A myth about early 70s Tamil Film Music - III (Year 1971)

We now move on to 1971, an year in which TFM had given many memorable albums.

With respect to the actors, Sivaji gave around 8 to 9 films, MGR gave around 5, Jai, Ravi had their share but Gemini Ganesan gave around 11 +. 

On the Music Director front, it was one and only MSV who ruled with KVM started slowing down and V Kumar, Sankar Ganesh, others put together did handful.

Though TMS was still in race giving his best,  but it was Balu who emerged with flying colors with some immortal hits in this year.

Let us  reminisce those nostalgia albums here.

G K Venkatesh - Sabatham

What a fantastic one from  Balu and GKV known for such melody. This P Madhavan directorial if am right KRV's own banner.

https://youtu.be/RDQDAFzlh08

Kunnakudy Vaidhyanathan  - Kankatchi

From APN and rightly so the albums from his movies  will never disappoint. There are two outstanding numbers in this movie, 'Kuravar Kulam Kaakkum Muruga Nee Vaazhga' by Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi and M R Vijaya, but LRE Balu number top the chart.

https://youtu.be/nqb_tElnwfU

Sankar Ganesh - Thenkinnam

This comedy genre had good songs the pick is the one by P Suseela, a real honey dipped one.

https://youtu.be/9yun_LFvuD4

V Kumar 

This one from Gemini, Devika starrer 'Veguli Penn' This movie had a decent run and acclaimed critically too.

Breezy one this number and TMS is at his best in delivering it effortlessly.

https://youtu.be/l8IB0t7sXD4

KB's 'Nootrukku Nooru' the cult one which is even popular today. At least once in a fortnight this gets aired and must watch at home :-). This is another amazing album from V Kumar. Bet 'Ungalil Oruvan Naan' 'Nitham Nitham Oru' but the top one is from PS, what a singer she is

https://youtu.be/IEK6uVBuhB8

V Kumar reserved his best for 'Ranga Raatinam' produced by Sowcar Janaki. AM Rajah made a brief come back with 'Muthaarame Un Oodal ennavo' with LRE, such a impeccable one but Kumar bettered it this with the Balu number...what to say, simply amazing.

https://youtu.be/HHw2UoSyJok 

Muthaarame Un Oodal Ennavo

https://youtu.be/gDNhltrGEYU

K V Mahadevan

KVM did around handful in this year as stated but giving his best as always.

'Irulum Oliyum' a Puttanna movie again Balu coming into mix for this with B Vasantha. There is P Suseela version too.

https://youtu.be/2LeNQ1bfFeQ

Muktha Films 'Arunodhayam' a Sivaji starer. 

உலகம் ஆயிரம் சொல்லட்டுமே…

உனக்கு நீ தான் நீதிபதி…

மனிதன் எதையோ பேசட்டுமே…

மனச பாத்துக்க நல்லபடி

உன் மனச பாத்துக்க நல்லபடி

What a lovely one from Kannadasan.

https://youtu.be/CMNNMJhEiuc

This album had another beautiful duet 'Muthu Pavazham Mukkani Sakkarai'.

The stand out in this year from KVM was 'Aathi Parakasakthi'. What a wonderful album. Seerkazhi singing for Suruli 'Aathadi Maariyamma' and PS's 'Naan Aatchi Seithu varum' அந்த பம்பை உடுக்கை பின்னணியில் ஒலிக்கும் 'Aayi Mahamaayi' JJ's dance number 'Varugave Varugave' and the masterpiece 'Solladi Abirami' from S V Subbiah aka TMS. Yes what a performance by SVS the legend. Kannadasan, TMS, KVM, SVS... what a team to deliver this number.

Naan Aatchi seidhu varum

https://youtu.be/y4z9FErl2sU

Solladi Abirami

https://youtu.be/rY6w6LBxesQ

MGR - MSV

'Neerum Neruppum' had gorgeous JJ duet 'Kaalai Nera Thendral enna paadudho' but this number is real catchy

https://youtu.be/ZViLH0aBttA

Another JJ MGR pair that year 'Oru Thaai Makkal'. I am a big fan of male duets. The moment you mention that everyone will point to 'Pon Ondru Kanden' but there are many more to listen. This one TMS-PBS is such a lovely composition from Mannar.

https://youtu.be/3cd2pKzgycc

This duet with is a orchestration delight and beautiful JJ :-)

https://youtu.be/vdYBFA1Sk8Q

Again JJ MGR paired for 'Kumari Kottam'. The breezy 'Enge Aval Endre Manam' is a lovely number. This is one of my favorite number.

