (Tamil) - Official Jukebox | Rajinikanth | Pa Ranjith | Santhosh Narayanan | Dhanush, retrieved 13 May 2020