After SOTD its ROTM...

After some hibernation, thanks to the flu epidemic at Chennai for which I was a victim myself, I find writing blogs regularly as easy as pleasing my manager. Simply put, impossible. To carry it for 20 days itself is an achievement of sorts as I have started blogging 29,347 times before this to fizzle out even before completing the first post often ;) I can talk non stop rubbish for hours but cant write that though am happy i did something for 20 days on trot. Now that continuity and longevity seeming a problem, best is to adopt the milk vendor's strategy. I have 4 Litres of milk available to be supplied to 4 houses. Demand increases to 6 houses while supply is constant what to do.. Close to eyes and think about waterfalls as good as a poet. Supply-demand will match. So ... as an solution for irregularity I would write about songs based on the same Raga for some posts. Posts might be sporadic but I would try to maintain updates as much as I can.

ROTM - Raga of the Month... This might become ROTY ;) -I hope not ! :D

First one I will take up will be an universal favorite Raga. Mohanam. In the next post I would start with a very recent song in Mohanam. No suspense. Its from Kandhasamy - Mambo Maamiya... Vikram rocks in the song :) Sweet mohanam. Ciao.

Malargalae Malargalae Idhu enna Kanava.. Unparallelled number !

Rahman, Hariharan and Chithra. What can you expect? A musical treat. That’s exactly what you get in this song from Love birds movie. Absolute misfit in a horrible movie, this song takes music to the next level I should say. Be it the interludes or the rendition of a great tune or the typical rahman rhythms, instruments employed, recording quality- This is a stand out song. Definitely in Rahman top 5.

Malargalae Malargalae Idhu enna Kanava

Malaigalae Malaigale Idhu enna Ninaivaa

Urugiyadhae Enadhullam Perugiyadhae Vizhivellam

Vinnodum Nee Dhan Mannodu Nee Dhan

Kannodu Nee Dhan Vaa..Vaa

(Malargalae)

Megam Thirandhu Vandhu, Mannil Irangi Vandhu

Marbil Olindhu Kolla Vaa Vaa…

Marbil Olindhu Kondaal, Maaran Ambu Varum

Koondhalil Olindhu Kolla Varavaaa

En Koondhal Devan Thoongum Palli Araiya Araiya?

Malar Soodum Vayadhil Ennai Marandhu Povadhu Dhan Muraiya??

Ninaikkadha Neramillai Kaadhal Radhiye Radhiye Un Peyarai Sonnaal Podhum

Nindru Vazhi Vidum Kaadhal Nadhiye

En Swaasam Un Moochil, Un Varthai En Pechil

Aindhaaru Nootrandu Vazhvom En Vazhve Vaa

(Malargalae)

Poovil Naavirindhaal, Kaatrum Vai Thirandhaal

Kaadhal Kaadhal Endru Pesum

Nila Thamizh Arindhaal, Alai Mozhi Therindhaal

Nam Mel Kavi Ezhudhi Veesum

Vazhve Or Vazharpirai Dhanae Vanne Nilavae Nilavae

Vaanodu Neelam Pole Uraindhu Ponadhu Dhan Uravae

Urangaadha Neram Kooda Undhan Kanavae

Udalodu Uyirai Pole Uraindhu Ponadhu Dhaan Uravae

Marakkadhu Un Raagam, Marikkadhu En Dhaagam

Unakkaga Uyir Vazhven, Vaa En Vazhve Vaa Malargalae....

(Malargalae)

This song starts as a very soft number till the interludes comes where the percussions steal the thunder. Hariharan joins chithra only in the Charanam and how well! His honey coated voice with Chitra;’s inimitable style of singing makes this song a classy act!

Scored in Hameer Kalyani raga this song is a listener’s pleasure. Vairamuthu’s lyrics add value to the song. This song has been the mobile ringtone of many. We all lap up the song and its really close to my heart.

My bestest pick in this song would be

Ninaikkadha Neramillai Kaadhal Radhiye Radhiye

Un Peyarai Sonnaal Podhum Nindru Vazhi Vidum Kaadhal Nadhiye

En Swaasam Un Moochil, Un Varthai En Pechil

Aindhaaru Nootrandu Vazhvom En Vazhve Vaa

Wow. Period!

Nil Nil Nil Badhil Sol Sol Sol .. Just Stop and listen mates...

The influence of Raja in bringing folk music to TFM is insurmountable. At the same time the way he has patronized classical music in his songs is enviable. Vasantha- an extremely pleasing raga has been used by Music directors all the while in TFM and its imperative that Raja has a few numbers in it too. Albeit in an ordinary movie Paattu paadava, this melody melts many a hearts.

Nil Nil Nil Badhil Sol Sol Sol Enai Vaattaadhae
Vil Vil Vil Un Vizhi Ambil Enai Thaakkaadhae

Nillaamal Badhil Sollaamal Engae
Sendraalum Vida Maattenae Anbae
Dhinam Ennarugil
(Nil Nil Nil Badhil)

Naanam Ellaam Konjam Oyveduthaal
Naan Valaippen Unnai Poongarathaal
Yaegaantha Vaelayil Yaen Indha Oodalgal
Aarambamaanadho Aanandha Thaedalgal
Thaen Koottil Ulla Thaen Yaavum Manam Vendidaadho
Nool Kooda Idai Nuzhayaamal Enai Cherndhidaadho Sol
(Nil Nil Nil Badhil)

Oviyamaai Unnai Theetti Vaithen
Ul Manadhil Adhai Maatti Vaithen
Meen Vizhundha Kannil Naan Vizhundhaen Anbae
Oor Marandhu Endhan Per Marandhaen Anbae
Koo Koo Koo Ena Kai Korthu Kuyil Koovidaadho
Poo Poothu Pani Poo Poothu Madi Thaavidaatho Sol
(Nil Nil Nil Badhil)

This song is sung by Raja himself and Uma Ramanan. Very intelligent use of Vasantha Raga in a rich tune makes this song a listening pleasure. Raja finds it a bit difficult to render the number at some places still a commendable effort from him. Uma ramanan lives up to the reputation of singing the best numbers of Raja. She does apt justice to the tune and elevates it a level higher.

My bestest pick in this song would be

Meen Vizhundha Kannil Naan Vizhundhaen Anbae
Oor Marandhu Endhan Per Marandhaen Anbae

Utter Bliss!! Can Vasantha sound better? J

Nilavae mugam kaatu.. IT WILL MELT YOU !

