S Janaki supremacy with PBS & MSV

S Janaki turns 85 tomorrow and we look back on her musical journey. Not  on the popular late 70s songs, which is being discussed all over again and again but she gave her best much before with other MDs , her peers, contemporaries. Though Telugu was her forte which will be very vast to divulge to experience, in this episode let us try to see some Tamil songs with PBS and MSV.

SJ-PBS

I am a big fan of this combo. What brilliant numbers they gave together. Though she sang with PBS in her 2nd movie in Tamil but 1962 was path breaking for this duo to give 'Paasam' 'Policekaran Magal' and 'Sumai Thaangi'. 

'Paasam' is such a great album. Everyone's SJ favorite in that album is 'Jal Jal Enum Salangai Oli' but this one so underrated and what a top orchestration from MSV TKR. 

'Sumai Thangi' is out and out PBS SJ musical extravaganza. She got to sing 3 duets with PBS. The Darbari Kanada master piece ' Pon Enben' or the 'Indha Mandrathil Odi Varum' or the breezy 'Aandondru Ponaal', which one to pick.

It doesn't end there, Sridhar who gave 'Policearan Magal' went on to give one another mastepiece in that year 'Sumai Thaangi' with MSV TKR handling the music. Another masterclass album where in PBS just hijacked the album with his honey dripping voice.

SJ sang 2 duets and 3 solos, the famous 'Radhaketra Kannano' 

The opening humming, just wow !

And this album is famous for the number 'Roja Malare' but this is turned out to be most under rated. MSV TKR at again in 1962. Gorgeous Sachu 💓

K Shankar's 'Paadha Kaanikkai' another brilliant album. PS again topped this and with LRE she sang one of best female duets ' Unadhu Malar Kodiyele' in this but this SJ PBS touched many hearts.

Sridhar came back in 1963 and continued his love for this duo with 'Nenjam Marappathillai'. 

MSV TKR Kannadasan again at their best.

In 1965 two notable numbers from her. With KVM's musical direction she sang 'Podhigai Malai Uchiyle' for Thiruvilayadal, but the best was reserved for 'Vennira Aadai'

Yeah, its Sridhar again at it with MSV TKR and Kannadasan. Though Vennira Aadai was one of PS's master piece, this number checked all boxes and stood out.

On screen with Srikanth's swag and equally pretty Nirmala 💕

This 'Bagesri' is from Ganga Gowri. 

SJ-MSV

In this section, let us try to see some songs of her working with MSV be it solo or duets.

This one is so serene rendering and composition. 

This duet with Balu is so special. Both SJ and Balu were too good in their earlier time.

Come 70's another Sridhar venture, with MSV, Kannadasan. What a classic this one !

Female duets become extinct in film music. This surely tops the chart. P Madhavan directorial 'Thenum Paalum'  

This time with MSV, Vaali penning the lyrics for the title number. A KB masterclass.

Following up with another trend setter by KB, this is one of her finest solo.

With Balu again, the prelude humming itself set the romance in air. MGR and Manjula on screen for 'Netru Indru Naalai' 

In the same year, this Saranga ! She sang lovely numbers with TMS too.

This is real goosebumps ! For movie Dr Siva.

Get me one song like this ! What a composition. This and all happen once in life time.

The above are just not even tip of iceberg as she sung with almost all top, legendary MDs, co singers and across almost all languages.

After Telugu, Tamil, her best list will come from  Kannada songs with Balu, Rajan Nagendra. That has to be experienced. 

Till then enjoy your weekend with Jannumma 💘

மறுதொடக்கம்

 'மறுதொடக்கம்' - மீண்டுமொரு முறை  என்றே கூற வேண்டும். இதுவரை நிறைய 'மறுதொடக்கங்கள்' வாழ்க்கையில். முன்பெல்லாம் ஒரு பெரிய நம்பிக்கை இருந்தது. ஆனால் இம்முறை, அந்த நம்பிக்கை சுத்தமாக இல்லை. ஆனால் இம்முறை தொடங்கியே ஆக வேண்டும் எனவொரு கட்டாயம்.. இது எனக்கான மறுதொடக்கம் அல்ல. இன்னும் முக்கியமான கடமைகள் உள்ளன. அதை நிறைவேற்றினால் தான் என் வாழ்விற்கான ஒரு அர்த்தம். ஆனால் எங்கிருந்து தொடங்க போகிறேன் என்று இதுவரை தெரியவில்லை.மீள முடியும்  என்ற நம்பிக்கையும் இல்லை. 

