The composing maestro's latest offers poignant, feel-good songs

A. R. Rahman plays to his strengths as a celebrated music composer for sports-action blockbuster Bigil. Rooted in traditional Tamil folk rhythm and melodies, "Singappenney" bears his distinct melodic imprint, sounding cinematic and warm, while singer Shashaa Tirupati gives it a traditional vibe as well. "Verithanam" features boisterous percussion and the voice of lead actor Thalapathy Vijay, while slower, evocative ballads such as "Unakaga" and "Maathare" temper the mood.