As I had earlier expressed in one of my earlier posts, Raja has the remarkable ability to render jubilant as well pathos numbers of supreme standards in the same Raga. This song is a testimony to that. Sindhubhairavi for a Pathos number is quite a choice and this song ranks very high among his Sindhubhairavis in TFM.

nilavae mugam kaatu ennai paarthu oLi veesu
alai pol sruthi meetu inidhaana mozhi paesu
iLam poonkodiyae idhu thaai madiyae
(nilavae mugam kaatu)

pani pola neerin odaiyae kalangiyathenna maama
inidhaana thendral unnaiyae oorum kurai sollalaama
kaalam maarum kalakkam eanamma iravillamal pagalum aethamma
naanum piLLaithaan amma naanum kanda kanavau nooraiyaa
enathu thaayum neengaL thaanaiyaa ini un thuNai naan aiyaa
enai searnthathu kodi mullaiyae idhu pola thuNaiyum illaiyae
ini nee en thozhi piLLaiyae

(nilavae mugam kaatu)

sumai pottu paesum oor endraal manam thavithidum maanae
imai neerum kaNNin neer endraal dhinam kudipavan naanae
maalaiodu nadakkum thaeraiyaa nadakkum podhu vaNangum oor aiyaa
unnai meera yaar aiyaa maaman thoLil saaindha mullaiyae
mayangi mayangi paesum kiLLaiyae nee en vaazhvin ellaiyae
idhai meeriya thavam illaiyae ini endha kuraiyum illaiaye
dhinam theerum theerum thollaiyae
(nilavae mugam kaatu)

R.V.Udayakumar is the lucky recipient of two of the best Sindhubhairavi’s of Raja; Muthu mani maala in Chinnagounder and this one in Ejaman. Both differ in the mood, placement, situation but are based on the same Raga. Whats more needed for a director's delight? Whats more surprising is that this movie contains a happy number “Oru naalum unai maravatha” which is also based on the same Sindhubhairavi raga. And we talk about variety. Isn’t Raja a Swaragnani? How can he be so clever to make Oru naalum and Nilave mugam kaattu in the same movie yet not enable the listener to realize that they are based on the same Raaga?

This song is a terrific number rendered by SPB-Janaki combo. Needless to talk about them as they set very high standards everytime they sing together. They live up to it here.

The bestest part I would pick in this number would be the interludes undoubtedly. A stunning masterpiece by genius Raja that will delight listeners for eternity !

Edhu Sugam Sugam Adhu .. Musically Erotic

Dharmavathi has been lapped up by music directors in TFM with ardent support. Raja has given immortal Dharmavathis and Rahman has a couple to his credit too. This is a seductive number in Vandicholai Chinrasu sung by SPB and Vani Jayaram. Quite an unusual song by her but an admirable number. Recording quality of this song deserves a special mention. I use this song to test my earphones and home theater systems. Excellent percussions; great melody and a song that perfectly maintains the “mood” from scratch till end.

Edhu Sugam Sugam Adhu Vendum Vendum

Adhu Dhinam Dhinam Varum Meendum Meendum

Koodum Neram Pala Yugangal Kanangal Aagum

Neengum Neram Sila Kanangal Yugangal Aagum

Vaa Vaa Meendum Meendum Thaalaattu

Vaanam Endhan Tholodu Saayndhadhenna Unnodu

Panju Varna Nenjodu Padukkai Onnu Nee Podu

Saama Vedham Nee Odhu Vaadai Theeyai Thoovum Bodhu

Vaaa Ini Thaangaadhu Thaangaadhu

Kannoram Inneram Sendhooram Undaaga

(Sugam Sugam Adhu )

Kalla Theeyum Onnaachu Kadhal Nenjil Undaachu

Kannil Indru Mullaachu Adhile Thookkam Poyaachu

Paarijaadham Un Dhegam Paarkka Paarkka Bodhai Yerum

Neee Kodu Perinbam Kaiyodu Kai Sera Meiyodu Mei Sera

(Sugam Sugam Adhu )

The bestest part I would pick in this number

Koodum Neram Pala Yugangal Kanangal Aagum

Though the song may not qualify for a family viewing the classical undercurrent certainly melts you. A brilliant number so to say !

Unakenna Mele Nindrai oh nanda lala.. Still a Music competition favorite

MSV has had an unmistakable influence in TFM and this is one of the songs he would feel proud of creating. Unakenna mele ninraai. Vaali’s lyrics, SPB’s rendition makes this song a treat to listen. MSV would have juxtaposed a western bit with this pristine classical melody and boy! Wasn’t it a run-away-hit?

Unakenna Mele Nindrai oh nanda lala
UnadhaaNai Paadugindren naan Romba naala
Thai MAdiyil Pirandhom thamizh Madiyil Valarndhom
NAdiganena Malarndhom

NAadagathil Kalandhom domthathom domthathom…
Paadatha Medai illai Podadha Vesham Illai

Aadatha Medai illai Podadha Vesham Illai

Sindhadha kanneer illai siripukkum panjam illai
Kaal kondu aadum pillai nool kondu Aadum bommai

Un kaiyil andha noola nee sollu Nandhalala !
(Unakenna Mele)
Yaar yaaro nanban yendru yemandha NEnjam undu

Yaar yaaro nanban yendru yemandha NEnjam undu

Poovendru mullai kandu puriyamal nindren indru
Pal pola kallum undu Nirathale Rendum ondru
Naan yenna Kalla Paala Nee sollu Nandha lala
(Unakenna Mele)

This song has stood and will stand the test of time due to the brilliant rendition by SPB which makes this SindhuBhairavi almost unparalleled. My love for this Raga stemmed from this song. Of course Raja has given some divine Sindhubhairavis but this song will remain etched in memories as one of the best SindhuBhairavis. Had only the interludes been as good as Raja’s Muthu mani maalai this song would easily be the best SindhuBhairavi in TFM. Nevertheless a splendid number !

An interesting tit-bit is that MSV had to really plead the director of the movie to place this song in the movie. He confessed this in an interview in a tamil channel. Thank god he insisted so that we are not deprived of one of the best SindhuBhairavis. I fall flat on your feet, MSV sir.

The bestest part I would pick in this number

Un kaiyil andha noola nee sollu Nandhalala !

SPB adores this song and it shows. He has paid back MSV who introduced him to TFM with this song. If a person doesn’t get tears listening to this song he needs to evolve.

Amuthe thamizhe azhagiya mozhiye.. for devout tamils

Songs glorifying tamil are not very common in TFM but some of those which go about doing that are ingrained so much in our memories that they are for us to treasure and rave about. Amudhe Tamizhe azhagiya mozhiye enadhuyire… Need I say more?

sariga sariga sarisari gabagari sariga
sariga sariga sarisari gabagari sariga

amuthe thamizhe azhagiya mozhiye enathuyire
sugam pala tharum thamizh paa (X 2)
suvaiyodu kavithagaL thaa (X 2)
thamizhe naaLum nee paadu (X 2)

theenoorum thevaram isai paattin aathaaram (X 2)
thamizhisaiye thaniyisaiye tharaniyile muthalisaiye
oon mezhugaai urugum karaiyum athil ulagam maranthu
pogum (X 2)
poongguyile ennodu thamizhe naalum nee paadu

ponnalla poovalla porulalla selvanggal (X 2)
kalai palavum payilavarum arivu vaLam perumai tharum
en kanavum ninaivum isaiye isaiyirunthaal maraNamethu (X 2)
en manathil then paaya thamizhe naalum nee paadu

Based on Rasika ranjani raga this is a Tamil/music connoisseur’s delight. P.Suseela and Uma would have sung this song which I believe comes in a situation of a music class. What a song to learn! Both of them would have imbibed the lyrics thoroughly and sung with extreme precision that this song would figure in the best tamil songs(lyrics+tune) of all times.

Very rarely used raga this Rasika ranjani in TFM(recent one is Ethilum ingu from Bharathi) melts you to the core. Written by Pulamai Pithan this song showers encomiums in Tamil that makes every tamilian proud. Incidentally(or calculatedly) he is the lyricist for Ethilum ingu from Bharathi as well. I bow before you sir.

The bestest part I would pick in this number

oon mezhugaai urugum karaiyum athil ulagam maranthu
pogum!

Tamil melts you.. This lyric melts you.. tune melts you and I forget the world! Salute dear Raja!