இதற்கான வழி வகைகள் இன்று வரை எனக்கு புலப்படவில்லை. கடந்த 9 ஆண்டுகளாக ஒரு roller coaster போல் சென்று கொண்டு இருந்த போது, ஒரு பேரிடி  மட்டுமல்ல, இரண்டொரு வந்து புரட்டி போட்டது. இன்னும் மீளவில்லை. அதையும் தாண்டி, இனி ஒன்றும் செய்ய முடியாது என்று கடந்து செல்ல முற்பட்ட போது, பணி  இடத்தில ஏற்பட்டது பேரிடிக்கும் மேலானது. என்னுடைய 3 தசாப்தங்களுக்கு மேலான பணியில் இந்த மாதிரியான ஒரு சிக்கலை சந்தித்ததில்லை. P Sankar அண்ணா குறிப்பிட்டது போல், கடுமையான நெறிமுறைகளை கடை  பிடிப்பவன் பணியிடத்தில். எதையும் ஒரு ஒழுங்கு முறையுடன் செய்ய வேண்டும், பணியிடம் என்பது அலுவலக பணி அதை சார்ந்த அலுவலுக்கு மட்டுமே என்ற மன நிலை கொண்டவன்.My success till date is known for my work and professional ethics. இதற்கே ஒரு பங்கம் வந்தபோது, எல்லாம் முடிந்து விட்டது போல் இருந்தது. White collar corporate crimes are dangerous than actual crimes we see and read in news. ஒருவரை பணியிடத்தில் திறமை மூலம் எதிர்கொள்ள முடியவில்லை என்றால், கார்பொரேட் உலகத்தில் உள்ள ஒரே ஆயுதம், hit him / her or below the belt.And if one carries high ethics and integrity at work, its more easy for the opponent to strike at right time.

ஒரு மூன்று மாதங்கள் என்னால் மனதளவில் வெளியே வர முடியவில்லை. ஒரு மாதம் என்னுடைய அறையை விட்டே வெளியில் வரவில்லை. இதனால் மனதளவில் நிறைய பாதிப்பு, மருத்துவ சிகிச்சைகளுக்கு தள்ளப்பட்டேன். 

சில மாதங்களுக்கு முன்பு ஒரு மருத்துவ இக்கட்டான நிலையை சமாளிக்க கூட்டுநிதி நல்கை என்ற ஒரு உதவியை என்னையறிந்த நண்பர்கள் செய்த போதும், சில நல்ல உள்ளங்கள் என்னுடைய குடும்பத்தின் மேல் கேள்வி எழுப்பின. இவையெல்லாம் என்னை எந்த அளவுக்கு மோசமான மன நிலைக்கு தள்ளியது என்பது இரண்டொரு நண்பர்களுக்கு தெரியும். பணம் ஈட்டுவதற்கோ, பொருள்  ஈட்டுவதற்கோ நான் சமூக வலைத்தளங்களுக்கு  வரவில்லை. இதுவரை எந்த ஒரு அலுவலக பணியையும், அவர்கள் கொடுக்கும் சம்பளத்தை முன்னிட்டே தெரிவு செய்ததில்லை. எதை செய்தாலும் அதில் ஒரு வேட்கை. அது அலுவலகமாக இருக்கட்டும், இசை பற்றிய பதிவுகளாக இருக்கட்டும், வீட்டில் சமையலறை வேலைகளாகட்டும். அதில் ஒரு பிடிப்பு, ஒரு செயலொழுங்கு.

எதற்கு இத்தனை  பெரிய பீடிகை? இது என்னை பற்றி  பிறர் பச்சாதாப படுவதற்கோ அல்ல சுய கழிவிரக்க பதிவோ இல்லை. இதனால் ஏதாவது எதிர்பார்க்கிறேனோ என்ற ஒரு கோரிக்கையும் இல்லை. 

