Sri Ramarajyam - Devotional music, in Maestro's style

It is not new for Illayaraja to excel in lending effective music, with a distinct touch of his own, whatever the genre of the movie. Listening to Sri Rama Rajyam, it is easy to say that Bapu had an idea in mind when he roped in the Maestro. It was to sound music playful so as to ensure that it connects with the new generation. The good news is that the musician fairly achieves the target the film makers may have probably set for themselves.

Artistes: SP Balasubramaniam, chorus
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
The song is well-composed with elevating instrumentation. The beats that are the hallmark of a traditionally crafted devotional song spike up the mood. The lyrics are in praise of the Maryada Purushottama and the song has all the qualities of a well-meaning pslam to the divine. SPB lives up to the expectations.
Artistes: Ramu, Shreya Ghoshal
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
This tune induces a sense of deja vu. Nevertheless, it is quite enjoyable for the intense devotional quality of its music. While Ramu's voice is mature, Shreya Ghoshal's soft voice lends a mystique feel.
Artistes: SP Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
The song is quite simple in its form and content. The tabla beats and linear composition are easy on the ears. It sounds more like a song from another age without the cinematic trappings of a typical Illayaraja song. ANR's voice sounds geriatric and is a contrast compared to SPB's younger voice.
Artistes: Anitha, Keertana
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
The song is a collage of hues. It begins on a happy note and later takes on the garb of soka rasa. Anitha and Keertana do full justice. Illayaraja's music stands out in orchestrating variation without making us feel the sudden shifts.
Artistes: Shreya Ghoshal, Chitra
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
Somehow, the way it begins one finds the song inappropriate for a devotional flick; it sounds like SA Rajkumar scoring for a feel-good family drama. Later, however, the song transports us to the landscape of the soul. Probably, it was consciously made to live up to the image of Balakrishna the star.
Artistes: SP Balasubramaniam
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
Again, this song has a touch of modernity to it. Quite unlike an usual song that plays in the background when Sri Rama faces many a crisis, Gali Ningi.. sounds verbose rather than merely tragic and melancholy. A good experimentation indeed, in true Bapu's style.
Artistes: Shreya Ghoshal, Chitra
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
This old-style song is enlivened by the voices of Chitra and Shreya, who together add a dash of newness. You find the shifting moods familiar, but the beats have a folksy charm about them.
Artistes: Surabhi Sravani, Keerthana
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
The short ditty is worth listening for its resemblance with a popular Jesudasu rendering. Surabhi Sravani and Keethana do make an impact, while Illayaraja is at his usual best in re-interpreting an old tune of his.
Artistes: Swetha, Anitha
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
The playful voices of Swetha and Anitha have a bucolic beauty about them. Add rural accent and it qualifies to be the best composed song on Sundara Rama. Illayaraja experiments, again, by enlisting distinct voices.
Artistes: Tippu
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
This song presents Tippu with opportunity to prove his mettle at bhakti rasa. He does excel here.
Artistes: Swetha
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
Yet another misfit in a devotional film, you might find this song to be. It may not be inappropriate to say that this feels like a song sung by a lady lead about the hero in all earnestness. Enjoy it for the frivolity, if you wish!
Artistes: Anitha, Keethana
Lyricist: Jonnavithula
The psalm is not something that is distinct. Sounding quite routine, the voices of Anitha and Keethana are the saving graces though.