Kaala (soundtrack) explained

Kaala
Type:Soundtrack
Artist:Santhosh Narayanan
Cover:Kaala Album Cover.jpg
Caption:Soundtrack album cover
Released:9 May 2018
Recorded:2017–2018
Studio:
  • Resound India, Chennai
  • Future Tense studios, Chennai
  • Stadium Studios, London
  • Krimson Avenue Studios, Chennai
  • Purple Haze Studios, Mumbai
  • Rocsho Records, Malaysia
Genre:Feature film soundtrack
Length:37:43
Language:Tamil
Label:Wunderbar Studios
Producer:Santhosh Narayanan
Prev Title:Server Sundaram
Prev Year:2017
Next Title:Mercury
Next Year:2018

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.

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.

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.[1]

Development

Santhosh 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.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]

Marketing

The 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.[6] [7] 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.[8] [9]

On 1 May 2018, the makers released the first single track from the film,[10] [11] titled as "Semma Weightu" in all streaming platforms and on YouTube.[12] [13] [14] 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.[15] The official lyric video of the song crossed 2 million views, within 24 hours of its release.[16]

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.[17] The tracklist was released on 8 May 2018.[18] [19]

Release

The grand audio launch event of the film took place, on 9 May 2018,[20] [21] at YMCA College of Physical Education, Nandanam, Chennai,[22] 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.[23] [24] The film's album songs were released at 9:00 a.m. in all streaming platforms.[25] [26] Santhosh Narayanan, and his musicians gave a live performance of the songs in the film.[27] The audio launch event was aired on live on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube,[28] and was telecasted live on Airtel TV, a live television streaming portal of Airtel, the film's telecommunication partner.[29] However, it was not aired live on television. The audio launch event was telecasted on Star Vijay on 20 May 2018.[30] [31]

Reception

The 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!"[32] 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."[33] 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."[34] Scroll.in reviewed it as "Lots of revolutionary spirit and some good tunes".[35] India Today summarised the soundtrack as "blend of genres, and political messages".[36] 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."[37] Hindustan Times reviewed it as "Santhosh Narayanan's album evokes a sense of revolution in Rajinikanth's film".[38] 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."[39]

Background score

The original soundtrack of Kaala features fifteen tracks by Santhosh Narayanan. The theme music "Rain Fight" was released as single on 13 June 2018,[40] and the "Hari Dada Theme" was released as the second single on 29 June 2018.[41] The full background score was released on 13 July 2018.[42]

