Tamil Films and Independence Day - Part 1

There used to time when many Tamil Films will be released during important festivals. Good old days of unassuming movie making and watching, no 'boycott' campaigns.  Fortunately no Social Media hence we were able to enjoy movies as movies and nothing beyond that. There were good music which enhanced the movie experience.

Likewise we have seen earlier about Movies released on Republic Day as K Balaji used to churn out continously for many years. You can read that again if you have missed (shameless self plug)

https://venky-alaymanlostinmusic.blogspot.com/2021/01/k-balaji-and-republic-day.html

In this context let us see in this part, some of the movies released during Independence Day eve in probably 70s, 80, 90s, considered to be complete movie watching experiences of Tamil Cinema goers.

Let us first see movies released on eve of Independence day :

There were 2 movies released in 70s eve of Independence, both MGR and Ganesan shared the honors.

The Darbari Kanada which is ringing in years even now and beyond 'Vasanthathil Or Naal' - Moondru Dheivangal released on this day 1971. What a ripper of an album from MSV. Right from 'Thirupathi Sendru Thirumbi Vandhaal' 'Thai Ennum Selvangal' and all the legendary singers of TFM has sung in this.

1977 saw both CVSridhar and MGR come together for Meenava Nanban. MGR's penultimate movie before he become CM. Meenava Nanban is another lovely album from MSV, the Valaji of Vani Jayaram (Pongum Kadalosai), Amruthavarshini (Neram Pournami Neram) or the KJY's beautiful Sivaranjani (Thangathil mugameduthu).

1980s :

80s saw IR making waves. 

1981 saw another failed attempt of Writer Sujatha's story in Celluloid. But for the spectacular BGM this movie is seriously forgettable. 'Karaiellam Shenbagapoo' released on this day in 1981. Go and hear the title card score.

1982 saw the biggest of the hit of commercial cinema of KH which opened floodgates for many such flicks churned for years to come. 'Sakalakala Vallavan' released on this day. I could watch this movie almost after 70+ days only :-). The New Year song has become cult immediately and being played out for more than 40+ years on every new year eve in Television.

On the same day,  Rajini, cutting down his antics, style, mannerisms gave an more matured performance in 'Engeyo Ketta Kural' which was critcally acclaimed. 

'Kanne Radha' came after Karthik-Radha successful pairing of Alaigal Oivadhillai in 1981.

Raja on top of all it in these 3 movies. Jency's 'Aaathoram Kaathaada' what a beautiful number. 'Maalai Sooda Kanne Radha' was a peppy one and Sakalakala Vallavan was mass album with all the songs were super duper hit across all class.

Cut to 1990s :

Dynamics changed in movie industry with slowly corporate culture creeping in and everyone become competitive saw the releases on important festivals days trimming slowly. 

Whole of 90's saw only around 10 movies released on Independence Day Eve. 

'Sooriyan' one of Sarath's biggest commercial hit and placed him top rung came in 1992. Deva's songs has raised the bar of the movie. 

Adityan's 'Nalaya Seidhi has released on the same day which had Malgudi Subha's "Manmadha Konjavaa' catchy number.

In the Music front, TFM saw ARR's entry with a bang, Deva upping the tempo but Raja didnt lagged behind to give one of most underrated album 'Endrum Anbudan' which released on this day. Though 'Thulli Thirindhoru Kaalam' was famous but the most under rated one is the slow melody 'Manjal Veyil'.

1998 Independence Eve had two notable movies with Vikraman after giving few hits of 'Feel Good movie's teamed up with Karthik, Roja and Ajith to give 'Unnidhathil Ennai Koduthen'. SA Rajukumar, though predictable at times, didnt disappoint to give album of the year. The movie ran successfully so the music captured chart busters of the year.

Vijay had his share of 'Nilave Vaa' on this day with Vidyasagar composing his favorite Darbari Kanada (Nee Kaatru Naan Maram). This album had few other good songs too. The 'Chandira Mandalathai' by Harini, SPBCharan, real catchy.

Sivaji vs Sivaji - A C Trilokchander

 Have you heard Sivaji competed against himself in three Deepavali releases? You cant even imagine of those with the current dynamics of Tamil Cinema, which has got transformed more towards corporate way.

Do we know who was responsible for putting Sivaji against himself. Well let us travel back to good old days of Tamil Cinema in 60s, 70s etc.

Year 1967 Deepavali - Sridhar's 'Ooty Varai Uravu' pitted against ' Iru Malargal' - Both came out with flying colours doing well commercially and critically.

Year 1970 Deepavali - T R Ramanna's ' Sorgam' pitted against ' Engirundho Vandhaal - Both were successful

Year 1975 Deepavali - Against Sridhar's 'Vaira Nenjam' pitted against 'Dr Siva' - Though Vaira Nenjam did not do well, Dr Siva was a success.

And the man who was responsible for this healthy competition was none other than the Legendary Screen Writer, Director ACT, A C Trilochander, whose 92nd birth anniversary today.

