Kollywood Pongal - Part 2 - 1950s

In this part let us try to see in 1950 what Kollywood offered in light of movies and more towards Film Music. 

One cannot forget with 'Krishna Vijayam' one of the greatest male voice been introduced to TFM. TMS (a) T M Soundararajan made his entry with this lovely number. Krishna Vijayam, a Pongal release in 1950 with host of actors and legendary singers, NC Vasantha Kokilam, P Leela, KV Janaki, TV Ratnam, Trichy Loganathan. NC acted as Narada in this movie.

Moving to year 1955, the great Vijaya Vahini produced and released memorable even today for the album and other acting nuances of legendary actors like Savitri, SVR starrer ' Missiamma'.  This movie is a repeat watch even today likes of Thillana Mohanambal, Thiruvilayadal etc. What a star cast and sublime story telling by the great L V Prasad. S Rajeswara's one of the best album with AMR and P Leela ruled this album and PS didnt lag behind to sing 'Brindavanamum Nandakumaranum' and karaharapriya based 'Ariya Paruvamada'. The reel and real jodi, GG and Savitri, what a chemistry with Sarangapani and Thangavelu taking the supporting actors honors.

This Sindhu Bhairavi is haunting from P Leela

1956 Pongal had 3 releases with Sivaji's 'Nalla Veedu' Paragon Pictures 'Naan Petra Selvam' and MGR's 'Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum'

Nalla Veedu has this lovely Desh by T V Ratnam, predominantly sung in Bharatanatyam.

'Naan Petra Selvam' where in both Ganesan and APN came together first time and went on to give many brilliant films. This album is one of G Ramanathan's best with TMS all the way. One of the best Jonpuri from TFM. This will surely get a spot in TMS's best if you do any play list.

Ka Mu Sheriff went to write all the lyrics in this album. 

MGR starrer 'Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum' produced by Modern Theaters released too on that day and went to be a commercial hit.

Another musical extravaganza this movie. AMR and P Bhanumathi simply sizzled it.  

Jikki sang a nice dance number 'Salaam Babu' and Ghantasala didnt lag behind to sing this

1958 Pongal had two releases, AK Velan's and Prem Nazir's debut in Tamil ' Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakku' apt for the day of the festival and D Yoganand's Gemini starrer 'Bhooloka Rambhai'

Both were very rich in music and lyrics. 

KVM scored for 'Thai Pirandhal' and this magnificent song with richness in both lyrical by Kavignar Suratha and Sirkazhi rendering with apolomb. 

Kannadasan wrote this, what a lovely one sung by Trichy Loganathan 

What a lullaby from M S Rajeswari

And the real Pongal festival celebrations penned by A Maruthakasi. This is what Pongal festival is all about. 

On the other hand 'Bhooloka  Rambhai' didnt lag behind with brilliant music by C N Pandurangan with galaxy of singers like Radha Jayalakshmi, Jikki, Trichy Loganathan, S C Krishnan, Sirkazhi Govindarajan.

This is slightly based on kuravai song.

This is penned by none other than Writer Kovi Manisekaran sung by Radha Jayalakshmi. A fast paced pallavi in those times.

What a divine one this number 

1959 had A Bhim Singh's 'Ponnu Vilaiyum Bhoomi' and ANR Savitri multilingual starrer 'Manjal Mahimai'

Udumalai's lyrical with socio political message in this song by Jamuna Rani.

This melody by Ghantasala and P Suseela

And this one, what a master piece, the haunting humming 

Bhim Singh's 'Ponnu Vilaiyum Bhoomi' one another related story line to the situation starring Gemini, Padmini and Ragini.

What a hard hitting this number sung by CSJ

This tearjerker penned A Maruthakasi, P Suseela rendering it beautifully

Power of Money and what a lovely orchestral fusion with Jamuna Rani rendering it beautifully.

What a decade 1950 had with the movies had great story line equally with richness in lyrics and music. The producers, stars were also healthily competing on a festival day releases. 

With respect to songs, many of the songs even still ruling the charts one or another channel daily like Missiamma, Nan Petra Selvam, Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalaum etc.

Take time to enjoy these until we meet next to look at 1960s Kollywood's scene on a Pongal day !

Kollywood Pongal - Part 1

 If you are active in social media, you might be swamped with Thunivu vs Vaarisu discussion all over your time line as both are slated for released eve of Pongal.

With respect movie releases on key festival days, Deepavali was considered to be premium one for Kollywood. Every actor, director, producer wanted to enter and win this race. A Deepavali hit movie tag is more important to sell their future endeavors, will give lead in signing other projects. For actors its like CCNA, .Net Certification of 90s to upskill  and fly to US of A :-). 

