Hardly realized Illayaraja was getting back together with Ram Gopal Varma for the new version of Shiva. Yes, he is, not just recreating the magic with the baton, but gracing Hindi music with his voice and an almost perfect diction. I guess this is the first time he’s sung in Hindi, or has he? Overall the album sounds so refreshing, even by Tamil standards. Botany Paatam undhu… has been rehashed into Police Police…; Josh Me Josh Me… has been inspired by Vidiya Vidiya Nadam… (remember Idhayathai Thirudadhae). Can’t believe 17 years have passed by; makes you feel so old! There are a few older Telugu/Tamil hits thrown in. Kaise Kahen is a wonderful throw back to Illayaraja’s 80s hits. It is with Shapath… that Illayaraja strikes the chords; felt the goose bumps again after a long time.
Shiva sounds like vintage Illayaraja, yet absolutely contemporary. Can’t decide if Shiva 2006 stands out because Illayaraja’s hits are evergreen or he’s still got his fingers firmly on the pulse. RGV sums up the feeling, that one gets after listening to Shiva 2006, in the interview:
I believe that Ilayaraja is the greatest composer ever lived. His kind of music will become a welcome change to the type of music in trend today. His interpretation of background score for this film is going to be very different.