What a repertoire of movies he has given in his stint and with all the best actors of those times. Think of a MGR movie without his staple, template formula, you get a gem, first in color 'Anbe Vaa'. What a movie ! I remember watching this full house on a working day in Delite Theater Coimbatore in 2019. The atmosphere in theatre was quite electric throughout that 3 hours.

If you want to see  a spectacular performance of Ranga Rao, go and watch ' Naanum Oru Penn'. What a grandeur performance by him and Vijayakumari. 

Add Javar Seetharaman to the mix, though its a remake 'Ramu', what a classic. Brilliant performance from Gemini and of course KRV, there is more about her in another movie with ACT.

Have seen a musically romantic movie (Anbe Vaa), tear jerker (Naanum Oru Penn), social drama (Ramu), now the mystery thriller ; yes you got it right, how one can forget the gorgeous Ravi and Kanchana paired 'Adhey Kangal'. 

Before all this, even before his directorial debut if I remember right, he wrote story of Bhimsingh's classic 'Paarthal Pasi Theerum'

His association with Sivaji was memorable went on to direct many films and memorable ones too. And same with AVM, his association with them was more stronger like one in their family.

Two of Sivaji's films I watch in awe even today, after 50+ years. 'Uyarndha Manithan' and 'Deiva Magan'. I am at loss of words to say about Deiva Magan, simply brilliant, complete movie experience.

ACT was also instrumental in introducing Sivakumar with 'Kakkum Karanga'. He associated again with Sivakumar later to give a runaway hit 'Bhadrakali' in late 70s.

His association with KRV after, Iru Malargal, Ramu, now 'Dheerga Sumangali'. Another lovely family drama. Vani Jairam gate crashed into TFM with mesmerizing 'Malligai En Mannan Mayangum'.

He also produced a film (one only I guess) with Vijayakumar, Sridevi and upcoming Rajini in 'Vanakathukriya Kadhaliye'. Jolly Abraham's 'Adiyenai Paaramma' was our anthem during those days. Movie didn't do well commercially though, but MSV gave one another mesmerizing album.

ACT, apart from KSG able to bring the best of KRV. 'Iru Malargal', KRV was stuck between Superstars Sivaji, Padmini, and went on to gave a fantastic performance. Her subtle and impact performance in 'Ramu', 'Sontham' another movie KRV did, the magnum opus 'Bharatha Vilas'. 

ACT's another script which had impactful role for a heroine 'Engirundho Vandhaal', Jaya simply rocked. What a stunning performance from her. Jaya worked in 'Deiva Magan', 'Enga Mama' 'Dharmam Enge' and 'Avandhaan Manithan' under ACTs direction.

There are many other memorable movies 'Babu' 'Anbe Aaruyire' etc. 

Looking at his films, what a variety he has given. Simply outstanding !

Initially I mind mapped this post to write about the albums of ACT's films. I think looking at his reportorial as a writer, director, that I should keep that on another day :-).

Till then, go time turn your clock back, watch all these classics !

Jayettan (P Jayachandran)

Often people gets confused and argue, its KJY. Yes its P Jayachandra, Jayettan.

Another irony, moment you start mentioning his name, people jump to 'Indraikku Yenindha Aanandhame'. But, in TFM itself there are many to be unearthed gems of him apart from IR combination. 

Especially the duets with VJ which are priceless. No one is venturing beyond few famous numbers. 

Just listen to this for now and we can deep dive into this combination for another day to discuss and write about.

https://youtu.be/Ycv6leqliPI

Predominantly his forte was Malayalam but for handful of memorable numbers he has sung in Kannada, which I always go back and listen often.

Nearly 4 decades but still the chart buster from M Ranga Rao 'Olavina Udugore kodalenu', what a mesmerizing one from PJ. 

There used to be repeat request from the audience to the local Orchestra troup's performance here in Bangalore during 80s. One of Ambi's best song of his movies.

https://youtu.be/glJjHq8Tk4U

His earliest number in Kannada also for M Ranga Rao in Puttana's famous movie ' Ranganayaki'. What a lovely number this one with Sailaja joining him.

https://youtu.be/2QzkSctxIW8

Another one for Puttanna's 'Amrutha Ghalige' he under Vijaya Bhaskar (apparently today is Vijaya Bhaskar's death anniversary). Brilliant melody with meaningful lyrics of Vijayanarasimha.

https://youtu.be/yHrv1GKJekU

He sang in Rajkumar Starrer 'Bhaktha Prahlada' of course not for him. Ideally these numbers will go to PBS earlier. T G Lingappa is the MD here.

https://youtu.be/Lf6nditTCII

PJ and VJ here in Kannada :-) for MD Vijaya Bhaskar, movie Hanthkana Sanchu. What a superb melody this one.

https://youtu.be/DsUULO6UK9k

One another Vijaya Bhaskar's composition for 'Manasa Sarovara'.

https://youtu.be/cmOsnmQSAVs

What an amazing singer he is. Each one of the numbers he sung in Kannada are priceless. 

Happy Birthday Jayettaa !