Aagaaya veNilaave tharai meedhu .. An Ageless melody

Arangetra Velai was a wonderful movie of the 80’s directed by Fazil. His partnership with Raja and Vaali is always the one to watch out for(till Kaatril varum geethame recently). Every music lover adores Aagaya Vennilave song for the sheer brilliance of the melody. What is even more interesting was the point made by Uma in one of the TV shows that the melody follows the 3/4 meter while the percussion is played in 4/4 meter both merging together at 12. Who else other than a genius like Raja could try this?

aagaaya veNilaave tharai meedhu vantha thEnO?
azhahaana aadai soodi arangerum veLai thAnO?
malar soodum koonthale mazhai kaala mEgamai kooda
uravAdum vizhigale iru veLLi meengaLai aada
aagaaya veNilaave tharai meedhu vantha thEnO?
azhahaana aadai sOdi arangerum veLai thAnO?

dEvaara santham koNdu dhinam paadum thendral
poovaaram soodikkoNdu thalai vaasal vanthathintru
thenpANdi mannan entru dhinam meani vaNNam kaNdu
madiyEri vaazhum peNNmai padiyEri vanthathintru
iLaneerum pAlum theanum idhazhOram vaanga vEndum
koduthaalum kaadhal thaabam kuraiyaamal eanga vendum
kadal pOntra Asaiyil madal vaazhai meani thaan Ada
nadu saama vezhaiyil nedu nEram nenjame kooda
(aagaaya veNilaave)

dEvaathi dEvar kootam thudhi pAdum deiva roopam
aadhaadhi dEsamengum oLi veesum kovil deepam
vaadaatha paarijaatham nadai pOdum vaNNa paadham
kELaatha vENu kaanam kiLi pechchi koottak koodum
adiyaaLin jeevan yeari adhihaaram seivathenna?
alangaara deva devi avadhaaram seivathenna?
isai veeNai vaaduthO idhamaana kaigaLil meetta
sudhiyOdu sErumO sugamAna rAgame kaatta
(aagaaya veNilaave)

KJY and Uma have given this number an unmistakable boost with their flawless rendition. These type of songs are typically made-to-taste for Jesudas who has a great command over classical music.

This song is based on Dharbari Kanada raga and the classicism in the song is too good even for the elite musicologists to wonder. Beautiful picturization, measured expressions by Prabhu, Revathi- this song is a delight to hear and watch. This number will be right among the best songs of Raja in my lists.

The bestest part I would pick in this number

iLaneerum pAlum theanum idhazhOram vaanga vEndum
koduthaalum kaadhal thaabam kuraiyaamal eanga vendum
kadal pOntra Asaiyil madal vaazhai meani thaan Ada
nadu saama vezhaiyil nedu nEram nenjame kooda

What do you need more than such songs to smile? An unbelievable number! It took more than a decade for another Dharbari kanada to stand along with this song.. Malare mounama from Karna.. For sure Vidyasagar would go bonkers at this song :) and I do too.. hail Raja !

Poonkadhave thaazh thiravaai.. Musical ecstacy

Raja was the pioneer in experimenting a lot of things in TFM. In spite of not giving pure carnatic classical numbers he has stuck to one Raga throughout the song without being handicapped of improvising on the swaras. Lot of people who have seen the way he composes are flabbergasted at the speed with which he “Writes his music”. It seems that he writes the music for all the accompaniments of vocal as well and gives all of those to the orchestra and when they all play it the song is born and 90% of work is done. What do you call this? Genius in a understatement…

Most of my favorite numbers of Raja are based on Raga Mayamalavagowlai and the song that am going to take today is one of the best Mayamalavgowlai in TFM.

poonkadhavE thaaL thiRavaai poovaai peN paavaai
pon maalai soodidum poovaai peN paavaai

neerOattam pOlOdum aasaik kanavugaL oorgOlam
aahaahaa aanandham aadum ninaivugaL poovaagum
kaadhal dheivam thaan vaazhththum
kaadhalil ooriya dhaagam..mm.
(poonkadhavE thaaL)

thiruth thEgam enakkaagum thEanil nanaindhadhu enn uLLam
ponnaaram poovaazhai aadum thOranam engengum
maalai soodum mangaiyidam
mangaLa vaazhththoli geetham..mm.
(poonkadhavE thaaL)

Inspite of re-using Mayamalavagowlai innumerable times, Raja can still make each Mayamalavagowlai based song stand out with this brilliance. Deepan chakravarthy and Uma Ramanan have tried their best to render this outstanding number. Uma is seriously lucky to get awesome songs of Raja. In a recent TV show when she was asked about who she considers as a legend she immediately said that Raja and just Raja. Such is the greatness of our man.

This movie Nizhalgal marked the entry of Vairamuthu in to filmdom. A great talent that he is, got a right platform to appear- What better than great tunes of Raja?

The bestest part I would pick in this number are the interludes. They sound like pleading you to get mesmerized and they are indeed successful. An outstanding effort quite typical of Raja!

Thenmadurai vaigai nadhi.. a subtle Rajini number :)

Simple pleasing tunes are a rarity today. Raja composed them with amazing regularity during his heydays. Natabhairavi has been one of his frequently used Ragas and the song I am taking today is one such which struck the chord with audience back in 1980s. Its from a movie Dharmathin Thalaivan starring our Superstar and the innocent professor role he plays in the movie is still a delight to watch.

Thenmadurai vaigai nadhi
dhinam paadum thamizh paattu (2)
thaeygindradhu
thaeygindradhu pon maalai nila
thaeyaadhadhu nam aasai nila
idhu vaanam poalae vaazhum paasam

(thenmadurai...)

piLLai poala ennai ingae kaiyil yaendhum dheivam engae
aNNan nalla thandhai neeyae ennai kaathu nee sendraayae
gangai poala kaNNeer koNdu mangai neeyum nindraay ingae
annai poala unnai paarthaen aNNi undhan kaNNeer theerpaen
aNNan vazhi nam paadhai aNNan mozhi nam geethai
aNNan uyir nammoadu endrum varum pinnoadu
nam naesam paasam naaLum vaazhga

(thenmadurai...)

nenjil ennai naaLum vaithu konjum vaNNa thoagai ondru
manjaL maalai maeLam yaavum kaNNil kaaNum kaalam uNdu
poovai soodi pottum vaikka maaman uNdu maanae maanae
uLLam thannai koLLai koNda kaLvan ingu naanae naanae
unnoadu dhaan en jeevan ondraakkinan nam devan
needhaanamma en thaaram maaRaadhamma ennaaLum
indha naesam paasam naaLum vaazhga

(thenmadurai...)

A good natabhairavi, this is, appears to be a western number as Raja uses Piano throughout the song. SPB, Malaysia Vasudevan and Suseela(at the end) have had a ball in this song.

The bestest part I would pick in this number is

Poovai soodi pottum vaikka maaman uNdu maanae maanae
uLLam thannai koLLai koNda kaLvan ingu naanae naanae

Subtle expressions, decent picturization, melting tune isn’t this taking a western scent to the masses? Raja rules !

Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularugirean.. Rahman's Class !

Charukesi, as confessed in one of my previous posts, is one of my favorite ragas.Rahman chose to deliver a mindblowing Charukesi in his imitable style albeit in an inconspicuous movie. Hariharan and Sadhana sargam proved a pair to reckon after SPB/Janaki and in my opinion made the impossible, possible- that is singing this song as Rahman imagined while he created it. Today in music competitions people aim at imitating this song with only a few at least coming to a touching distance to the original. An unbeleivable number!

Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...