Every festival days in TN will have handful of releases during 70s and 80s with almost all the top ranked stars competing with each other though healthily. One might find both MGR and Sivaji pitched in every festival release which Kamal and Rajini followed for some time too.

The dynamics of movie business changed considerably post 2000 where you might hardly see not even 2 or 3 movies getting released during Deepavali. Even the top stars don't want to get into Deepavali race. Everyone tried playing safe and no one want to lag behind or give a failure. Too much of insecurity creeped in.

While Deepavali festival is very colorful, crackers all around, it starts and ends with in 24 hours. Its like a ODI hundred. But Pongal, which is being celebrated across for nearly 5 days, laid back mode. Not like Deepavali, Pongal celebration is connected with too many cultural activities from various forms of folk arts being performances, Jallikattu, family coming together to celebrate the festival once in a year mandatorily in rural side, in Madras public thronging to Marina on Kaanum pongal day, not to forget about messing it all around, mandatory visit to Gandhi Mandapam and Snake Park during 70s and early 80s.

There was a strong sport connect to Pongal in Madras which Deepavali doesn't have was the Memorable Chepauk Tests. How one can forget the 97 Not out of GRV against likes of Roberts, Julien, Boyce, Holder, 'Vaseline Lever' 5fer, Kapil and SMH scampering for a bye to win a test against Alvin Kalicharan's WI, Neil Fosters 11 wickets, Azhar's one of back to back 3 centuries on his debut etc. Slowly this ritual also gone and for many years Chepauk didnt  get a test even during other times too.

Let us go back  to the topic  of looking back what was the scene during 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and to some extent of 90s, what Kollywood offered part of Pongal release.

Let us us delve into that from next part onwards. Till then.. 

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.

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'.

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

Happy Birthday Jayettaa !

Abhinaya Sharadhe - Actress Jayanthi

She was 'Bold and Beautiful' and most versatile actress from Kannada Cinema. Be it, first bond girl in Jedare Bale, path breaking female oriented script Miss Leelavathi, light hearted Bangalore Mail, historical Sri Krishnadevaraya, Immadi Pulikeshi, the tear jerker Kasturi Nivasa etc. She costarred with Dr Rajkumar in nearly 30+ movies and many were memorable hits.

Her stint in Tamil filmdom was also equally good. She was first choice for Director K Balachandar in his earlier directorial ventures. Though she had done cameos in Padagotti, Annai Illam and Mugaraasi, only movie Gemini has acted alongside MGR, her acting career skyrocketed in Tamil with Neerkumizhi, Bama Vijayam, Ethir Neechal, Iru Kodugal, Punnagai, Velli Vizha, Kanna Nalama etc. 

She was also first choice of some movies remade between Tamil, Telugu & Kannada and vice versa like, Kula Gowravam, Chithi etc. 

She was plump and her tone was quite different, which helped her to ease into more matured and versatile roles effortlessly.

Here would like to share some memorable songs she appeared on screen especially in Kannada and Tamil. 

Starting with Suseela / GKV's meody from Kasturi Nivasa.

Elle Iru https://youtu.be/dwPxQ9vwC_s

Another Suseela song composed by M Ranga Rao from Nakkare Ade Swarga.

Baalondu Baavageethe https://youtu.be/lwzMpotv2Qo

From Bahaddur Gandu with Dr Rajkumar

Mutthinantha https://youtu.be/I4FbBrHPXbc

Film Prathigne, PBS singing this melody for Dr Rajkumar

Kanasina Deviyagi https://youtu.be/cvx1r1B7D6A

S Janaki singing for Bettada Huli

Madhumagalu Naanagi https://youtu.be/KzVaHdWbHko

LRE for Jayanthi in Jedara Bale 

Yaaro Aadalu Bandavaru https://youtu.be/C2LFGV8UF1c

PBS, S Janaki, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi for SriKrishnadevaraya

Krishnana hesare https://youtu.be/PkpylLScxM4

PBS and Suseela for Punarjanma

Kannadati nammodati  https://youtu.be/A22wu9axkQY

Moving to see some of her Tamil numbers.

Ethir Neechal

Thamarai Kannangal https://youtu.be/hCXl_tfNFkI

From Punnagai

Aanayitten Nerungathe https://youtu.be/uAqGxGFDv-I

Bama Vijayam

Aani Muthu Vaangi vandhen https://youtu.be/aMrYL_HTok4

Kanna Nalama

Petredutha Ullam https://youtu.be/ShvHaDucE1U

Ganga Gowri

Aadhi Nadhan Ketkiraan ghttps://youtu.be/_Ut3OKdcf6g

Velli Vizha

Kaadhodudhaan Naan Pesuven https://youtu.be/WueBlFCHIs0

Go well Jayanthi Mam !