முத்தாடும் மார்பில் முகம் பார்க்க எண்ணும்

என்னாசையின் ஓசையைக் கேளடி கொஞ்சம் - Pulamaipithan

https://youtu.be/igC3eINQw1s

The best track of the year came from 'Rickshawkaran' Manjula MGR starrer. It was blockbuster,eventually MGR went on to pick up the National Award.

The MSV masterclass 'Azhagiya Tamizh Magal Ival' again the legendary TMS-PS delivering it effortlessly.

https://youtu.be/v9AmoELiJAw

This album had other lovely numbers 'Kadaloram Vaangiya Kaatru' 'Ange Sirippavargal Sirikkatum'

Sivaji Ganesan - MSV

P Madhavan directorial venture Sivaji with Padmini and Saroja Devi.

The female duets are many and were hits. Jamuna Rani, the legendary singer was pioneer in that had sung many. Will do a blog on that later. This one is from Jikki and SJ a lovely duet and Kannadasan story telling in his verse :-)

https://youtu.be/ryL6CXFxhKA

Another amazing verse from Kannadasan, the King !

https://youtu.be/q26MjCffdoY

'Praptham' a Savithri own production and directed by her which miserably failed but MSV doesn't disappoint to give 'Sondham eppodhum thodarkadhaidhaan' & the imaginative composition of  'Sandanathil oru vaasam eduthu'

https://youtu.be/ILx1DIPs46E

PS Veerappa's production 'Iru Dhuruvam' had rhythmic ensemble 'Theru Paakka Vandhirukkum'

https://youtu.be/ldrx8KMNVD

This song literally moves you however you are.. 'Babu' another MSV masterpiece

https://youtu.be/RALoq6Lv0qw

And this riot in the same movie..TMS easing it.

https://youtu.be/AxYO-9GMhzo

MSV -Masterclasses 

Mannar gave some master classes in that year. Let us see them.

AVM's 'Sudarum Sooravaliyum' this one is Balu's outstanding surely get into top renditions. The quirky laugh to start the charanam

https://youtu.be/9LjEGEkxhtY

CV Sridhar's 'Avalukendru Oru Manam' Balu again giving his best with 'Mangayaril Maharani' but this Balu what many have known in 80s 90s but he has done this in early 70s itself. What a wonderful singing and MSV, masterpiece.

https://youtu.be/irmgxxYkhkw

Cho's 'Muhammad Bin Thuqlaq' and MSV's voice :-), immortal this one.

https://youtu.be/r5F0CfsMgBY

This time Sridhar produced but not directed script of Gopu ' Utharavindri Ulle Vaa' This album is simply outstanding with Balu, LRE, PS, M L Srikanth.

Kadhal Kadhal Endru Pesa

https://youtu.be/6WZwIDk9C5g

Unnai Thoduvadhu Iniyadhu

https://youtu.be/gsEXNPomt0s

Maadhamo Avani and beautiful Kanchana

https://youtu.be/j2e4OaRFRWY

Another JJ movie this time with NT his 150th movie and Suseela went on pick her 2nd National Award. Yes ' Savaale Samaali'. 

Bringing whistle into play in this, this is another TMS best and Kannadasan...

புதியதல்லவே தீண்டாமை என்பது
புதுமை அல்லவே அதை நீயும் சொன்னது
சொன்ன வார்த்தையும் இரவல்தானது
சொன்ன வார்த்தையும் இரவல்தானது
திருநீலகண்டனின் மனைவி சொன்னது

https://youtu.be/cVHn0re55m4

No wonder PS got National award for this.

https://youtu.be/-HtWVJO_RF0

Not done with this both MSV and NT went on to gave the following two, masterclasses...

'Sumathi En Sundari' JJ pairing with NT and CVR with Gopu, PS giving memorable numbers like 'Oru Aalayamaagum Mangai Manadhu' ' Oh Orayiram' but Balu with B Vasantha's ' Pottu Vaitha Mugamo' rules even today

https://youtu.be/6MT758TvZnM

Dada Mirasi, NT with Gopu scripting gave 'Moondu Deivangal' another blockbuster. This is clearly MSV's best IMO, pure Masterclass. 

SVS (Sirkazhi) singing ' Thirupathi Sendru Thirumbi Vandhaal' Balu's melodic 'Mullilla Roja' and the Deepavali song 'Thai Enum Selvangal' , wait the PS evergreen,immortal number 

Vasanthathil Or Naal - What a composition in Darbaraai Kanada, just Classic !