Kaadhal...Theendavae.... Kaadhal...Theendavae
Kadal Dhaaham Theendhadhae
Unnalae Thannalae
Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...Kaadhal...Kaadhal...

Un Paadhi Vaazhgirean
Yen Paadhi Thaeygirean
Unnalae Thannalae
Yennalum...

Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...Kaadhal...Kaadhal...

Yennai Kalaiththuvittean
Yen Unnai Adaindhuvittean
Unnai Adaindhadhenaal
Yen Yennai Tholaiththuvittean
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Thoalaindhean Neendaenoa
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Meendum Thoalaivaenoa
Aayul Aanavarai
Un Koondhal Iruttil Yen Kizhakku Tholaindhum
Kaadhal...Theendavae

Moochchin Kuzhigalilae...Uyir Ootri Aniththuvaithean
Koochcham Varuhayilae...Udal Maatri Nuzhaindhuvittean
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Yaedhoa Aanaenoa
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Neeyaay Aanaenoa
Aayul Aanavanae
Yen Naetri Kaanayil Ootrai Thirandhu
Kaadhal...
Kaadhal...Theendavae... Kaadhal...Theendavae
Kadal Dhaaham Theendhadhae
Unnalae Thannalae
Uyirae Uyirae Ularuhirean
Ulariyum Kavidhaigal Yezhudhuhirean
Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...Kaadhal...

Hariharan really has proved innumerable times that he has the most nimble vocal chord in film music. Its almost impossible to replicate his rendition in this song and Sadhana would have had to be at her best to match him and she does it with élan. Am amazed at the complexity of the tune and even then how can some sing it so flawlessly.. Am really overwhelmed and proud to be in an era when these folks are ruling music world J

The bestest part is almost un-pick-able here. Be it kaadalllllllllllllllllllllllll…. Or Yennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnai Kalaiththuvittean the vocalists have taken us to a blissful world and I really adore this song beyond words.. However I get lost in the ocean of music while i hear

Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Thoalaindhean Neendaenoa
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Meendum Thoalaivaenoa
Aayul Aanavarai

What a song!

Thendral vanthu enai thodum.. Need i say more?

It is impossible to pick top 3 or 5 numbers of Raja. Maximum feasible effort would be to pick top 50 or 100 because right at the top there is almost no way we can categorize a few songs as the best. Is it possible to compare two blissful feelings? At least This song definitely deserves its rightful place at the top as acknowledged by Raja himself in an Interview.

Thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

pagaley poividuu iravey pai kodu

nilavey paneerai thuvi oaiiveduu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

thural podum inneram

tholil sainthal podhum

saral paadum sangeetham

kalgal thalam podum

theriinthaa piraguu thiraigal edarku

ninainthaa piraguu nanam edharku

marbil saaiuum podhuu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

pagaley poividuu iravey pai kodu

nilavey paneerai thuvi oaiiveduu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

degham engum minsaram painthatheno anbaey

mogam vandhu en marbil vizhnthathenoo kaney

malarnda kodiyoo mayangi kidakum

idazhin rasangal enaku pidikum

saram oorum neram

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

pagaley poividuu iravey pai kodu

nilavey paneerai thuvi oaiiveduu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

Composed in Hamsanadham raga, this has the ability to elicit tears when you hear it. KJY and Janaki have sung it with admirable comfort that this song is a delight for singers in competitive music fests. Amazing classical current has been maintained throughout the song and this is really a listener’s delight.

Mohan has been the lucky actor to get most of Raja’s awe inspiring numbers and this one is just too melting. He owes his life to Raja.. :) isn't it?

My “bestest pick” in the song would be the interlude before charanams.

Thoroughly inspired from this song is one of the recent title songs in Sun TV teleserial “Malargal” – Arisi maavaale kolam podu. This Raga is known for its beauty and we have other amazing hamsanadhams in TFM as well. Whatever comes in future, this song of Raja will continue to inspire composers and listeners even after 50 years from now.

Quoting a phrase I head somewhere “Manidhanaga pirantha ovvoruvarum alli alli paruga vendiya Amrudhamada idhu”. Just do not miss this song!

Thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa.. a bharadwaj musical feast

Long long ago, in doordarshan during the advent of Mega-serials there used to be a long yet decent(unlike what we have now) serial named as Vizhudhugal. The title song of that serial is a very sweet Kalyani that even today I hum it occasionally. Why I say this is that, it was the first time I got to listen to a composition from (Ramani) Bharadwaj. I should say he is brilliant in patches for some of this songs are so good that it exceeds his average quality by a long mile.

Thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa
paiyya thaa paiyya thaa panju mutham thaa
uyir vaazhgira varaikkum unakke madi koduppen
ini oar janmam irundhal unakke meendum pirappen
unadhu kanavil ninaivil uruvil naane endrum iruppaeeen

Thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa
paiyya thaa paiyya thaa panju mutham thaa

Nilangal udaindhu poonalum nizhalgal udaivadhillai
nesam paasam nijamaanadhu
mazhayil kiligal nanaindhaalum saaya poovadhillai
anbe nam kaadhal adhu poondradhu
pennukku peraasai veru ondrum illai
sonnadhu seyidhaale nigar yedhum illai
nee urudhiyaanavan yen urimaiyaanavan
pasi rusiyai pagal iruvai pagindhu kollum thalaivan

Thaiyathaaa thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa
paiyya thaa paiyya thaa panju mutham thaa

Piravi vandhu poonalum uravu murivathillai
uyirai uyiraal murukketravaa
unnai poondra anbaalan yaarku vaaiku meendum
udalai udalaal kulippaatavaa
oruganam nee yennai pirinthaalum kannaa
maruganam naan unnai serum varam vendum
unnai irukki anaikkiraen uyir nuraikka rasikkiren
anu anuvaai unai pizhandhu yen aayul adaippen

Saadhana Sargam- In my opinion the best import for TFM from north India. She’s my favorite non-south singer and comes in my top 3 best women singers that we have(along with Sujatha and Chithra). So mellifluous and so complete her singing is that its purely a delight. To put it simply no one could have sang this song better. The high pitch rendition of the song has been delivered flawlessly by this genius of a singer and the rich tune really deserves kudos.

This song is a sublime Charukesi number. I am very fond of this Raga and Bharadwaj has certainly given his best here that he proves he is a noticeable entity in TFM

The bestest part I would pick in this mesmerizing number is

oruganam nee yennai pirinthaalum kannaa
maruganam naan unnai serum varam vendum
unnai irukki anaikkiraen uyir nuraikka rasikkiren
anu anuvaai unai pizhandhu yen aayul adaippen

Though am not quite convinced at the way the song has been picturized, it still is a song for me to adore. Hats off to Bharadwaj to give a pure classical number in this age. Wish he does this more in time to come...

Janani janani... Jagam nee Agam nee

This song could have been my first post. In all Ilayaraja’s live-on-stage concerts he would start with this song for it sets the divine platform for the concert to follow. I guess even he knows that this is his best song in his extraordinary career. This song will go down in the annals of TFM as one of the most profound compositions. A blog is not enough to express what you “experience” when you hear this song. Janani Janani from Thaai mookambigai. Need I say more?

