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A JOURNEY WITH K.V. MAHADEVAN

Topic started by Manisekaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on Fri Jun 14 01:54:38 EDT 2002.
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

This is an effort, in a modest way, to trace the great contributions of KVM to the Tamil Film Music. As Tamil Film songs originate from the Tamil films, I am aslo taking the liberty of discussing the background of the films where KVM had comsposed- with the intention of adding spice. I believe this article would serve as a nostalgic tonic to the fans of old songs.

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Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jul 31 01:04:41 EDT 2002
  
  kik,
  
  You are absolutely on track. Kattu Roja was a 1963 release. The Yenadi Roja song was a reference to Saroja Devi. Source- Film News Aanandan.
  
  Thank you.
  
  Manisegaran
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.172) on: Wed Jul 31 04:24:57 EDT 2002
  
  Kik, that's an interesting point you have raised.
  1960 had lot of Padmini films: Mannathi Mannan, Deiva piravi, Raja Desingu, Meenda Sorgam, Rajabhakthi etc.
  
  But it gradually reduced in the next few years-
  
  1961: Arasilankumari, Punar jenmam and Sri Valli
  
  1962: Rani Samyuktha, Senthaamarai and Vikramadityan
  
  1963: Only Kattu Roja
  
  1964: Only Veeranganai
  
  and no film at all in 1965! (Of course some of these films (Senthaamarai definitely) may have been many years in the making)
  I remember reading Padmini's interview wherein she mentioned that she acted in Rani Samyuktha when she was in an advanced state of pregnancy. Perhaps that, and the birth of her son, kept her at home for a few years.
  
  In 1966, we find she had made a strong comeback with Chithi and also acted in Thaaye unakkaga and Saraswathi Sabatham.
  
  In 1967 her films were Iru Malargal, Pesum Deivam, Thiruvarutselvar, Kankanda deivam and Paalaadai. 1968 had Thillana Mohanaambal and Kuzhandhaikkaaga.
  
  Her only film in 1969 seems to be Guru Dakshinai.
  
  1970 saw her pairing with Sivaji in Vilayattu Pillai and Vietnam Veedu.
  
  In 1971, she played MGR's sister in Rikshawkkaaran. Her other films this year were Iru Dhuruvam, Thenum paalum, Kulama Gunama, Thirumagal etc. I'm not sure, but I think she was also there in Annai Velankanni and Aadhi parasakthi.
  
  Her only film in 1972 seems to be Appa Tata.
  
  With that her career seems to have come to an end.
  Of course, she made a special appearance in Deepam (1977).
  
  It seems to be a long hibernation this time till 1985 and Poove Poochooda Vaa.
  
  Yes, a chat with her may bring many facts to light.
  
  
• From: kik (@ 207.0.105.148) on: Thu Aug 1 00:54:04 EDT 2002
  
  Saravanan: Rani Samyuktha and Vikramadiththan must have been in production for a while since costume dramas went out of fashion starting ~'60. In fact, kanchi thalaivan I think falls in the same category ('63?). Interesting that all of them have MGR as hero - he may have been getting more engaged with story/screenplay/dialogues/music esp given the success of naadOdi mannan and the (at least relatively?) lacklustre performance of these 3 movies.
  
  Isn't Rickshawkaran from '73? I've always felt that it's an updated version of arasiLangkumari.
  
  Same with Baghdad Perazhagi and Gulebakavali. In fact, there were a series of Ravichandran - J movies starting in the late 60s (naan, moondrezhuthu,...) that seem to be updated versions of the 40s folk/costume dramas (vEthaaLa ulagam etc). The story structure is the same - there is a framing story that leads to three episodes/adventures that dovetail into the climax of the framing story. Very clever scheme if you can get it right - the success of mythologicals like thiruviLayaadal which had a similar episodic structure probably encouraged this type of updating/remakes.
  
  Coming back to Padmini - didn't she star in Lakshmi KalyaaNam (67/68?)? I think that's the movie with thEru paakka vanthirukkum chiththinip_peNNE (?) by TMS & PS - what a melody, rhythm, and dance by Sivaji and Padmini!
  
