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?

Muthu Mani Maala...

I like Sindhubhairavi Raaga very much. Mile sur mera tumhara oh sur bane humaara(that’s been telecasted in DD for 20 years or more now) is one of my oldest favorites in that Raaga. Raja seems to be in love with this Raaga and some of the numbers he has given in this Raaga bring Goosebumps to me.

Today is gonna be one such song. Movie is our Gaptain movie Chinna gounder. Yep.. you guessed it right !

Muthu mani mala unne thottu thottu thalata
vekathula sela konjam vittu vittu porada
Ullathule nee thane uthami un per thane
oru nadavana poo thane puthu santhanamum nee thane

Muthu mani mala unne thottu thottu thalata....

Kolusu than mounam aaguma, manasu than pesuma
Megam than nilava mooduma mousu than korayuma

Nesapattu vantha pasa kodiku kasi pattu thantha rasave
vakapattu vantha vasa malare vanam kalayatha rosave

Thazam poovula veesum kathula, vasam thedi mama vaa

Muthu mani mala enne thottu thottu thalata
vekathula sela konjam vittu vittu porada

Kalile pota minji than kathula pesuthe
Kazhuthula pota thaali than kaviyam paduthe

Nethi chutti adum uchanthalaiku potu vechatharu naathane
Atthimara poovum acham paduma paka thunai yaaru neethane

Asapechula pathi moochula lesa thegam soodera

The movie is also a fairly decent movie. Slightly belongs to the genre of “nenju nakki” movies. Udayakumar is the director. He would and should feel blessed that Raja was in full form while he composed for this song. Be it the way the song starts, the interludes between the pallavi, charanam- Raja would have conquered the Raaga to its fullest beauty. Just to live in the same age when these kind of songs are born gives me a sense of satisfaction. These are the songs that would never fade in to oblivion. Current music directors should take a cue from Raja for ensuring longevity of their songs. All offences to them are consciously meant.

SPB and Suseela –in my opinion 2 best singers Tamil film world has borrowed from AP- sing this song with a stunning elegance that you indeed think “who said perfection is illusory?”

Never have I failed to put this song in a loop while my ipod plays it. It never bores you even after repeated hearing.

My “bestest pick” in the song would be the interludes. first one in particular... Aren't they magical?

Paartha Vizhi Paartha padi..

For the first post, I didn’t have to think too much about what to write. The toss was between Janani Janani and Paartha Vizhi. Even to my surprise the choice was Paartha Vizhi from Guna

naayagi naan mugi naarayanI kai naLina pancha saayagi
saambavi shankari shyamaLai jaadhinachuvaayagi
maalini vaarahi sollini maadhangi endru
aaya kyaadhi udaiyaal charanam...

charanam charanam charanam!!!

paartha vizhi paarthapadi poothu irukkaa
kaathirundha kaatchi ingu kaana kidaikka
oon uruga uyir uruga thaen tharum thadaagamae
vazhi varuga vazhi neduga oLi niraiga Vazhvilaee

idankondu vimmi inai kondu irugi
ilagi muthu madalkonda kongai malai kondu iraivar valiya nenjai
nadankonda kolgai nalankonda naayagii
nallaaravil pankonda Anbu panimozhi--vedhap pariburaiye

paartha vizhi paarthapadi poothu irukkaa
kaathirundha kaatchi ingu kaana kidaikka
oon uruga uyir uruga thaen tharum thadaagamae
vazhi varuga vazhi neduga oLi niraiga vaanilae

Paartha Vizhi paartha padi is a song that I would love to listen in a temple or my Pooja room. The vibration that it creates in me and the poise that it brings is inexpressible in words. Only a genius like Ilayaraja could have even conceived a number. It is from a movie Guna, enacted by Kamal Haasan. Fittingly another genius to star in the song. The movie is not for an average cinema buff. It’s a treatise.

Kamal, in one of his interviews remarked that when he and the director narrated the situation to Ilayaraja(will be referred as Raja from here on), Raja took minutes to compose the song and called Jesudas to the studio and asked him to sing which the latter did with remarkable ease. Kamal was dumbfounded at the brilliance and how true!

The beautiful rendition by Das and the chorus with classical overtures in Paavani Raaga is just an out of the world wonder and soul stirring music to put it simply. The rhythm in the song is something that you don't find often in any cine song. It was just destined to be a song that stands apart and it does!

The part I would like to pick in the completely divine song as my “bestest pick” is by the chorus.

idankondu vimmi inai kondu irugi
ilagi muthu madalkonda kongai malai kondu iraivar valiya nenjai
nadankonda kolgai nalankonda naayagii
nallaaravil pankonda Anbu panimozhi--vedhap pariburaiye

I shed tears every time I hear this.

Dear Raja- I owe you my life just for this feel !

PS: The song (or the whole movie infact) is more enjoyable when you see it in the hero’s perspective. At the start of the song, a policeman would direct kamal to stand in the Queue pointing towards a direction saying something ; kamal hears it but doesn’t listen to it. For him, it seems that the policeman is showing Abhirami to him. He feels happy and he smiles!

Thodakkam

First thing first - I love music. I love tamil film songs. Not all of them but a selected few. To talk about songs that are close to my heart has been in my wish list for long. There are a lot of blogs written by pretty intelligent folks in web. I used to admire that I share those interests and views consistently but was too lazy to pen something down. I might have reused some information on those blogs coz they remain etched in my memory.

I am no musician and do not expect astounding facts or analysis in any of the posts. I like a song and I tell you I like it in my way. Posts may be long because am not giving an executive summary here. I rarely give any.

Comments are welcome.