PS rendering it amazingly throughout. Shes real 'Gaana Saraswathi'

Mannar's top composition this one with Kannadasan. The way she sings 'Devi' in pallavi and Charanam differently and landing it ...goosebumps

https://youtu.be/NklQTizVegM

If you ask anyone best songs of PS, without batting an eyelid people surely will mention this. 

Mullilla Roja

https://youtu.be/ANBtaWBvNPc

Thirupathi Sendru Thirumbi Vandhaal

https://youtu.be/knTo2E7SQUw

I can go on and on on this album forever....

We have seen only 2 years into 70's and by now you might have got an idea what kind of music been given to us as against the general misconception of TFM has been hijacked by Hindi Film Music . Looking at what we have for next 3 years...exciting it will be.

Keep a watch on this page...

A myth about early 70s Tamil Film Music - II (Year 1970 )

As we have seen earlier on this topic, let us take Year 1970 and have a look at the musical scene.

Both Sivaji and MGR were very active by then as MSV, who was topping the charts along with KVM. Though these 2 legends were kind of ruling it doesn't stop with other MDs were also making their presence felt.

Before getting into the mainstream, let us have a glimpse of what we got from other Actors / MDs in this year.

Sankar Ganesh

'Kannan Varuvaan' Jai, Lakshmi, Muthuraman starrer and the foot tapping 'Poovinum Melliya Poongodi' What a ripper the chorus and the Piano coming in play !

https://youtu.be/X_s9-4R6P3A

The most favorite of mine is from 'Maanavan' I adore 70s Balu more than 80s. What a gem this one and PS singing effortlessly especially the phrase நாள் மணநாள் தேடினாள்

Jai Lakshmi pair has given many memorable hits.

https://youtu.be/pzlLRzjPwQs

TKR

Dada Mirasi's  Gemini KRV starrer 'Sangamam' TKR known for his melodic best with this legendary pair TMS & PS 

https://youtu.be/cUAQXkGpdFY

Kunnakudy Vaidyanathan

The Charukesi from 'Namma Veetu Deivam' who else can render this Ramalinga Swamy's verse beautifully other than PS.

https://youtu.be/m0urUMBv_ZA

APN's 'Thirumalai Thenkumari' was another amazing album from KV. How one can forget 'Tirupathi Malai Vaazhum' or 'Guruvaayurappa'

The ragamalika he tuned for 'Madurai Arasaalum Meenakshi' is just brilliant.

https://youtu.be/jmUw-2dHemM

V Kumar

ALR's 'Ellame Vayathukku Thaanda' and the mellifluous 'Unnai thotta kaatru vandha ennai thottadhu' Balu and PS's 70's magic

https://youtu.be/TJt9u51RkKs

Another Jai Lakshmi song from Penn Deivam. Look at the way PS singing during the Pallavi rendering of TMS.

https://youtu.be/mSQe48xHW7o

Vedha 

CID Shankar from Vedha though he is stamped as copycat but for this song wherein PS in LRE genre rendering it beautifully. This album have few other hits like 'Naanathaale Kangal Minna Minna' 'Brindavanathil Poo eduthu'

https://youtu.be/VeKfcTWtuQw

Kaaviya Thalaivai

This one amazing album from Mannar be it 'Kaiyodu Kai Serkum Kaalangale' or the LRE's blinder 'Aarambam Indre Aagattum' with Balu (Balu and LRE's songs are too special), but this one of PS, tops all of it. Loosely based on Sumanasaranjani, mind blowing orchestration, ensemble or shehnai, flute & the violin make it grandeur.

https://youtu.be/D9yDuM3OcaI

Veetukku Veedu

CVR Gopu's Comedy this one beautiful album. Another Jai Lakshmi starrer and another Balu LRE blinder 'Angam Pudhu Vidham'. What a majestic composition it is. Subtle rhythm especially the humming of LRE and the anu pallavi repeition from 0.53 to 1.00. Mannar is real Mastero.

Wait its not over yet. Listen to this masterpiece. Saibaba the singer son of TSB. No words enough to describe it. Starting this with snore and ending it with :-). The take of the song, you have to watch the movie. Brilliant stuff !

Oh why you leave the maverick Kannadasan into this mix. See the wordplay !

இனி உனை யாரும் நெருங்கிடா
உன் இளமையை பார்த்தவர் உறங்கிடா
ஊர்வசி வந்தாலும் மயங்கிடா
உன் மேல் ஆணை
மை கிட்டார்
மை கிட்டார்

https://youtu.be/wbTWnv4isj8

MGR

MGR gave 5 films in this year and almost 4 of them were runaway hits. 