  Back to KVM - kalaiarasi (also '63, also MGR - makes me wonder if my hypothesis about his involvement in all aspects of movie-making is true after all) has a very interesting premise. It is probably the first SF/fantasy in tamil if not indian movies. MGR's wife P Bhanumathi gets stolen by Nambiar - he takes her from the contemporary world to some heaven-like place. MGR has a twin (the other is a jester in the heaven-like kingdom). There was a great TMS/Seerkazhi solo that got cut off on TV. That's about all of the movie I got to watch - looking forward to Manisegaran's write-up of this movie.
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 194.170.1.132) on: Thu Aug 1 01:14:38 EDT 2002
  
  Kik, I too remember watching 'Kaliarasi' long back on TV and was amazed its story bordering on S.F. They even show a space craft in it ! Didn't Rajshree too star in it?
  
  'Theru paarka vandhirukkum' is from Iru Dhuruvam.
  Lakshmi Kalyanam didn't have Padmini. It starred Sowcar Janaki and Vennira aadai Nirmala.
  
  You are right about there being a series of Ravichandran-JJ films in the late sixties. Most of them were by TR Ramanna and invariably did well.
  
  
• From: Subbu (@ 216.52.49.5) on: Mon Aug 5 04:27:38 EDT 2002
  
  After her Poove poo chooda vaa, Padmini acted as heroine/main character in "Thaaikku oru thalaattu", "Lakshmi vandhachu", "Aayiram kaNNudayaaL".
  
  Saravanan, yes, Padmini appeared in Annai Velankanni and Aadhi parasakthi. Very good piece of roles.
  
  In her earlier films, Paanchali, TherOttam, Edhir Kalam, Thirumaal perumai, PeN Jenmam (Thevar's movie), etc were missing in the list. + In one movie, she acted with Nagesh as her pair (her charatere name was "Pattu", a cook).
  
  
• From: Ragapravaham Sundar (@ 61.11.81.202) on: Mon Aug 5 06:12:43 EDT 2002
  
  Saravanan,Kik/Manisekaran,
  Enough about Padmini stories here. I can see KVM's music esp. for the film Ullasappayanam is totally offbeat. Any reason? TKP's hand is predominant? Partha kangal naangu...is a top class melody.How SJ was called to sing all the songs? Chithirai penney chithirai penney...is simply outstanding. Is this written by Tiruchi Thiagarajan? Tell me other songs than Poda poda paithiyamey...By the by I badly need Chithirai penney2 song. Can you help me?
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.170) on: Mon Aug 5 09:06:53 EDT 2002
  
  R Sundar, yes Ullasa payanam has great songs. One more song from it is 'Vanathil aayiram poo malarum'-SJ.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Aug 5 20:25:58 EDT 2002
  
  Ragapravagam Sunder,
  
  The other song in Ullasa Payanam is "Poottiya Manathai Thirnathuvidu" by TMS. Lyrics by Trichy Thiagarajan for all the songs in this film.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Aug 5 20:42:57 EDT 2002
  
  When discussing the films of the 1950s, I had left out two important films with KVM's music.
  
  KAVERIYIN KANAVAN (1959)
  Kaveriyin Kanavan starred by Muthukrishnan, Sowkar Janaki, and songs by Udumalai Narayana Kavi, Tanjai Ramiah Dass, and PK Muthusamy
  
  
  There is a famous song by MLV
  VANNATHAMIZH SORNAKKILI
  VAAAI THIRANTHAAL
  
  P.Suseela has a powerful song:
  
  Chinn Chinna Nadai nadanthu
  Senbavala Vaai Thiranthu
  Ammavenru Nee azhuthaal
  Amutha Gaanam Pozhiyuthadaa
  Amutha Gaanam Pozhiyuthadaa
  
  
  
  
  MS Rajeswary and LR Eswary leave behind this evergreen song that was, is and would always remain on the lips of all those who have heard it:
  
  MSR: Maappillai vanthaan Maappillai Vanthaan
  Maattu vandiyile
  
  LRE: Ponnu Vanthaa
  Ponnu Vanthaa Potti Vandiyile
  
  
  ENGAL KULADEVI (1959)
  This film starred by Balaji, Javer Seetharaman, M Pandaribai, M. Mainavathi, etc has two famous songs of good music.
  
  One is a duet by TMS and P. Suseeela:
  
  
  TMS:Ye kutty navamma
  Yn mele kovama
  Aathangarai orama
  Kaathu vanga poovama
  
  PS:Po machaan thoorama
  Varathe en oraama
  Yennai immaa nerama
  Yeichathellam niyayama
  
  
  
  Thiis is a long song, but keps the listeners mesmerised with so lovely a tune.
  
