Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi: Kanula Chatu Meghama is a classic pathos number with the spirit of a ghazal

Srinivas Avasarala, who shot to fame with Ashta Chemma, has made a name for himself as a writer, director with two quality films - Oohalu Gusagusalade and Jyo Achyutananda. Both films have showcased his prowess as a dialogue writer and his ability to extract realistic performances, mellifluous music from his composers. His next, Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi, promises to be another feather in his cap as a filmmaker.

Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi is Avasarala’s third collaboration with Naga Shaurya and composer Kalyani Malik, while featuring Malvika Nair as the female lead. Produced by People Media Factory and Dasari Productions, the film is gearing up for a theatrical release on March 17. After unveiling the teaser recently, the makers launched the first single, Kanula Chatu Meghama, today. Sung by Aabhas Joshi, the number is lyricised by well-known writer Lakshmi Bhupala.

Kanula Chatu Meghama, named a breakup ghazal, stays true to its label, with the simplistic texture resembling a 1950s song with the soul of a Jagjit Singh number. While Kalyani Malik’s composition and orchestration are a thing of beauty, the lyricist Lakshmi Bhupala and singer Aabhas register a strong impact with their splendid contributions. The song is so delicately woven by the lyricist with precise expressions, as if he was peeping into the minds of the lead protagonists. 

Lines like ‘Venuka raani needatho.. Raayabaaramaa..Masaka masaka thaḍini thadimi gnaapakaalalo..’ and ‘Gubulupadina digulu nadugu bhaaramenthani..Kalisi vidina adugunadugu dooramenthani’ serve as a testimony to the thought that was put into the song, equally matched by the impactful wordplay. It’s equally hard to believe that this is rendered by a non-Telugu singer Aabhas, who has the maturity and the class of a veteran in his first Telugu number.

It’s not surprising that the composer-lyricist-director trio has named Kanula Chatu Meghama, the career-best number in their respective filmographies. Srinivas Avasarala reportedly wanted a song with a melodic quality that could match Madan Mohan’s Lag Ja Gale and Kalyani Malik hasn’t disappointed at all. Avasarala also plays a key role in the film besides writing the story, screenplay and dialogues.