En Annan (KVM)

Apart from 'Nenjam Undu Nermai Undu' 'Kadvul En Kallaanan' ' Kannukku Theriyaadhaa', this TMS SJ duet is very special

https://youtu.be/P2nWo2jLMkE

Engal Thangam (MSV)

Vaali wrote all the songs 'Naan Alavodu Rasippavan' & 'Naan Sethu Pizhaichavanda' aptly resonate MGR's life, still the best one 'Thangapadhakathin Mele' What a wonderful score.

PS join only at end of 2nd Charanam but hijack it right away from there. 

கொத்தோடு முத்தாட வஞ்சி கொடியை
தொட்டு தொடர்ந்தது என்ன

The interlude which follows after  this is lovely

https://youtu.be/NgWvW0dQHaM

Maatukkaara Velan (KVM)

Another wonderful album from KVM. The following TMS,LRE, PS is my favorite but this has got many hit numbers like 'Sathiya Neeye' 'Oru Pakkam Paakkiraa' 'Pattikaada Pattanama'

https://youtu.be/RrhRF9_DAxs

Thedi Vandha Maapillai (MSV)

What a lovely duet this one. 'Vetri Meedhu Vetri Vandhu' of Vaali is another lovely song.

https://youtu.be/jH5Tp4V8D9Y

Thalaivan (SM Subbiah Naidu)

SMS's last pairing with MGR this movie

https://youtu.be/Xp3JqZEJj-8

Sivaji Ganesan 

NT gave around 8 movies during this period. Sorgam and Engirundho Vandhal released for that Deepavali and both were hits. 

Vilayaatu Pillai (KVM)

https://youtu.be/bv2UupXWrNw

Vietnaam Veedu (KVM)

Short and sweet album. This one is my personal favorite and moving one. Kannadasan again at his best. NT, TMS, Kannadasan,KVM pairing and all once in life time.

https://youtu.be/ic45E8G_blM

Raman Ethanai Ramanadi (MSV)

After the Pallavi, the rhythm starts at 0.21 to 0.27, just mind blowing. The journey of flute throughout along with the train....

Ammadi Ponnukku Thangamanasu another lovely number from this movie

https://youtu.be/y0khGzjDhNQ

Enga Mama (MSV)

Another amazing album. 'Naan Thannanthani Kaatu Raja' 'Chellam Kiligalam Palliyile' but the topping the chart is this one. The Piano rules and Kannadasan at it again 

https://youtu.be/I5EZA-XuIPA

Engirundho Vandhaal (MSV)

From Balaji's production house, this was a Deepavali release along with Sorgam and a runaway hit.

TMS ruled in this album with 'Ore Paadal' this one and the master piece  'Sirippil Undaagum Raagathile' an imaginative composition !

https://youtu.be/OjyQplfDeH0

Sorgam (MSV)

'Pon Maal Vandhaal' is popular even now and this another imaginative composition from Mannar. This Deepavali release was another runaway hit.

https://youtu.be/PbXXq2b06hU

Paadhukaapu (MSV)

Another brilliant Charukesi from TFM and PS delivering it aplomb.

https://youtu.be/qWnvM0VrQ10

Go and give a listen as this list is only tip of the iceberg !

A myth about early 70s Tamil Film Music - I (A Primer)

There is a misconception or notion about early 70s Tamil Film Music. What is that?

Whenever TFM discussion comes up people start with Golden 60s and talk more about Enchanting 80's which started late 70s. According to many there was a vacuum in early 70s, say 70 to 75 for which they bring another angle of Hindi Film Music has hijacked Tamil Music listeners. This is agreeable to some extent, only about the HFM gaining ground in TN, but largely this argument is not true.  Often it crossed my mind and few discussions in my close circle like rsgiri @ipammal has created curiosity in me to go back to 70 to 75 and reminisce it. 

This thread, as I always stand to claim not to compare or equate anyone, to bring out what happened in TFM, was it so poor as it has been painted all over. Myself and rsgiri wanted to do this part of our talk show but somehow it hasn't happened. We did a small episode on early 70s, of course not in detail. You can have a look at that episode here 

திரையிசைப் பயணம் - பகுதி.2 - YouTube

As I mentioned earlier about the biggest transition of TFM happened late 70s / early 80s and to substantiate though most of them know, the same can be seen in our first episode.

திரையிசைப் பயணம் - பகுதி.1 - YouTube

The above two episodes will give an idea while you go through this series (though shamelessly the above were self plugins :-) )

With this thought of looking back the Tamil Film Music scene from 1970 to 1975. This is not to prove someone wrong or right but to bring in lime light music came during those period and it was healthy not so bad as its been painted, which is a sweeping statement.

