It’s hard to name any Telugu film album without the mention of Sid Sriram these days. And why not, after he’s delivering one hit after the other, regardless of the scale of the project? However, if this discussion veers towards the quality of songs he’s getting to sing, there have been only a few that have capitalised on his abilities to the fullest. Naa Kanulu Yepudu from Rang De, composed by Devi Sri Prasad and penned by Shreemani, is among the rarest of such numbers.
There’s a beautiful semi-classical touch to the song, bolstered by the racy word-play and rhythm. Sample lines like ‘Chedhupai theepila, Reyipai rangulaa, Nelapai ningilaa, Guppedu gundeku pandaga eevela’ that adorn the song much beyond the mellifluous vocals of Sid Sriram. The orchestration makes good use of both the Indian and Western instruments – all aspects come together and complement each other like great teamwork, everything that constitutes a memorable song.
The issue about Telugu-speaking singers not getting adequate opportunities in the industry is quite an old one but it’s yet to find a resolution. There’s absolutely no problem about Sid Sriram’s stellar growth in Telugu films, though it's disappointing that he’s not made much effort in improving his diction since Inkem Inkem Inkem Kaavale days. The way the singer pronounces words like ‘kalisaano.. thelisaano.. choosano or maaraano’ in Naa Kanulu is embarrassing, to say the least. There’s absolutely no space for an excuse here; it’s the least he should do, after commanding lakhs for his remuneration.