அன்னக்கிளியும், ராஜாவும், நானும்

 அன்றைய நாட்களில் அது தலைநகரத்தில் வளர்ந்து வரும் ஒரு புறநகர் பகுதி. ஆங்காங்கே நிறைய வீடுகள், கட்டி முடிக்கப்பட்டு, கட்டப்படும் இருந்த காலம். உயர்நிலை பள்ளி அதன் அருகில் இருந்ததால் நாங்கள் அங்கே குடிபுக நேர்ந்தது. நான்கு நகர்களை அடக்கிய ஒரு cluster போன்ற அமைப்பு. அங்கு வசித்தவர்கள், வசிக்க வருபவர்கள் எல்லோரும் மத்திய குடும்ப வர்க்கத்தினர் அதுவும் மாநில மற்றும் மத்திய அரசில் பணியாற்றுபவர்களாக  இருந்தனர். 

புதிய சூழ்நிலை புதிய நண்பர்கள் அறிமுகம். அன்றைய கால கட்டத்தில் மைதானத்தில் விளையாட்டு  ஒன்றே கேளிக்கை. மாலை விளையாடி முடிந்த பின், நகரில் நெறய வீடுகள் கட்டமைக்கப்படுவதனால், ஆங்காங்கே அதற்கான மணல் கொட்டி வைக்கப்ட்டு இருக்கும். அதில் அமர்ந்து பல கதைகள், சில செல்ல சண்டைகள் எல்லாம். விளையாட்டை தவிர்த்து அந்த பதின்ம வயதில் ஈர்க்கப்பட்ட இன்னொரு விஷயம், சினிமா. எங்கள் குழுவில் சினிமாவை இசை மூலம் ரசிக்க முடிந்தது ஒரு வரம். நிறைய நண்பர்கள், சிலர் என்னை விட வயதில் மூத்தவர்கள் இசையை பற்றி பேசும் பொழுது ஆர்வம் அதிகமாகும் . ஒவ்வொரு படத்தின் பாடல்களை பற்றி அளவளாவி மகிழ்ந்த தருணங்கள். 

இதே நாள் (14 மே  1976 )  45 வருடங்களுக்கு முன்பு  தமிழ் திரையுலகில் ஒரு புதிய இசை அலை உருவானது. 'அன்னக்கிளி' வெளியான நாள். இன்றும் மறக்க முடியாத கால கட்டம். பாடல்களை கேட்க ஒரே வாய்ப்பு வானொலி மட்டுமே. தவிர்த்து நாங்கள் இருந்த குடியுருப்பில் 'குடியிருப்போர் நல  சங்கம்' நடத்தும் குடியரசு மற்றும் சுதந்திர தினங்களில், கூம்பு வடிவ ஸ்பீக்கர் அமைத்து பாடல்களை ஒளி பரப்புவார்கள். அந்த நாட்களுக்காக காத்திருப்போம். முக்கியமான விழா நிகழ்வுகள் முடிந்த பின்னர் அந்த சவுண்ட் சர்வீஸ் மேஜையில் அமர்ந்து 'அன்னக்கிளி, கவிக்குயில், பத்ரகாளி, புவனா ஒரு கேள்வி குறி, காற்றினிலே வரும் கீதம்' போன்ற இசை தட்டுக்களை தேய தேய ஒளி பரப்பி மகிழ்வோம்.

'ஒரு காதல் தேவதை' 'நான் பேச வந்தேன்' 'ஒரு காதல் தேவதை இரு கண்ணில் பூமழை' 'ஒரு நாள் உன்னோடு ஒரு நாள்' 'பூந்தென்றலே' 'தேவி செந்தூர கோலம்' 'தாலாட்டு பிள்ளை என்னை தாலாட்டு' போன்ற எத்தனையோ சாக வரம் பெற்ற  பாடல்கள். ராஜாவின் ஆரம்ப கால பாடல்களை பற்றி பேச ஆரம்பித்தால் சொல்லிக்கொண்டே போகலாம். அவர் எத்தனை  படங்கள் இசை அமைத்து இருந்தாலும் என் மனதில் ஆழ பதிந்தது அவர் ஆரம்பித்த அன்னக்கிளி முதல் 70களின் மற்றும் ஆரம்ப 80களின் பாடல்கள் தான். 30 வருடங்களுக்கு மேல் ஆனா பிறகும் அவைகளை விட்டு என்னால் வெளி வர முடியவில்லை. 

என்னை பொறுத்தவரை அவர் எனக்கு வேண்டிய இசையை அவருடைய முதல் 100-150 படங்களிலேயே கொடுத்து விட்டார் . இன்னமும் அவைகளை திரும்பி சென்று கேட்டு கொண்டு இருக்கின்றேன்.