சமூக வலைத்தளங்களின் ஆரம்ப காலங்களில், ஒரு narrative, agenda இல்லாமல்  லகுவாக  உலவிய போது கிடைத்த அனுபவங்கள், நட்புகள், நிகழ்வுகள் தற்போது இல்லை. சங்கர் அண்ணா ஒரு முறை சொன்னது போல், இயக்குனர் விக்ரமன் திரைப்படம் போல் இருந்த சமூக வலைத்தளம். இன்று விக்ரமன் அவர்களின் பிறந்த நாள் :-)

இன்று அங்கு முழுவதும் ஒரு மிக பெரிய இறுக்கம். எதையும் சுலபமாக சொல்ல முடியவில்லை. Personally I had made lot of friends, some are close like my family. நிறைய நல்ல நண்பர்களை சந்தித்து இருக்கிறேன். இன்றும் அவரில் சிலரை முடிந்த போது சந்திக்கிறேன், கைபேசியில் அல்லது குறுந்தகவல் மூலமாகவோ சுலபமாக பேச முடிகிறது.

But the flip side of it had hit me below the belt. I had experienced more back stabbing. Even when I was peak of my struggle, some good friend known well, questioned my actions. End of it I lost more than what I gained. Its not right of my part to bring out my personal loss here but I have to be honest to myself and people whom I have to take care in my life. My openness, easy going, not being judgmental about people, has given room for few to take all and leave me high and dry.

சில நண்பர்களுக்கு தெரியும் நான் எத்தனை பணத்தை இங்கு இழந்து இருக்கிறேன் என்று. தான் கஷ்டப்பட்டாலும் பிறருக்குஏதாவது ஒரு வகையில் உதவ வேண்டும் என்று வளர்ந்த விதம். அதுவே எனக்கு வினையாக முடிந்தது. கொடுத்திற்கெல்லாம் கணக்கு வைத்து கொள்ளாமல், திரும்ப கேட்காமல் இருந்தது தவறு என புரிய வைத்தனர். ஆனால் இன்று அவர்கள் வந்தாலும் நான் கேட்க மாட்டேன். மாறாக என்னை பற்றி புறம் பேசியது தான் என்னை மிகவும் காயப்படுத்தியது.

எத்தனை கலகலப்பான உரையாடல்கள், கோவில், இசை, சினிமா, விளையாட்டு, கோவிலை சொல்லி விட்டு, பிரசாதத்தை சொல்லாமல் விட முடியுமா :-). இன்று எதை பற்றியும் சொல்ல முடியவில்லை. நம்முடைய ஒவ்வொரு வார்த்தைக்கும் அனர்த்தம் கற்பிக்கப்படுகிறது. எனக்கு ஒரு அரசியல் நிலைப்பாடு இல்லை என்பது ஒரு பெரிய குறையா காணப்பட்டது. என்னை பொறுத்தவரை, பொது வெளியில் எதை சொல்ல வேண்டும் எதை சொல்லக்கூடாது என்ற வரையறையில் வாழ்கிறவன். முடிந்த வரை மற்றவர்களை காயப்படுத்தியதில்லை. என்னுடைய அரசியல் நிலைப்பாடு, என்னுடைய மதம் சார்ந்த நிலைப்பாடு என்பதெல்லாம் என்னுடைய உள்ளத்திற்கு தெரிந்தால் போதும் என வாழ்கிறவன். 

இனிமேல் என்ன :

தொடங்க வேண்டும் கண்டிப்பாக. கடமையை முடிக்காமல் செல்லக்கூடாது. அதுவரை பொருளீட்ட வேண்டும், எனக்காக அல்ல. லௌகீக விஷயங்களில் இருந்து மெதுவாக விலக வேண்டும். மேற்சொன்ன கடுமையான காலங்களை, மேற்படிப்பில் கவனம் செலுத்தினேன்.இன்னும்  இரண்டொரு மாதங்களில் இரு  முதுநிலை படிப்புகளை  முடிக்க வேண்டும்.இன்னும் நிறைய படிக்க வேண்டும். 

வரும் கல்வியாண்டிலாவது, தமிழ் இளங்கலை பயில ஆரம்பிக்க வேண்டும்.கடந்த வருடமே சேர விரும்பி, தவற விட்டு விட்டேன். 

