2008's Top 10 Song Sequences

Having finally seen all 2008 Tamil films that I intended to see(there are still 2 more reviews to come), I can finally get to those Top 10 lists. Kicking things off in musical fashion, here are the 10 best song sequences in Tamil films in 2008. As the term 'song sequence' indicates, the criteria for this list are the song itself as well as the way it was picturized and presented.

10. Hey Saala... - Aegan
This song packed a lot of the energy that was missing in the rest of the film as it was bright and colorful with a large group of dancers. Ajith danced surprisingly fast considering his slow steps in his last few movies and the lines incorporated enough glorifying lines to please his fans.

9. Vaa Vaa En Devadhaiye... - Abhiyum Naanum
Director Radhamohan perfectly captured the father-daughter relationship in this soft, beautiful song that was made up of vignettes that captured some very cute and beautiful moments between a father and his daughter. The film had Prakashraj reminiscing about his daughter in the film and this song was capable of sending every dad who watched it on a walk down memory lane.

8. Aavaarampoo... - Poo
While all the songs in this album from debutant music director Kumaran were pleasing to the ear, this number has a big impact since it happens at a key point in the film. Picturized with the same slice-of-life nature that marks the rest of the movie, the sequences in the song make us laugh and cry within the span of a few minutes.

7. Kathaazha Kannaale... - Anjaathey
Director Mysskin once again lent respectability to the phrase 'item number' with this dance number. Picturized under soft light and with light steps that appeared to be done naturally rather than choreographed, the number was fun to watch. The song itself was catchy and relatively slow considering that it was a dance number.

6. Palaanadhu... - Kuruvi
In recent films like ATM, Vijay's dance steps became complicated enough for his dances to resemble exercise routines. So it was a pleasure to watch his simple but graceful steps for this number that once again reminded us how good a dancer he is. After a long time, he actually seemed to be having fun dancing. The fast song was perfectly tuned for his dance too.

5. Mukunda Mukunda... - Dasaavathaaram
The smooth, soft number was beautifully sung and picturized in a suitably mellow fashion. We got our first glimpse at Kamal in the guise of Krishnaveni paatti in this song and the best part of the number came when she - very creatively - acted out all the avatars of Vishnu in silhouette.

4. Dosth Bada Dosth... - Saroja
This soundtrack was an example of an album where mediocre songs were elevated by great picturization. The best example was this number, where the graphics made the visuals interesting while the happenings conveyed the sense of fun the friends were having on their road trip.

3. Thozhiyaa En Kaadhaliyaa... - Kaadhalil Vizhundhen
While Naakku Mukka... grabbed the spotlight with its fast pace, this number was actually the best of the album. The lyrics conveyed Nakul's predicament perfectly while the picturization, especially in the second stanza, where the camera revolved around a seated Nakul, captured his emotions very well. Nakul, for his part, performed the number with a lot of intensity and passion.

2. Kanngal Irandaal... - Subramanyapuram
A simple but addictive melody, this number was picturized with the same earthiness that marked the rest of the picture. The light touch of humor was unexpected but somehow added to the effect while watching it.

1. Adiye Kolludhe... - Vaaranam Aayiram
Song picturization hasn't been one of Gautham's strengths but he broke that notion with his picturization of all songs in this film. Right from the exhilarating guitar riff after the "Its a song, Dad. A rock song" start, this number was glossily and stylishly picturized and nicely choreographed. The locales added to the song's sense of class. Surya's steps were uncomplicated and natural and Sameera Reddy was fabulous with some simple but superbly graceful steps.