Layered love songs full of nostalgia narrate a grand tale

The soundtrack to period romantic drama Sita Ramam is a calling card for composer Vishal Chandrasekhar’s talents. By focusing on lush live instrumental arrangements and drawing inspiration from classical ragas, the composer steers clear of modern electronic influences and crafts a journey that harkens back to Indian cinema’s golden days. The result is both fresh and timeless. Highlights include a rousing, mellifluous duet on “Oh Prema”—a passionate celebration of love—and the orchestra-backed vocal delight that is “Ninnati Theepi”.