Album credits

Credits adapted from CD liner notes

All songs composed, arranged and programmed by Santhosh Narayanan

Musician credits

Personnel

Production

Notes and References

  1. News: Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' album is out. The Times of India. 9 May 2018. en. 17 August 2020.
  2. Web site: Rajinikanth's next film titled 'Kaala Karikalan' - Times of India ►. The Times of India. en. 2020-05-13.
  3. Web site: A rap team from Mumbai is now a part of Rajinikanth's film - Times of India. The Times of India. en. 2020-05-13.
  4. Web site: The voice behind three songs in Kaala - Times of India. The Times of India. en. 2020-05-13.
  5. Web site: Yogi B collaborates with Santhosh Narayanan for Kaala - Times of India. The Times of India. en. 2020-05-13.
  6. Web site:
    1. KaalaTeaserTheme Topping Up @Saavn Weekly Top 15!
    . Films. Wunderbar. 2018-03-07. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  7. Web site: Music of #Kaala is Coming Soon!!. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-03-07. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  8. Web site: Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' audio launch on May 9th - Times of India. The Times of India. en. 2020-05-13.
  9. Web site: Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' audio to be out on May 9 - Times of India. The Times of India. en. 2020-05-13.
  10. Web site:
    1. SemmaWeightu 1st Single from #Kaala Releasing Tomorrow at 7pm.
    . Films. Wunderbar. 2018-04-30. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  11. Web site: 'Kaala': Dhanush confirms the release of 'Semma Weightu' song tomorrow - Times of India ►. The Times of India. en. 2020-05-13.
  12. Web site:
    1. SemmaWeightu - #Kaala Single releasing at 7pm Today!
    . Films. Wunderbar. 2018-04-30. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  13. News: 'Semma Weightu' song from Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' unveiled - Times of India ►. The Times of India. 2 May 2018 . en. 2020-05-13.
  14. News: Kaala: Semma Weightu song released! - Times of India. The Times of India. 2 May 2018 . en. 2020-05-13.
  15. News: A million voices in a song in Rajinikanth's Kaala - Times of India. The Times of India. 30 April 2018 . en. 2020-05-13.
  16. Web site: 2M Views & Counting.. #SemmaWeightu. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-03. @wunderbarfilms. et. 2020-05-13.
  17. Web site: Here we go! Album Preview of #Kaala. Music out on 9th May. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-07. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  18. Web site: Official Tracklist of #Kaala! Music out on May 9th. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-07. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  19. News: Here's the track titles for Rajinikanth's 'Kaala'! - Times of India. The Times of India. 8 May 2018 . en. 2020-05-13.
  20. News: Kaala mega audio launch on May 9 with Rajinikanth in attendance. en. India Today. Ist. 2019-09-28.
  21. Web site:
    1. Kaala audio will release on May 9th! Get ready to celebrate Thalaivar's swag with Santosh narayanan's stylish music.
    . Films. Wunderbar. 2018-04-28. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2019-09-28.
  22. News: Audio of Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' to be launched on May 9 at YMCA - Times of India. The Times of India. 4 May 2018 . en. 2020-05-13.
  23. Web site: Kaala audio launch: Highlights. 2018-05-10. The Indian Express. en-IN. 2019-09-28.
  24. News: 'Kaala' and the different shades of Rajinikanth. Staff Reporter. 2018-05-10. The Hindu. 2019-09-28. en-IN. 0971-751X.
  25. Web site:
    1. Kaala - Music Out NOW!!!
    . Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-08. @wunderbarfilms. et. 2020-05-13.
  26. Web site: Dropping the tracks of #Kaala Today at 9am IST across all streaming platforms. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-08. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  27. News: 'Kaala' audio launch: Santhosh Narayanan to perform live at event - Times of India ►. The Times of India. 7 May 2018 . en. 2020-05-13.
  28. Web site:
    1. Kaala Audio Launch Event on YouTube
    . Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-10. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  29. Web site: Watch #KaalaAudioLaunch on Airtel TV.. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-11. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  30. Web site: Vijay TV to telecast Kaala Audio launch on Sunday, 20th May at 4 PM. 2018-05-16. MediaNews4U. en-US. 2019-09-28.
  31. Web site: The Grand Audio Launch of #Kaala will be telecasted in @vijaytelevision on 20th May, 4:00pm IST.. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-05-14. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  32. Web site: Kaala Music Review Summary Kaala Music Review. 2018-05-09. Behindwoods. 2019-09-28.
  33. Web site: Kaala Music review songs lyrics. IndiaGlitz.com. 2019-09-28.
  34. News: Music Review: Kaala sounds like an extension of Kabali - Times of India. The Times of India. 9 May 2018 . en. 2019-09-28.
  35. Web site: 'Kaala' music review: Lots of revolutionary spirit and some good tunes. Nathan. Archana. Scroll.in. 9 May 2018 . en-US. 2019-09-28.
  36. News: Kaala music review: Blend of genres and political messages. India Today. en. 2019-09-28. Ist.
  37. Web site: Kaala music review: For Rajinikanth's next, Santhosh Narayanan crafts experimental soundtrack dominated by Tamil rap. 2018-05-09. Firstpost. en. 2019-09-28.
  38. Web site: Kaala music review: Santhosh Narayanan's album evokes a sense of revolution in Rajinikanth's film. 2018-05-09. Hindustan Times. en. 2019-09-28.
  39. Web site: Kaala music review: Santhosh Narayanan gives us an eclectic mix of genres and sounds. 2018-05-09. The Indian Express. en-IN. 2019-09-28.
  40. Web site: Here we go!!! "Rain Fight.." (Original Sound Track) from #Kaala. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-06-13. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  41. Web site: The Majestic #HariDadaTheme is here!!!!!. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-06-29. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.
  42. Web site: Here we go! The Original Soundtrack of #Kaala. Films. Wunderbar. 2018-07-13. @wunderbarfilms. en. 2020-05-13.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Kaala (soundtrack)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.