Shivah shakthya yukto yadi bhavati shaktah prabhavitum
Na chedevam devo na khalu kusalah spanditumapi
Atas tvam aradhyam Hari-Hara-Virinchadibhir api
Pranantum stotum vaa katham akrta-punyah prabhavati

janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee

oru maan mazhuvum siru koon piraiyum
sadai vaar kuzhalum pidai vaaganamum
konda naayaganin kulir dhegaththilae
ninra naayagiyae ida baagaththilae
jagan moahini nee simma vaahini nee
jagan moahini nee simma vaahini nee


janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee


chathur vaedhangalum panja boodhangalum
shan maarkkangalum saptha theerththangalum
ashta yoagangalum nava yaagangalum
thozhum poongadalae malai maamagalae
alai maa magal nee kalai maa magal nee
alai maa magal nee kalai maa magal nee

janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee

swarna raegaiyudan svayamaagi vandha
linga roopiniyae mookambigaiyae
pala sthothirangal dharma saasthirangal
panindhe thuvathum mani nethirangal
sakthi peedamum nee sarva moatchamum nee
sakthi peedamum nee sarva moatchamum nee
sakthi peedamum nee sarva moatchamum nee

janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee.

Starting with soundarya lahari composed by the great Aadi Sankara himself this song is filmed in the movie as sung by Aadi Sankara on Mookambigai. A devotional masterpiece composed in Kalyani can move even the most immovable heart. This song is a synonym of Bhakthi.

Raja sings this song himself. Though I should say that a more professional singer could have rendered the song slightly better I guess he deserved the honor of singing it for the flawless spiritual quotient he has and exhibits in this song.

Lyrics are out of the world as much as the tune. Usage of Veena and Flute gives you such a pleasure that when you close your eyes(which you automatically do when you hear this song) you feel you are near God. J

The bestest part I would pick in this number is the place where Raja goes aaaaaaaaaaaaa…. before Sakthi peetamum nee….

Its an unforgettable and inimitable song. Period !

Atrai thingal vaanidam.. One bright spot in a soporific movie

I guess Vidyasagar has taken the sole ownership of outstanding Dharbari Kaanada numbers in TFM and this song is the latest mesmerizing (Dharbari) Kaanada from the movie Sivappadhikaram. In an otherwise ordinary movie this song gets you hooked to it so tight that when I came out of the theater nothing else in the movie stayed in my mind. I was literally drooling over the tune and here it is.

Atrai thingal vaanidam alli chendo neeridum
sutrum thendral poovidam surkum raagam yaazhidum
kaanigindra kaadhal ennidum naan thaedigindra yaavum unnidum

adithoda mudithoda aasai perigida naerum palavidha paribhashai
podi pada podi pada naanam podi pada kaetkum manadhinil uyirosai
mudi thoda mugam thoda moaagam muzhkida vaeeerkum mudhuginil ithihaasam
urugida urugia yaekkum urugida koodum analidhu kulur veesum
kulunginean udal koosida kiranginean viral meithida
mayanginean sugam seirndhida thalimbinean enai nee thoda paaindhida aaindhida

kaanigindra kaadhal ennidum naan thaedigindra yaavum unnidum

atrai thingal vaanidam alli chendo neeridum
sutrum thendral poovidam surkum raagam yaazhidum

udal yedhu udai yedhu thaedum nilai idhu kaadhal kadanidhu adayadhu
iravedhu pagaledhu thengum sugamidhu saagum varayilum mudiyadhu
kanavedhu ninaivedhu keatkum pozhudhidhu kaamappasi vara adangaadhu
valamedhu idhamidhu vaattum kadhayidhu thendum varayilum vizhangaadhu
nadungallam kulir vaadayil adangalaam unadhu aadayil
thayangalaam idaivaelayil urangalaam adhikaalayil koodalil koodalil

After Malare mounama, Nee Kaatru, Ore Manam Vidyasagar proves he can still churn outstanding Dharbari kaanadas through this song. Madhu Balakrishnan proves he is a perfect foil of KJY and he is so close to perfection. Sujatha’s voice can only get younger with time. She continues to astound me with how fresh she can sound in every song she sings. An absolute singing sensation that she is, Vidyasagar would have not hesitated for a millisecond to rope her to sing for him here. Even in low pitch she brings out the beauty of the tune perfectly and overall a perfect performance in all counts. Amazing percussions and very adept handling of the Raga makes this song very very special..

The bestest part I would pick in this number is

kulunginean udal koosida kiranginean viral meithida
mayanginean sugam seirndhida thalimbinean enai nee thoda paaindhida aaindhida

Vidyasagar sir! Enough of Kuthu songs.. Get back to what you do best… Scintillate us with such soul touchers!

Kalyaana maalai kondaadum pennae.. so simple to be this good !

This song is one of my hot picks of Raja. Directed by K.B this is the title song of what had to be the last association between Raja and K.B. Without exaggeration the movie worked out in box office because of the stirring songs.

Kalyaana maalai kondaadum pennae en paattaik kaelu unmaigal solvaen

suruthiyoadu layam poalavae inaiyaagum thunaiyaagum samsaara sangeedhamae

(kalyaana maalai)

vaalibangal oadum vayadhaagakkoodum anaalum anbu maaraadhammaa

maalaiyidum sondham mudipoatta bandham pirivennum sollae ariyaadhammaa

azhagaana manaivi anbaana thunaivi adaindhaalae paerinbamae

madimeedhu thuyila sarasangal payila moagangal aarambamae

nalla manaiyaalin naesam oru koadi nenjamenum veenai paadumae thoadi

sandhoasha saamraajyamae...

(kalyaana maalai)

koovuginra kuyilaik koottukkul vaiththu paadenru sonnaal paadaadhammaa

soalaimayil thannai siraivaiththup pootti aadenru sonnaal aadaadhammaa

naaldhoarum rasigan paaraattum kalainjan kaavalgal enakkillaiyae

soagangal enaakum nenjoadu irukkum sirikkaadha naalillaiyae

thukkam silanaeram pongivarumboadhum makkal manampoalae paaduvaen kannae

en soagam ennoadudhaan...

(kalyaana maalai)

In the movie this song is sung by a singer stung by the stupid tantrums of his wife and Raja would have fused an inherent sadness in it. Raja proves how music can take the movie and the listener to a different level.

Soothing orchestra, unbelievable rendering by SPB has made this song one of the evergreen hits of Raja.

My bestest part of this song comes in Charanam.

‘Azhagana manaivi anbana thunaivi amaindhaale perainbame !

Madi meedhu thuyila sarasangal payila mogangal aarambame !’

Its god’s gift that the music director is able to think of such a tune. Listen to the violin BGM while the song goes on.. how it blends beautifully with the vocals.

This song is one of the pathos Sindhu bhairavi's from Raja. One of the best Sindhu bhairavi creations. Can you beleive Muthu mani maala and this song are of the same Raga? Raja is Brahma for TFM :)

Malarodu malar ingu maghizhnthadum bothu....Bliss !

 This is in my top 3 most loved songs.

‘Madham ennum madam oyattum ! Desam malar meedhu thuyil kollattum’ Need I say more? There are some verses which touch your soul and this is one such.

Outstanding tune. unbeleivable rendering by the chorus. Its a theme for unity and national integration and isn't Rahman a master at work?

Malarodu malar ingu maghizhnthadum bothu

manathodu manam ingu pagai koLvatheno?

madham ennum madham oyattum

desam malar meethu thuyil kollatum

vazhikindra kaneeril enam illayee

uthirathin neram ingu verillaye

kaatrukku dhisai illlai desam illai

manathodu manam seratum

(malarodu malar engu..)

thuli ellam kai korthu kadal aagatum

kadalodu kadal serattum

thugal ellam ondragi malai aagatum

vinnodu vinn seratum

vidiyatha iravondrum vaanil illai

oliyodu oli seratum

I cant find any flaw in the song ! I cant pick the bestest part here as the song in itself is just impeccable and this is a treat for the Music lover ! Rahman. You are pure class!