While this crossed my mind and when I shared with my closed music circle, without batting an eyelid and uninhibited blessings came from my learned friends like G Ragavan, Veeba etc. 

Lets move on this and thanking you all for your support all  now on reading my blog 🙏

K Balaji and Republic Day

Whats the connection on all the above 3 and why I want to write about this ?

Both 'Billa' 'Thee"  &  'Vaazhve Maayam' magazine ads kept  coming on my TL last couple of days. While I browsed through saw both were released on a Republic Day. Both were produced by K Balaji. This created kind of curiosity and my memory went back.

Unlike now there used by movie release not only during festivals like Deepavali, Pongal on Republic Day, 1st of May, Independece Day too. These can be easily substantiated with lot of data points especially starting early 80s. 80s could be the best period for Tamil Film World. Irrespective of any size of the production house, every fridays were festival mood. Check 1983 close to 100 movies released in that year and 1984 it clocked 110+. Also the Deepavali releases will be minimum of 5 movies. Cant even think about those now a days.

With this, I tried to unearth on the Republic Day Movie releases with some of the known films. To my surprise most of the Republic Day releases were from K Balaji :-). Let us see some of it in this thread with the songs related to those movies.

Balaji was a successful producer apart from his acting career. Almost all his productions were remakes but successful too starting with Sivaji Ganesan, Rajini and Kamal. Incidentally his 'Billa' which took Rajini to the next level. I still remember our (our gang those days) expedition to watch it in Alankar. 

'Raja' remake of Jony Mera Naam was the first movie Balaji released on a Republic Day, 1972. This was a blockbuster and had wonderful songs from MSV. If you have a closer look at the movies Sivaji paired with JJ all were hit and good songs. Beginning of this year I think a digital remastered version released.

https://youtu.be/LjD4VL33cnY

The next one to release on Republic Day was 'Unakkaga Naan' in 1976 remake of Namak Haaram. No idea how this movie fared.

In 1977 came 'Dheepam' which was a hit with IR joining first time for his productions. This was remake of a Malayalam movie. Raja gave short and sweet album with 'Poovizhi Vaasalil Yaaradi vandhahu' was played out in every instance in loudspeakers those days. We were totally hooked up to this song forever.

https://youtu.be/sXJNLCfsPAs

1980, What a brilliant year. There are many reasons to say that. Myself and rsgiri @ipammal have discussed at length in our first episode. While we see that again later in this blog, Balaji went on to produce AB's Don in Tamil 'Billa' which eventually launched Rajini as Super Star. This was a runaway hit with the director R Krishnamurthy was christened as 'Billa Krishnamurthy' post this movie. He went on to directly slew of movies with Balaji's production house.

Billa release on 26th of January 1980 and went on to create a cult status. MSV again though the original itself had outstanding album from Kalyanji Anandji, still delivered a great one. Even Yuvan who worked for this remake in 2000 has retained 'My name is Billa' and ' Vethalayai Pottendi' speak volume of this popularity.

https://youtu.be/WMiJ7ZNkHLM

1981 we saw 'Thee' remake of Deewar released on Republic Day. Deewar, as we all know was AB's another mega block buster. Deewar itself released on a Republic Day eve, 1975. Pancham Da did another great album for this. All are vying for punch dialog these days but for Shashi Kapoor's was a rage even now.

Amitabh Bachchan: "Aaj mere paas building hai, property hai, bank balance hai, bangla hai, gaadi hai..kya hai kya hai tumhare pass?" 

Shashi Kapoor: "Mere paas maa hai." 

https://youtu.be/3myRaqfoN68 

Dasari Narayana Rao a legend in Telugu Industry gave ANR, Sridevi starrer 'Premabishekam' in 1981 and it went to record one of the blockbuster in that year. 

Come 1982, K Balaji has remade this and joined with, yes Kamal 'Vaazhve Mayam'. This movie released again on Republic Day and a runaway hit with Gangai Amaran has given one his best albums till date. The songs were even popular today. The movie had all ingriedients of love-hate-love, romance, emotional quotient of love failure etc. This movie was released in Casino, which used to release only English movies. Again our expedition to watch this in a Mount Road theater failed miserably :-). Watching movies at theaters in Mount Road were some kind of small joys for us those day

https://youtu.be/Wtzvuyq3bfM

In 1983 Balaji produced 'Needhibadhi' starring Sivaji which was remake of NTR's Justice Chowdry. Gangai Amaran scored music for this too with Krishnamurthy directing it on a row of 4 movies starting Billa, Thee, Vaazhve Maayam.