இன்னும் நிறைய இசையை கேட்க வேண்டும், கேட்டதை பகிர வேண்டும். மனதின்  அருகில் இருக்கும் நண்பர்களிடம் தொடர்ந்து பேச வேண்டும்.

இதற்கெல்லாம் சமூக வலைத்தளம் ஒரு மிகப்பெரிய தடைக்கல்லாக இருக்கிறது. சமூகவலைத்தளத்தில் என்னுடைய மன இறுக்கத்தை வெளிப்படுத்தி, எதையும் சாதிக்க விரும்பவில்லை. 

இந்தவொரு காரணத்திற்காக தான் திரும்பி வந்த சமூக வலைதள அடையாளத்திலிருந்தும் சமீபத்தில் வெளியேறினேன்.

இங்கு தொடர்ந்து இசையை பற்றி மற்றும் மனத்திற்கு பிடித்ததை பேசுவோம், பகிர்வோம். 

மீளுவதற்கு இப்போதைக்கு, படிப்பு, படிப்பு மற்றும் இசையை ரசித்து மகிழ்வது ஒன்றே வழி என தோன்றுகிறது. 

எல்லோரும் வளமுடன் இருக்க வாழ்த்துக்கள்.

நேரம் இருந்தால் தொடர்பு கொள்ள வேண்டும் என நினைத்தால், பின்னூட்டம் இடவும்.

Kollywood Pongal - Part 4 - 1970s

 While we move into 70s now, plugging earlier blog regarding 1970s TFM scenario. I was managed to write until 1974 and 1975 is left I assume. Will finish that soon.

https://venky-alaymanlostinmusic.blogspot.com/2021/01/hello.html 

Now entering into 70s Pongal releases.

1970 Pongal had 3 releases again with MGR vs Sivaji and Ravichandran had a release.

'Jeevanaadi' written by KSG starring Lakshmi and Ravichandran music by V Dhakshinamoorthy. Finest album full of melodies.

This one is by VJ with Krishna Chandran lovely melody. What a beautiful humming throughout.

This album have one another carnatic based number by KJY and Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi.

Sivaji Jayalalitha starrer 'Enga Mama' remake of Brahmachari music by MSV, another beautiful album.

Apart from this lullaby, TMS has belted 'Naan thannanthani kaatu Roja'

But this one is masterpiece

Still not done, this TMS LRE is mind  blowing prelude. What a orchestral brilliance.

MGR starrer 'Maatukkaara Velan' directed by P Neelakantan had KVM scoring music. And JJ paired with MGR.

This album was also a big hit with TMS rocking throughout.

This peppy one by TMS with LRE and PS. What a number.

And LRE in her elements in this one

1971 had two releases. Sivaji starrer 'Iru Thuruvam' remake of Gunga Jumna music by MSV.

What a wonderful singing by Sirkazhi and rich lyric value. TFM was very healthy those days

And this song is highlight, with themmangu style and MSV rocking.

CV Sridhar produced 'Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa' and romcom written by none other than Gopu. What a riot this movie.

Ravichandran paired with beautiful Kanchana and a great star cast.

MSV, like day in day out, gave an absolute album.

LRE with TMS and Balu. What a great fusion.

And this mesmerizing melody PS with M L Srikanth. The humming and prelude takes us to a different world.

Another fusion from MSV. Balu's magic humming and following prelude. Balu, PS, LRE with Saibaba.

Not done yet, this one will surely take place in top 50 songs of Balu. Balu was a beast in 70s that too with MSV.

In 1972 no big releases. APN came up his signature mythology ' Agathiyar' and KB's 'Kanna Nalama'.

Kunnakudu composed for Agathiyar which had lovely songs, having Sirkazhi and TRM on screen, nothing surprising to get those lovely numbers.

T K Kala debuted with this number and it was instant hit.

This classic sung by TMS and Sirkazhi. Ragas galore

K D Santhanam, one of finest lyricist wrote this dance number. M R Vijaya sung beautifully.

 

KB's Kanna Nalama was a tear jerker. MSV scored for this movie.

This lullaby from PS

1973 Pongal had one release. RM Veerappan production 'Manipayal' directorial debut by A Jaganathan, who went to give some super duper hits like 'Idhayakani' 'Moondru Mugam' 'Thanga Magan' 'Kadhal Parisu' etc.