Isaiyaraja..

I revere Raja, the genius. He has done so much to TFM that we should be proud to live in his era. Many other music directors like Rahman, Deva, Vidyasagar have definitely taken leaves out of Raja's book and given a few numbers even Raja would be proud of.

This "Song of the day" SOTD is to write ones that I love so much. Recently I have aggregated a few songs in same raga together and collated a chunk of 1000 songs classified in around 150 ragas. The reason why i did this is to identify patterns in the way music directors handle a classical raga. To my astonishment, Raja has not stuck to one pattern while handling a Raga even if he has composed 100 numbers in the same Raga. His talent leaves me gasping about God's complete grace bestowed upon Raja and in turn to us, the benefited listeners. World knows it and there is nothing new when i say, Raja is a genius.

Apart from Ragas, the way he handles the Rhythm in songs is interesting and very experimental.. Some examples being Aagaya vennilave, Paartha Vizhi paartha padi.. etc. While its tough even to imitate that, what to say of the person who creates these tunes. There are other songs where the rhythm is trademark Raja. For instance Raasave unnai vida maaten from Aranmanai kili. You would have heard around 100 songs with similar rhythm but the way he has shown varieties in handling melodies would just mesmerise listeners.

In the ages before Raja(1960-70), Tamil film music was very classical oriented and college goers during that period used to lap up with the Hindi film songs from Kishore, Mukesh,Rafi et all. When Raja came and stormed in to TFM the tamil film music, folk music became so famous thanks to his genius. That generation of youngsters started getting glued to TFM and slowly Tamil songs began robbing hearts of many even in north. In his era he had no competition. When Rahman entered the trade, Hindi audience started lapping up tamil music. Even Rahman acknowledges that Raja has been his inspiration in composing soulful music. Thats the change Rahman has brought about. All said and done, though am a Rahmaniac I’d still put the soul stirring works of Raja ahead. Not to compare coz they are geniuses in their own right. Can we compare Sivaji Ganesan and Kamalhasan? Rahman/Kamal had the chance to see the world sitting on Raja/Sivaji's shoulders. Lets pray more such geniuses continue to arrive and delight us.

His songs define longevity;defy boredom. The song Ninnai Charanadainthen Kannamma from Bharathi- rendered by Bombay Jayashree – when listened with eyes closed brings tears. Its an expression of godliness. Lyrics are godly – music is divine and rendition touches you so deep that you are left with a blissful feel !

Hail Raja ! Thank god he gave ears to listen to Raja's music. :)

Sivappu Lolaakku kulungudhu... Rajasthani royal treatment

Today its gonna be a song which many might have not listened off late but while it was released it was a rage among girls in particular. Starring the ultimate star the movie Kadhal kottai was a run-away hit and Deva did more than a decent job in his score. In fact he was one of the pivotal reasons for the success of the movie. The song I am going to talk about today is “Sivappu lolaakku kulungida..” based on Raga Mohanam. So much to the brilliance of Deva that he composed another Mohanam in the movie “Vellarikka pinju Vellarikka…” and people talk about him as just-a-copy-cat? He was a shadow of Ilayaraja then and there is no exaggeration while I say this!

Sivappu Lolaakku Kulungudhu Kulungudhu
Mookkil Bullaakku Jolikudhu Jolikudhu
Sivappu Lolaakku Kulungudhu Kulungudhu
Mookkil Bullaakku Jolikudhu Jolikudhu
Ammamma Amsamaa Yaana Mela Poraama
Kan Jaada Kai Jaada Kaatti Kaatti Poraama
Rajasthaanin Chinna Ponnu Aengudhu Aengudhu Kombu Thaenu.
Sivappu Lolaakku Kulungudhu Kulungudhu
Mookkil Bullaakku Jolikudhu Jolikudhu

Malaioram Malaioram Manam Alayudhu Kalaioram
Vilayaadum Vilayaadum Engal Thamizh Annai Kavi Paadum
Malaioram Malaioram Manam Alayudhu Kalaioram
Vilayaadum Vilayaadum Engal Thamizh Annai Kavi Paadum
Enga Ooru Kaatru Vandhu Indha Ooril Veesudhadi
Ootagathil Aerikittu Oora Chuththi Kaattidhadi
Ettukatta Mettu Katti Enna Paattu Naan Paada
Sangadhigal Onnu Rendu Ingae Angae Naan Poda
Rajasthaanin Chinna Ponnu Aengudhu Aengudhu Kombu Thaenu.

Thoduvaanam Thoduvaanam Indha Azhagugal Thodum Vaanam
Tholai Thooram Tholai Thooram Dinam Kanavugal Nadai Podum
Thoduvaanam Thoduvaanam Indha Azhagugal Thodum Vaanam
Tholai Thooram Tholai Thooram Dinam Kanavugal Nadai Podum
Suthi Suthi Ennai Suthi Suthuraale Chinna Kutti
Muthu Muthu Palla Kaatti Muththamidum Vella Katti
Pottazhaghu Nethiyile Ittukolla Veikaadha
Kattazhaghu Oosi Kondu Kuthi Kuthi Theikaadha
Rajasthaanin Chinna Ponnu Aengudhu Aengudhu Kombu Thaenu.

A good mohanam in this song becomes a great mohanam because of SPB’s rendition. A diamond to TFM, he has made even ordinary songs sound fantastic, why to talk about good songs. Even after these many songs in his career there is still a freshness in his voice and its tough to replace him when he retires. He’s someone like Sachin.

The bestest part I would pick in this number is

Ettukatta Mettu Katti Enna Paattu Naan Paada
Sangadhigal Onnu Rendu Ingae Angae Naan Poda

The song reverberates in my mind so much.. Greatness of Mohanam and the composition. A Pat on the back, Deva sir!

Ennulle Ennulle... Taking Western music to masses

Raja seems to have a special liking for Keeravani Raga. The ultimate strength of Raja is that he can make a Raga suit any mood with adept handling. He can make the same tune for a happy duet and same for a pathos number. He has got the brain of a genius to compose 100 songs in the same Keeravani but no two of them alike. Only a knowledgeable ear can even decipher or relate the songs of same raga particularly in Keeravani.

The song I am gonna take today is from the movie Valli. “Ennulle ennulle pala minnal ezhum neram” Really this song goes very very very deep inside you. The movie produced by our Superstar Rajnikanth had 2 masterpiece numbers in it and one of them is this one.

You should listen to this song played by Rajhesh Vaidhya in Veena. You’ll shed tears in joy! Guaranteed bliss!