This number scored in true MSV style by Amar :-)

https://youtu.be/0gw9fppEbcs

A Kodandarami Reddy, a successful director as most of his movies were based on action-sentiment, directed 'Nyayam Kaavali' with Chiranjeevi in the lead. This was a small budget movie but ran successfully in 1981. 

Balaji remade this in Tamil ' Vidhi' released in 1984 Republic Day with that time heart throb of many women Mohan. But the movie was very successul with  good court scene drama both the legends especially Sujatha and Jai proving their mettle. This movie topped the charts in that year both rave reviews and commercially. Shankar Ganesh handled the Music direction of this movie.

https://youtu.be/rYWrqrcs-D0

Teaming agin with Sivji and K Vijayan, Balaji produced 'Bandham' in 1985. With Kajal Kiran the Hum Kisise Kum Nahi heroine into TFW and Baby Shalini doing the role originally she did in Malayalam. Shankar Ganesh scored the  music 

This Balu VJ duet is beautiful with VJ humming throughout :-)

https://youtu.be/ronjoL40GQM

1986 he produced 'Marumal' based on another Hindi original. This starred Sivaji, Revathi etc. Chandrabose scored music. 

This album has 2 beautiful numbers by VJ, hear one of it mentioned below.

https://youtu.be/hDg6WjcyxD0

Balaji has stopped producing movies by 1989, 'Kutravaali' was his last also released on Republic Day. Another Hindi movie remake. Not sure about any further details on this movie.

Remember watching this song in DD those days apart from this no other details on this album.

https://youtu.be/TWmNXDrwARU

Hmm Good old days to reminisce with lot of good music too. This has evoked lot of good yesteryear memories.

Please take sometime to hear all these wonderful music albums. 

Devika - Unsung Heroine

 Long time I wanted to write about the songs where Devika featured. Why Devika? Yes, there were few artists who had the luck of giving 100% hits in all their ventures. Look at few of them whose hit ratio is close to 100%, Vani Jayaram, B S Sasirekha, V Kumar, Malaysia Vasudevan, Swarnalatha. In that context Devika, still not acted the magic figure of 100 Movies in Tamil but her hit ratio is very high. She did around 60 movies in Tamil and around 50 in Telugu. He career was very short and sweet. Her career too ended soon for reasons best known to her.

Now coming back to her songs in Tamil Films you will find majority of them were runaway hits and has acted some of the immortal songs. She, after Padmini has acted with  NT around 15 Movies. She was also seen as per most of the Sivaji Fans a perfect 'Jodi' after Padmini. Apparently she did only one film with MGR if my memory is right which is also a great album. Director Sridhar gave two of his best movies with Devika as herione.

Her voice behind the scene in movies, the great PS has given many many memorable numbers. Kannadasan when he produced a film under his banner has preferred Devika.

She was gorgeous and had great screen presence with acting prowess especially in Karnan, Pava Mannippu, Idhathil Nee, Kulamagal Radhai to name a few.

Let us quickly look at those songs and I thought of classifying those by the genres, Classic, Duets, Pathos, etc.

Classics :

She made her debut in movie 'Muthalali' and the Arabhi by KVM and TMS is still lingering in our ears.

https://youtu.be/hxrySZ7R3OQ

Whenever you think of PS, the following two songs will appear automatically in Top 2. Yes, 'Gangai Karai Thottam' from Vaanambadi and 'Kangal Enge' from Karnan.

Devika has pulled off both these with elan especially Kangal Enge.

https://youtu.be/gdVqKT_EEhA

https://youtu.be/qjS-HB8Qqs8

Pathos : 

'Sonnadhu Neethana' another classic from Kannadasan-PS-Devika. What a performance from Devika in this sequence. In the same movie she pulled a lullaby 'Muthana Muthallavo' at ease

https://youtu.be/-NCtHKpRP0A

This is again from Sridhar-Devika-PS-Kannadasan combination.

https://youtu.be/Wj44dDXHd4M

பிரிக்கத் தெரிந்த இறைவா உனக்கு இணைக்கத் தெரியாதா......இணையத் தெரிந்த தலைவா உனக்கு என்னை புரியாதா.....

'Ananda Jothi'  What to say further on this

https://youtu.be/ett_sF5hI1I

'Kaakitha Odam' lyrics by Kalaignar. PS at her best again.

https://youtu.be/0hthi_FvEKk

This sad version from Aandavan Kattalai

https://youtu.be/Jngi00QQ6N0

Movies with Gemini Ganesan :

Her movies around 4 to 5 with Gemini Ganesan were all amazing albums. 

