Sri Rama Rajyam is Bapu’s magnum opus. The movie has Nandamuri Balakrishna reprising the role of Lord Rama played by his illustrious father, Shri NTR.. Nayanatara plays the role of Sita and Akkineni Nageswara Rao essays the character of Valmiki. The movie has an ensemble star cast including Srikanth, Murali Mohan and others. Ilayaraja scores the music for this work of art. Let us examine the songs in detail.

1. Jagadhananda Karaka:
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam, Shreya Ghoshal.
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This melodious number might be the song in which Lord Rama will be introduced in the film. S.P.Balasubramanyam renders the lyrics with such soulful passion that you can literally see Lord Rama in all his glory while listening to this song. The song describes the glory of Lord Rama’s rule and the happiness that prevails in the kingdom. Strong use of Indian instruments and a melodious composition from maestro Ilayaraja will make an immediate impact on you.

2. Evadunnadu
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This bit song starts off with ANR’s voice over and is followed by Balasubramanyam’s recitation of Valmiki’s question to Naradha Maharshi about whether there exists a Supreme Human Being in this world.Strong use of the tabla is the predominant theme of the music.

3.Sita Rama Charitham
Artist(s): Anitha, Keerthana
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

A soulful rendition by Anitha and Keerthana. The song is a melodious recitation of the fundamental episodes of the Ramayana from the abduction of Sita to the Agni Pareeksha. Very moving lyrics from Jonnavitthula make this song a powerful melancholic melody.

4.Sri Rama Lera
Artist(s): Ramu, Shreya Ghoshal
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This song’s music has a heavy use of the Tabla, Veena and Flute and this gives the song a decidedly Indian feel. This song describes all the noble qualities of Lord Rama and of the loving bond he has with his wife Sita. Shreya Ghosal’s voice is perfect for this number.

5.Devulle Mecchindi:
Artist(s): Shreya Ghoshal, Chitra
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This number has a very folk song kind of flavour. The voices of Chitra and Shreya Ghoshal are in perfect symphony and make this song a delight to listen to. Beautiful and soulful music from Ilayaraja lends the song an ethereal feel. The song will be an instant classic.

6.Gaali Ningi Neeru
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This song will spring a surprise on you. Not because of the quality of music but because of the choice of instruments and the rendition by S.P.B. The song is a classic melancholy of the kind sung by a hero when his heroine is separated from him.In fact, this song will not be out of place in a regular commercial love story. And that is why it will surprise you. Dominated by a heavy use of the synthesizer and modern instruments, the song itself is pretty good but it just feels out of place in this album.

7.Ramayanamu Sri Ramayanamu
Artist(s): Shreya Ghoshal, Chitra
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

Another brilliant number rendered beautifully by Chitra and Shreya Ghoshal. The lyrics composed by Jonnavithula are beautifully poetic and pay rich tributes to the story of Rama and Sita. The emotion in this song will move you to tears. Good use of classic Indian instruments.

8.Dhandakam
Artist(s): Surabhi Sravani, Keerthana
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This is a short Dhandakam praising Lord Rama.

9. Sita Simantham
Artist(s): Shreya Ghoshal
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

As the title suggests, this is the song sung during Sita’s Sreemantham. This is a breezy melody with light and cheerful lyrics. The music sounds familiar and reminds the listener of Ilayaraja’s music from the good old days.

10.Rama Rama ane
Artist(s): Swetha, Anitha
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This song describes the naughty acts of  Rama’s childhood and the style is a throwback to the olden days. You will find songs of this genre in old films like “Lavakusha” and “Balaramayanam”. The song is pretty decent but is nothing special like the other songs in the album.

11.Kalaya Nijama
Artist(s): Tippu
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This short song expresses Hanuman’s anguish at the events unfolding in the movie and his helplessness. A good performance from Tippu carries the anguish in the song to the listener.Ilayaraja’s music adds weight to the lament.

12. Idhi Pattabhi
Artist(s): Swetha
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
This song will be picturized on Lava and Kusha and will most likely be a nursery song in their infancy. The lyrics describe the habits and traits of a young Lava and Kusha . A folk like melody, this song has some familiar music once again from the old days. Nothing special but nothing wrong either.

13.Shapthaswaradhamarudam:
Artist(s): SP. Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
This is a very short eulogy rendered by S.P.Balasubramanyam and describes the noble attributes of the King. Balasubramaniam’s voice resonates richly.

14.Mangalamu Ramunaku:
Artist(s): Anitha, Keerthana
Lyricist: Jonnavithula

This short beautiful melody is a climax song that officially draws proceedings to a close. Melodious performances from Anitha and Keerthana give the lyrics a lot of life and there is tremendous positivity and happiness in this rendering. A fitting final song for this album.

Analysis:

Every once in a while, along comes a movie which will make your heart swell with pride for being born as a Telugu Bidda. Sadly, such films have been extremely rare over the last couple of years. While we cannot yet pass a verdict over whether Sri Rama Rajyam will join that elite club, the audio makes a strong argument for itself.

This is one of the finest works of music to have ever come out of the Telugu Film Industry and that is no mean achievement. Buy it, treasure it and enjoy it.

– Mahesh K.S.