Ennullae Ennullae Pala Minnal Ezhum Naeram
Engengo Engengo En Ennam Poagum Dhooram
Ennullae Ennullae Pala Minnal Ezhum Naeram
Engengo Engengo En Ennam Poagum Dhooram
Naan Mei Marandhu Maara Oar Vaarthai Illai Koora
Edhuvo Oar Moagam
Ennullae Ennullae Pala Minnal Ezhum Naeram
Engengo Engengo En Ennam Poagum Dhooram

Kannirandil Nooaru Vennilaakkal Thoandrum
Aanaalum Anal Paayum
Naadi Engum Yaedho Naadha Vellam Oadum
Aanaalum Enna Dhaagam
Mei Silirkkum Vannam Thee Valarthadhenna
Dhoobam Poadum Naeram Thoondilittadhenna
Ennaiyae Kaettu Yaenginaen Naan

Ennullae Ennullae Pala Minnal Ezhum Naeram
Engengo Engengo En Ennam Poagum Dhooram

Koodu Vittu Koodu Jeevan Paayum Poadhu
Ondril Ondraai Kalandhaada
Oon Kalandhu Oonum Ondru Pada Dhyaanam
Aazhnilaiyil Arangaera
Kaalamendra Thaerae Aadidaamal Nillu
Ikkanathai Poalae Inbam Edhu sollu
Kaanbavai Yaavum Sorgamae Dhaan

Ennullae Ennullae Pala Minnal Ezhum Naeram
Engengo Engengo En Ennam Poagum Dhooram
Naan Mei Marandhu Maara Oar Vaarthai Illai Koora
Edhuvo Oar Moagam
Ennullae Ennullae Pala Minnal Ezhum Naeram
Engengo Engengo En Ennam Poagum Dhooram

This song starts like a classical dance number(with sound of salangai and rich percussion with mridangam) and suddenly Raja glides to a western style sans percussion. Swarnalatha has always been lucky to get awe-inspiring numbers of Raja and she continues to prove that she is in the same league as Chithra. Supposed to be a seductive number the tune really makes you fall in love with it.

The bestest part I would pick in the song is in Charanam

Mei Silirkkum Vannam Thee Valarthadhenna
Dhoobam Poadum Naeram Thoondilittadhenna
Ennaiyae Kaettu Yaenginaen Naan

Without exaggeration only Raja can compose such a classic!!

This song as I mentioned earlier is composed in Keeravani and Raja delivers one of the most sublime Keeravanis in this number.

And really “Naam Mei Marandhu Maara Oar Vaarthai Illai Koora”. Raja is GREAT !

Edhilum ingu iruppan avan yaaro- A tribute to God !

Kamalahasan remarked during Ilayaraja's live show at Chennai that Tamilnadu was saved from the ignominy of not glorifying legends like Bharathiyar by honouring Ilayaraja in the manner. It is a very profound statement and Kamal deserves kudos to put it as he did, on stage :)

Why did I start with this? Today's SOTD is from the movie Bharathi. A poet like Bharathi is yet to be born and in all probability will never. The song that I am going to talk about now, is however not written by him. But its written so well that Bharathi would not feel bad to have it somewhere in his biography :) A befitting song filmed on a befitting genius composed by the soul-proprietor Ilayaraja (thanks to Parthiban for the term)

Ethilum ingu iruppAn avan yArO
EnakkuL avan iruppAn arivArO
Thavazhum nadhiyai tharitha mudiyAn
Adiyum mudiyum aRiya mudiyAn
ELiya adiyar Odhum vEdha nAdhamAgi
(Ethilum)

Varippuli athazh tharithavan ezhil kaNdEn
PiRappenum piNi aRuppavan thuNai KoNden
Tamizhkkavi tharum enakkoru varam
Tarath thiruvuLam veNdum
Sagathirukkenai tarath thagum neRi
Vaguthida thuNai veNdum.
Aalam karu neelam ena theriyum oru kaNtan
ANdum thiruth thoNdan enum adiyAk koru thoNdan
Pattruth thaLaikku neruppavan
Ottraik kaNathil azhippavan
Nettrip piRaikkuL neruppai vaLarthu
(Ethilum)

Thodakkamum adhan adakkamum avan vElai
Nadappadhum adhai thaduppadhum avan leelai
UdukkaLil saram thodutthavan thalai mudikkaNiyavum koodum
Perukkalum adhai vagutthalum adhai kazhitthalum avan pAdam
Marum yugam dhorum avan kaNakkin padiyAgum
MaNNum uyar viNNum avan oru kaippidiyAgum
Sattam anaithum vagutthavan
Thittam anaithum thogutthavan
Ottrap padithu muditha uruthan
(Ethilum)

This song is penned by Pulamaipithan. A very complex lyric drenched in powerful tamil really stuns the listener. Who else other than Raja can do justice to such a lyric? Whether the lyric was written for the tune or otherwise, either way they fit the bill 200% pukkah!

The puns employed in this song is of very high quality and they merit great appreciation.

“Perukkalum adhai vagutthalum adhai kazhitthalum avan pAdam” to quote one

This song is composed in Raga Rasikaranjani(or something that is very close to this) and the violin employed in the composition is as worth as gold. A very rarely used Raga in TFM and may be Raja reserved it for just one of his most sublime numbers.

My bestest part in this song will be the 2 places

UdukkaLil saram thodutthavan thalai mudikkaNiyavum koodum
Perukkalum adhai vagutthalum adhai kazhitthalum avan pAdam
Marum yugam dhorum avan kaNakkin padiyAgum
MaNNum uyar viNNum avan oru kaippidiyAgum

And the interlude before the second paragraph in charanam.

This song is a Connoisseur’s delight. Rarely do we get an outstanding combination of a great tune and a rich verse. And how fitting its from the movie Bharathi...

Mudhan Mudhalil Paarthen- Deva's unoriginal yet inspiring number

Kalyani. My most favorite Raga. Many music directors have given many numbers and Raja can perform a live concert just in Kalyani keeping the audience in trance. Today my SOTD is a song in Kalyani, but composed(or inspired from a similar Hindi number- I don’t give a damn) by Deva. Deva is one of the most under rated and insulted music director in films. Yes. He does re-use songs composed by other music director but still manages to give a good number without robbing off its beauty. I don’t support this neither do I reprimand coz as a listener I am looking for songs that would really touch me. In his peak, I could even say he was a shadow of Ilayaraja. People who refuse to accept this really have not heard some of his best. Anyways, now to the song.

Mudhan Mudhalil Paarthaen Kaadhal Vandhadhae

Enai Marandhu Endhan Nizhal Pogudhae

Ennil Indru Naanae Illai Kaadhal Poala Yaedhum Illai

Ennil Indru Naanae Illai Kaadhal Poala Yaedhum Illai

Engae Endhan Idhayam Anbae Vandhu Saerndhadhaa

(Mudhal Mudhalil Paarthaen Kaadhal Vandhadhae)

Nandhavanam Idho Ingae Dhaan

Naan Endhan Jeevanai Naerinil Paarthaen

Nallavalae Anbae Unnaal Dhaan

Naalaigal Mael Oru Nambikkai Kondaen

Nodikkoru Tharam Unnai Ninaikka Vaithaai

Adikkadi Ennudal Silirkka Vaithaai

Nodikkoru Tharam Unnai Ninaikka Vaithaai

Adikkadi Ennudal Silirkka Vaithaai

Mudhal Paarvai Nenjil Endrum Uyir Vaazhumae

Uyir Vaazhumae

(Mudhal Mudhalil Paarthaen Kaadhal Vandhadhae)

Yaezhu Swaram Ettaai Aagaadho

Naan Konda Kaadhalin Aazhathai Paada

Dhaegam Engum Kangal Thoanraadho

Nee Ennai Paarkaiyil Naanathai Mooda

Irudhayam Muraip Padi Thudikkavillai

Idharku Mun Enakkidhu Nigazhndhadhillai

Irudhayam Muraip Padi Thudikkavillai

Idharku Mun Enakkidhu Nigazhndhadhillai

Naan Kanda Maatram Ellaam Nee Thandhadhu

Nee Thandhadhu

(Mudhal Mudhalil Paarthaen Kaadhal Vandhadhae)

Hariharan is the best possible singer for classical based tunes and Deva did the best thing by roping Hariharan and chithra in.