'Idhayathil Nee' had one of LREs best female duet 'Chithirai Poovizhi' PS 'Uravu Endrodu Sol irundhal'

'Vaazhkai Padagu' - PS gave 3 memorable hits  'Unnaithaan Naan Ariven' 'Aayiram Penmai Malarattume' 'Thanga Magal vayitril' along with Kannadasan. 

'Sumai Thangi' - Sridhar again with Devika, Gemini, Kannadasan, MSV-TKR but this time SJ singing 'Radhaiketra Kannano' 'Endhan Paarvayin'

'Veguli Penn' came in 70s with V Kumar composing the hit 'Engellam Valayosai Ketkinrdho' and PS 'Mullukku Roja Sondham'

With MGR :

'Ananda Jodhi' the only movie she paired with MGR is such a mellifluous album. We have already seen 'Ninaikka Therindha Maname' under Pathos, it had again PS-Kannadasan-Devika numbers, the lullaby 'Kaala Magal' other 2 amazing duets 'Poyyile Pirandhu' 'Panilladha Margazhiyaa'. 

With Sivaji Ganesan :

As mentioned earlier she did around 15+ movies with NT few of them not pairing with him like 'Bharatha Vilas' 'Pazhani' 'Saraswathi Sabatham' etc.

'Paava Mannippu' was the first movie to pair and we all know what an amazing album it is. Again the trio Kannadasan-PS-Devika coming back to haunt 'Athaan En Athaan' and 'Paal Irukkum Pazham Irukkum'

'Bale Pandiya' was the next movie to pair up. Again Kannadasan- PS-Devika gave 'Vaazha Ninaithal Vaazhalaam ' and two brilliant duets 'Naan Enna Solli Vitten' 'Athikaai Kaai Kaai'.

In the song 'Neeye Unakku endrum nigaraanavan' sequence Devika watching behind screen was poetic.

'Bandha Pasam' was next in which PS and SJ singing a duet 'En Kadhaidhaan ' and duet by TMS-SJ 'Pandha Irundhal kodi padarum'

Sivaji Productions 'Anni Illam' came next. 'Nadaya Idhu Nadaya' and the haunting melody 'Madi meedhu thalai vaithu;

In APN's 'Kulamagal Radhai' PS again gave 2 hits 'Kallamalar Siripile' and melodic 'Iravukku Aayiram Kangal'

K Shankar's 'Andavan Kattalai' in 1964 - Kannadasan-PS-Devika gave 'Azhage Vaa' and the duet 'Amaidhiyaana Nadhiyinile Odam'

B R Panthulu's Magnum Opus 'Karnan' too came in 1964 - What should I say about that album! Kannadasan at it again. 'Kangal Enge' is one such iconic number it also had 'Iravum Nilavum' 'Kannukku Kulamedhu' 

She was gorgeous throughout this movie and PS-Devika, this could be their best in their career.

'Pazhani' came in 1965 in which she was not paired with NT

'Muradan Muthu' TG Lingappa has given 'Thamarai poo Kulathile' 'Kalyana Oorvalam Paaru', again Kannadasan-PS-Devika

'Neela Vaanam' directed by P Madhavan in 1965. PS-Devika-Kannadasan breezy numeber 'Oho ho Odum ennangale' PS-LRE duet 'Mangala Mangaiyum Maappillaiyum'.

Next was A Bhimsingh's 'Santhi'. Yes you guessed it right, the memorable whistle song 'Nenjathi Nee Netru Vandhaai' and 'Oorengum Maappillai Oorvalam' 

The whole album is fantastic with classic 'Yaar Andha Nilavu' & 'Sendhoor Murugan'

K Shankar teamed up again to give 'Anbu Karangal' in 1965. This time R Sudarsanam with Vaali gave  'Azhagenna Arivenna' PS again 'Ramanukke Seethai'. 

This is a lovely album from RS with 'Kakithathil Kappal Seidhu' 'Onna Irukka kathukkanum' were another notable hit numbers.

She went on to act with NT in Thiruvilayadal, Saraswathy Sabatham, Engirundho Vandhaal,Bharatha Vilas in subsequent years of course not paired.

She stopped acting by mid of 1970s and acted only one movie in 1986 which was her last. She was away from film world until her passing away in 2002.

She had a short career compared to her peers but she went on to shine in those period.

As my friend @circusthuppaki mentions, Kannadasan has given his best for Devika's songs. That is another perspective one need to look into.

Hello !

Why I reminded of this dormant blog suddenly today and came back to hit it? Lot of reasons beyond a few hurting personal things.

The Pandemic in the last 10 months has invoked many people's passion which they were holding it for reasons known to them. There were many started facing the camera, of course not the Cinematic one, but in YT to showcase their interesting side. I could fine many such interesting POVs in those.