In 1977, two releases happend. Sivaji's 'Avan Oru Sarithiram' and TN Balu directorial, Kamal starrer 

'Uyarndhavargal'

MSV with his signature Nagaswaram, Thavil style scored this beautiful melody.

What a lovely Dharmavathi. 

And this masterpiece from MSV again his favorite thavil coming into play in the rhythm section.

The haunting humming in the start by PS. 

Uyarndhavargal, a remake from Hindi, music composed by Shankar Ganesh.

This is sung my Dr BMK and on screen too 

This was a chart buster those day in Radio with KJY in his elements. Kannadasan wrote all lyrics.

End of this decade, in 1978, MGR's last movie 'Maduraiyai Meeta Sundara Pandiyan' released.

P Neelakantan has directed this historical movie with MSV scoring the album. MGR's favorite lyricists Pulamaipithan and Muthulingam wrote all songs.

Vani Jairam went on to sing two classic melodies one with PJ and another with KJY.

This one by VJ PJ based on Dwivijavanthi, what a classic one

This Sudha Saveri by VJ with KJY. Gorgeous Latha on screen. 

Surprisingly PS got a non melody in this album.

With this we have come to the end of 1970s Pongal releases. Another good decade with respect to Tamil Film Music and movie scripts too.

We will move on to Enchanting 80's shortly, till then enjoy Scintillating 70s.

Kollywood Pongal - Part 3 - 1960s

In the last episode we have seen a lovely musical journey along with good movies in 1950s. Now let us move to 1960s and see what is in store for all of us.

1960 Pongal accounted for 2 releases. TR Mahalingam, Pandari Bai starrer 'Thanthaikku Pin Thamaiyan' and Gemini's SS Vasan directorial 'Irumbu Thirai' with Sivaji and could be Vyjanthimala one time acting along with him.

KVM has scored for Thanthikku Pin Thamayan which had this song penned by A Maruthakasi

This number by T R Mahalingam with his signature talks about Kaviri and Dravidam.

Another one by Kannadasan, TRM, with a peppy rhythm

'Irumbu Thirai' music composed by MD S V Venkatraman had couple of lovely numbers.

This Shanmugapriya duet of TMS P Leela evergreen that haunting melody in the begining.

What a lovely female duet this one written by Kothamangalam. The two eternal beauties on screen and Jikki and P Leela singing beautifully.

This Karaharapriya by (Radha) Jayalakshmi is pristine. Both mother and daughter on screen.

1962 had 3 releases during Pongal. Both Ganesan's joined the race with MGR making it very interesting along with 3 legendary Music Directors, KVM, MSV TKR and SM Subbiah Naidu. Well what a wonderful movie as well music we got.

The epic 'Singara Velane Deva' stepped up SJ's career. Karaikuruchi's Abheri is simply outstanding. What a wonderful composition.

Ramalinga Adigalar's this verse rendered beautifully by Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi set in Bilahari. Very underrated one.

This is a stunner from P Leela.

This is a mesmerizing album. Please go and listen to each and every song.

MGR starrer 'Rani Samyuktha' directed by D Yoganand written by Kannadasan one of his few movies. This album by KVM all songs by Kannadasan.

Beautiful Padmini in this lovely duet

This is my all time favorite. What a prelude and orchestral, TMS and Suseela in top form.

And this solo by PS :-) and she laughs sarcastically in second charanam starting.

Sivaji Gemini Saroja Devi Savitri starrer 'Paarthal Pasi Theerum' with Bhim Singh, written by ACT. What a film this one. Another repeat watch of 'Pa' Series and excellent album by MSV-TKR

Whose acting to pick and discuss, which song to pick out of this album ?

The first 20 seconds goosebumps. How well the actors and the singers synced to bring out this gem.

This lullaby from TMS

This is master piece. While in Pallavi to suit the slow tempo, he walks slowly and in interlude to charanam the rhythm tempo upbeat and he walks fast.. what an actor

This film, each and everyone in top form, excel in their field and what a gem we get.

