Director Saran's home production Vattaram, starring Arya of Pattiyal fame, is one of this Diwali's eagerly awaited films. The music for the film, with lyrics by Vairamuthu and compositions by Bharadwaj, was released on September 28.

Thanks to past successes, the Vairamuthu-Bharadwaj combination usually raises high expectations. Their latest, however, only partially fulfils these expectations.

The 8-track album opens with Naana ithu naana... a foot-tapping solo with an undercurrent of melody sung pleasingly by Kalyani. Then comes Mudhal mudhala..., a Rajesh Krishna-Janani duet that oozes sex-appeal and glamour. It has passion and sentiment in the right proportions and Bharadwaj's music accentuates the intensity. This is definitely going to be a favourite with the youth, what with Janani's sexy voice providing necessary oomph to Vairamuthu's carefully crafted lyrics.

It is in Ovvoru pillaiyum, rendered soulfully by Mukesh, that the poet-lyricist comes into his element. It is sheer poetry that takes us back to some of T M Sounderrajan's songs.

Sadly, when one moves to side B of the cassette, Bharadwaj falters, doling out just mediocre fare. The only redeeming factor is the spicy Rajesh Krishna -Janani number Mudhal mudhala... that is repeated. Unnai partha... (Shalini and chorus) is actually a love duet, but sung in too slow and mellow a fashion to impress.

Yar tharuvar..., listed as the theme song, is no great shakes either. The following number, Star hotel vendam..., with the opening line 'Are you ready?' is equally disappointing. The fast beats are okay, but the music is average. Thankfully, a repetition of Mudhal mudhala... at the end somewhat compensates.

The two tracks with a chance to top the charts are Nana ithu nana... and Mudhal mudhala. Bharadwaj has, as usual, successfully tried out varied voices in Vattaram. It is mixed fare on the whole, and definitely not his best effort.