One of my close friend, @ipammal (rsgiri) had started a interesting topic which evoked my interest. And after few interactions offline I was online with him and we started discussing various musical aspects of TFM. His show is based on reminiscing one's life and not compare or classify any music or MD. The best thing happened on this was to interact with another two best friends more than friends well read kind of SMEs in my area of interest Shri Mohanakrishnan Sir and Sri G Ragavan. We were connected on the micro-blogging site for quite some time with  music being the main life line but those virutal sessions discussing with them and to hear their POVs, experiences were real treat.

Still why I came back to revive this blog?  Basically am too lazy to sit and write. Could have seen from my earlier stints here. Micro-blogging came as a boon to me to convey anything short and many a times the sacrasm getting better of me to convey it crypticly :-). There is always a change keep happening intutively for reasons sometimes  not known us :-). Also there is quite lot of time at my disposal now to keep  more occupied than my earlier stint here.

Another spark on this came today morning while I tweeted to another best friend @Veeba in Twitter about TFM between 1970 to 1975, the general notion being those were the time HFM was dominating Tamil Film World. But personally which is a myth and thought of clarifying it. This needs slightly eloborate and colloborative approach hence I thought this is the best medium than doing a thread on Twitter. 

Trying to revive this with '1970 to 1975' TFM to start with and this is a colloborative participative one especially with the best connoisseurs of TFM, GRagavan and Veeba.

Eyy (Ilaya) Raja

I tried writing this piece for quite sometime.

Male duets are really rare in TFM. The moment one think about male duets, immediately the epic "Pon ondru Kanden" of TMS,PS comes to everyone's mind irrespective of the timelines.  This song is ruling even today after many decades speak volume of its impact it has on the TFM lovers. Another classic one being "Paadinaal oru Paattu" from yester year. When I sat down to think post 70s/80s I couldn't find better than this one "Eye Raaja ondranom Indru" from the Jallikattu. Yes I am biased and I agree since I didn't think beyond anyone other than Raja while taking up this.

Coming to this song, let me try to give my few cents on how to look into compositions of Raja. IMHO, he never tried to compose any single track in isolation. He tried to get into this skin of the story line however thin or effective the story, screen play, characters and he always come up with mind blowing compositions not to forget about the BGMs, preludes and interludes. While saying this one must look into BGMs itself in isolation and can be analyzed.

If you carefully look at his earlier compositions beginning of 70s and 80s he had given us lot of gems which has brilliant preludes.

The song in discussion here is from the film Jallikattu starring Sivaji Ganesan, Sathyaraj, Radha directed by Chitra Lakshmanan.  This story line is very simple of a vengeance with a Sivaji as the leading protagonist.

Lets just peep into the situation for this song. Sivaji, a retired Justice takes into his custody a murder accused to rehabilitate him. The accused, Sathyaraj, didnt like Sivaji from first sight since he has awarded him the highest punishment for no wrong done by him.  Over a period time Sathyaraj understands Sivaji's intentions and understand the motto for both of them is common after initial hiccups. This song comes at the moment when he realizes and pleads to Sivaji for his innocence. And Sivaji says he will lead him to fight for the right. Krishna, helping Arjuna to fight for right. Heavily inspired with the situation, Gitapadesa, this song is pictured and carefully look into the lyrics also brings out that.

Now about the song. Raja was using MV to sing for Sivaji but for this he has chose Balu and Mano for Sathyaraj. There is a interesting twist here also if you look at Mano being shishya of SPB. Is it Raja's intelligence or I am reading too much into this :-).

This song starts with a brilliant prelude. This composition has outstanding orchestration especially these kind of songs are targeted to sing in live performance. Raja has given another such best orchestration targeting a live performance category is the wonderful "Sangeetha Megam" from Udhaya Geetham, and it has the one of the best preludes till date and a popular ring tone of many even today.

Once the anu pallavi lands nicely, the interlude starts with a breezy humming. Look at the situation here, the heroine feels happy about the bonding of the two and her happiness is coming out very well in this humming. Both Balu, who blends so nicely and Mano do real justice to this song.

I do not see any other male duets coming close to this. Again I am biased and let me be :-)

Before I conclude, IMHO, if you want to enjoy each and any composition of Raja I think one should see it not in isolation but wrt to the situation to enjoy it fully.

PS : Too many thoughts in mind once I start writing about IR hence ended up a lengthy one. Atleast post this, couple of you will look deep into his compositions rather than hearing it stand alone.

http://youtu.be/EOTmvsE9IoM