1964, Sivaji and MGR head on with contrasting scripts. MGR teams with Devar chose to give a action packed one ' Vettaikaran', Sivaji with B R Pantulu gave the magnum opus 'Karnan'

What a Pongal it would have been for Kollywood !

KVM added extra zeal to make Vettaikaran more enjoyable with 'Seetu Kattu Raja' 'Methuva Methuva'  but this one is evergreen.....

Contrasting to that, hear this lullaby from TMS, what a versatile singer

What to say about 'Karnan' album. It has been re-released after 2K and ran for 100 days, and still the songs are been first choice for budding singers in competitions. This is just enough talk about the album. The true multi starrer from B R Pantulu.

Kannadasan wrote all of it as like Vettaikaaran a complete contrast.

Suseela came out winner in this album with 'En Uyir Thozhi' the evergereen masterpiece 'Kangal Enge' which cant be matched anyone till date in TFM, 'Kannukku Kulamedu' Sirkazhi's all time hit ' Ullathil Nalla Ullam'.....

Devika and PS team is one brilliant to give many like this.

Just putting out the complete juke box as its difficult to pick any one or few from this album.

Just keep listening and make life peaceful.

What better Pongal cine and music lovers would have asked for in those time.

Years getting better, 1965, new comer Jaishankar pitched between the two Super Stars of that time Sivaji and MGR. 

Jai debuting with Citadel Films written by TN Balu's ' Iravum Pagalum' music by T R Pappa, while Vijaya Vahini producing the mega blockbuster MGR starrer 'Enga Vettu Pillai' music by MSV-TKR and Sivaji, Bhimsingh, MS Solaimalai, a family melo drama 'Pazhani' music by MSV-TKR.

This is just awesome not only for music lovers but also for the movie lovers.

Alangudi Somu wrote all lyrics for Iravum Pagalum.

Another lovely one from TMS

All know about S A Asokan as a versatile actor, who has sung this one in this movie.

'Enga Veetu Pillai' MSV-TKR rocked again, Vaali teaming up with MGR to give 'Naan Aaniyittal'. This one of the block buster from MGR and another musical hit.

I am a great fan of female duet and this one by PS and LRE is brilliant with Alangudi Somu's lyrics.

Here is the complete jukebox for your hearing.

Male singers coming together singing was quite common those days and this melody is just outstanding. Rich in music, lyrics. Relating more to the rural and farming people.

Kannadasan as usual communicates the blood relatioship in simple way. Hard hitting too.

1966 Pongal had two releases with ACT directorial AVM's  mega blockbuster 'Anbe Vaa'. What a colorful entertainer this one. All songs penned by Vaali and a musical hit too.

Composing and picturisation ahead of time this one.

The complete juke box here to listen.

KSG's 'Chitthi' Padmini, Gemini Ganesan starrer came along with Anbe Vaa on that day.

Music by MSV, this lullaby by P Suseela is top stuff.

This  beautiful duet of Muthuraman and Vijaya Nirmala and LRE with PBS, contrasting duet.

Chitthi also had a popular run with Padmini's performance and good songs, KSG's dialog and direction.

1967 Ponga, end of that decade had two releases. Cho's stage play adapted to movie 'Manam Oru Kurangu' and APN's mythology 'Kandan Karunai'.

D B Ramachandran who scored for 'Manam Oru Kurangu' had this peppy number by  Sirkazhi with LRE on screen Cho and Vijayarani.

This title number by TMS is very famous one and quite philosophical too.

KVM who scored for Kandan Karunai rightfully got his National Award. This is one of the greatest devotional album from Tamil Film. APN known for his mythology takes, has brought out right touch of nuance with Sivaji making a cameo, made it quite interesting.

This number is composed by Kunnakudy Vaidynathan in this album.

What goosebumps everytime listening to this. P Suseela.... what a singer. Kannadasan's lyrical beauty.

Another Suseela's mind blowing rendering with Nagaswaram and Thavil coming into play. Lovely composition.

This album has almost all the top female singers in the mix KBS, Suseela, Soolamangalam and S Varalakshmi rendering this Charukesi.

Wow, what a decade 1960 was, all we thought yesterday while going through 1950 was something special but the TFM and Kollywood creators raised the bar in 60s.

Let us sit back sometime and enjoy all these lovely music until we move to 70s shortly.

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.