This song gave face to a seemingly inconspicuous film(albeit one of my favorite movies) Aaha- a light family comedy which is worth the buck for a evening movie...

My bestest pick hmmmmmmm…. L it’s the whole song for the tune!! But still the lyrics makes me mention this

Nodikkoru Tharam Unnai Ninaikka Vaithaai

Adikkadi Ennudal Silirkka Vaithaai

What a way to sing this, dear Hari.. Hats off!

Kalyani Raga will be a recurring one in my posts and this post is really close to my heart. I have felt bad a lot of times for today’s Deva who seems to have really lost the brilliance he once had.. Loss for us !

Kaadhal Rojave. A debut to savor..

Year 1992. Who could have imagined Manirathnam will part with his favorite music director Raja(or the converse – who knows what conspired) and recruit a less known 26 year old ad-jingle composer? And who expected that it’s the start of a storm that would conquer Indian music lovers in time to come? Through one of the greatest debuts in Tamil Film Music, Roja was born. Pristine recording quality, innovative use of Instruments, an ultimate story line-am stopping here running out of superlatives. To me, till now this is the best tamil album I have heard so far.

So whats my SOTD today? Rahman in one of his Interviews remarked that he saw SPB while he was young and dreamt that SPB would sing the best song(in his opinion) in his first film(theoretically it wasn’t his first film as a couple of less known Mallu films were under his belt already though) . His dream realized when SPB sang this number for him.

kaadhal roajaavae engae nee engae
kanneer vazhiyudhadi kannae
kannukkul needhaan kanneeril needhaan
kanmoodip paarththaal nenjukkul needhaan
ennaanadhoa aedhaanadhoa sol sol

(kaadhal)

thenral ennaith theendinaal saelai theendum njaabagam
chinnap pookkal paarkkaiyil dhaegam paarththa njaabagam
velli oadai paesinaal sonna vaarththai njaabagam
dhaegam rendum saergaiyil moagam konda njaabagam
vaayillaamal poanaal vaarththai illai kannae
neeyillaamal poanaal vaazhkkai illai kannae
mulloadudhaan muththangalaa sol sol

(kaadhal)

veesuginra thenralae vaelai illai inru poa
paesuginra vennilaa penmai illai oayndhu poa
poo valarththa thoattamae koondhal illai thaeindhu poa
boomi paarkkum vaanamae pulliyaagath thaeindhu poa
paavai illai paavai thaevai enna thaevai
jeevan poana pinnae saevai enna saevai
mulloadudhaan muththangalaa sol sol

(kaadhal)

A SPB pathos number, it is that which completely suits the situation in the film. The hero who is captured by terrorists misses his wife/lover. For a debutant to compose such a masterpiece is truly foreboding the genius he was to exhibit in times to come. Every lover atleast once in his life would feel so near to this song.. Such is the profoundness of the tune.

This song has been composed in Kaapi raga. SPB is a master in bringing the mood of the song in his voice and he does it to perfection in this. While I rave about SPB and the tune, I had no hesitation in arriving at my “bestest” part in the song –Sujatha’s lalalalala lalalaaaa lala laalaalaaaa……” In one her interviews about Rahman, she said that she knew Rahman since his early days and once he called her and recorded this piece what she thought was for some jingle. She was amazed that it was fit in such a song in such a manner.

Hats off to the master. Rahman rocks !! and this song will remain in my top 10 list, come what may!

Malare Mounama? Musical feast !

Generally I have an opinion that Raja does the best justice to a Raga and other music directors can only race for the second spot. But till today am yet to hear a better song in Dharbari kanada than this number from a movie Karna though Aagaya vennilave gives a tough competition. Literally an immortal song from Vidyasagar. Period!

malarae mounamaa mounamae vaedhamaa
malargal paesumaa paesinaal oayumaa anbae

(malarae)

paadhi jeevan kondu dhaegam vaazhndhu vandhadho
meedhi jeevan unnai partha poadhu vandhadho
aedhoa sugam ulloorudhae aenoa manam thallaadudhae (2)
viralgal thodavaa virundhaith tharavaa
maarboadu kangal moodavaa

(malarae)

kanavu kandu endhan kangal moodik kidandhaen
kaatru poala vandhu kangal mellath thirandhaen
kaatrae enaik killaadhiru poovae ennaith thallaadhiru (2)
uravae uravae uyirin uyirae
pudhu vaazhkai thandha vallalae

(malarae)

SPB, Janaki have been one of the most enviable pairs to render stunning numbers and not for nothing. This, I believe will be there in their personal top 10 as well.

As already mentioned this song has been composed in Dharbari kanada raga. Use of flute gives a very homely feel for the song and it’s really a treasure for connoisseurs of good music.

I found it really difficult to pick my “bestest” part in the song coz almost the complete song gives a lovely feeling. After many hearings I would pick the way SPB and Janaki sing Malare after the second para in charanam.

Very sad that off late Vidyasagar has gotten in to the mould of an average music director after churning out memorable masterpieces. I wish he comes out of the commercial web and gives us stunners like the one above. Definitely he can. Lets hope !!

Ragasiyamaai..The Haunting Secretive song...

After two gems from Raja, here is one from the junior Raja who has not made it big so far in TFM. Its from a movie Dum Dum Dum featuring Madhavan and Jo.

Ragasiyamaai ragasiyamaai punnagaithaal porul ennavo

adhisayamaai avasaramaai mozhi tholaindhaal porul ennavo

solla thudikkum vaarthai kirangum

thondai kuzhiyil oosi irangum

ilai vadivil idhayam irukkum

malai vadivil adhuvum kanakkum

siriththa sirippu siraiyilae

sikkikkolla adam pidikkum oh ho

(ragasiyamaai)

nilam neer kaatrilae minsaarangal piranthidum

kaadhal tharum minsaaramo prabanchaththai kadanthidum

nijamaai nee ennai theendinaal

nijamaai nee ennai theendinaal paniyaai kaniyaai uraigiraen

oliyaai nee ennai theendinaal nuraiyaai unn..ul karaigiraen

tharaadhathaaley ennul thaane vandha ularalgal thaano (?)

velli tharai poalavey ennidhayam irunthadhu

mella vandhu un viral kadhai ondrai ezhudhuthu

oru naal kaadhal en vaasalil

oru naal kaadhal en vaasalil varavaa varavaa kaettadhu

maru naal kaadhal en veettukku adimai saasanam meettudhu

adhuvo adhu idhuvo idhu edhuvo adhuvey naam ariyaomey

(ragasiyamaai)

A very decent movie from Azhagam perumal(Manirathnam’s assistant). I remember it more for the comedy from Vivek. Let me stop the digression here.

This song is composed on the scale of Malayamarutham raga. Sung by Hariharan and Sadhana this is one of my evergreen favorites. The overlapping and sequential use of high and low pitch variations in the song is a delight and the genes do show in the creation.

The high pitch singing by both Hari and Sadhana is flawless and to me, they are the most talented singers in the last decade thanks to A.R.Rahman J

My “bestest pick” in the song would be the interlude before charanams. The violin bit is mesmerizing and was one of my ringtones I had for a long period of time. Full credit to Karthik for an apt song to the situation.

I really wish Karthik Raja churns out such memorable songs in time to come. Will he?