  Seergazhi Govindarajan and Suseela sing this song:
  
  SG: Oh…VANDU AADATHA SOLAYIL MALARNTHU
  VAADAMAL IRUKKUM POO ENNA POO?
  PS: ANBU KANAVANIN MUNNALE MANAIVI
  AZHAGAGA SIRIKUM PUN SIRIPPU
  
  
• From: kik (@ 207.0.105.141) on: Mon Aug 5 21:49:00 EDT 2002
  
  Manisegaran: engaL kuladEvi has one more song that is great - oNNum theriyaatha kanni a duet/trio with Tiruchi Loganathan. It's a folktune with nadaswaram and thavil used to great effect. This was the movie I was confusing with enga kudumbam perisu a while back on this thread.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Aug 5 22:36:28 EDT 2002
  
  kik
  
  The songs I did not mention are:
  
  Onnum Theriyaatha Kanni Oru Kannni-Ava Kannale vachaalam Kanni by nTrichy lohganathan and RE andgroup.
  
  Malgova Mambazhamey Maathulaiye by P. Suseela
  
  Kannadi Kannam Kaanbavar Ullam by K. Jamunarani and group
  
  Kattaana Thega Kattu by K Jamunarani
  
  
  Vaada Malligaiye by PSuseela
  Chittam Chittam Kuruvi Sirikuthaam by Ratnamala
  
  Paalum Pazhamirukkum Pakkathiule Naanirukka by Ratnamala
  
  Pachai Pasunkiliye by P.Suseela
  
  
  
  
• From: Ragapravaham Sundar (@ 61.11.82.1) on: Tue Aug 6 04:18:19 EDT 2002
  
  Manisekaran,Saravanan,Kik,
  My doubts reg.Ullasappayanam have not been clarified. Pl. let me know the banner, artistes,etc. Why SJ alone was selected for all the songs? Why the songs of KVM sound off-beat in this particular film? I want the Chithirai penne2 song badly. Can you pl. help me?
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.173) on: Tue Aug 6 05:41:07 EDT 2002
  
  R S, I think it starred SSR and Vijayakumari. About SJ- perhaps PS wasn't available that day!!I do have Chithira penney song- tell me how can I reach it to you.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Aug 6 19:54:55 EDT 2002
  
  R. Sunder,
  
  I remember seeing the movie when I was just in about 1964. Can't remember much. It was starred by SSR Vijayakumari and MR Ratha. Im sorry I have no information on choice of SJ. Im sure there is a valid reason. Saravanan's guess may be right.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Aug 6 20:54:50 EDT 2002
  
  SECTION III
  
  Part 37
  
  FILMS OF 1960s
  This part would films of the 1960s. They do not include films acted by MGR and Sivaji Ganesan.
  
  First let me give the list of films of the year 1960
  
  
  THANGAM MANASU THANGAM (1960)
  
  This is an average film starred by Prem Nasir, TK Ramachnadran, Friend Ramasamy, M.N. Rajam, Vijayakumar, M. Saroja, etc This film was produced by Friend Ramasamy.
  
  
  There is a solo by PS- a devotional. Surprisingly this devotional song was written by ABDUL KAPOOR SAHIB- A muslim!
  
  
  MANGALA THULASI MATHA NEEYE
  MAGIZHVUDAN ARUL PURIVAAIYE THAAYE
  
  
  Govindarajan and P. Suseela give this wonderful duet:
  
  Sirikkuthu mullai -athu
  Parikkuythu kannai
  Karuthaiye mayakkiye izhukkuthe
  Antha Allikukal Orathile Ninry
  Arunthavam Seivathen Kokku Onru?
  Athan Ullathile Ullathaiye
  Unarnthu Kollum Thirmai
  Umayile Enakku Illai Vilakkuvathun Kadamai
  Naadi Varum Meenai Ethirpoaarthe Thavam Pannuthe-Nalla
  Virunthunna Ennuthe
  Enrum Kaanathe Aananthak Kan Kaatchiye….
  
  
  
  
  
  
  There is one more excellent duet by Govindarajan and P. Susela
  
  Pongum Azhagu Poothu Kulungum Thangathamaraiye
  Anbu Vellam Alli Vazhangum Inbak Kaviriye
  Indru Netru vantha Uraavaa
  Ingu Nam Urave
  Idayathodu Ithayamaaga Kalantha Pen Uruve
  
  Sangathamzih Kanniyaaga Andru Nee Piranthaai
  Kambanaaga Tunnai kalanthu Naan Magizhnthen
  Intha Ulagam Ullavarayil Sontham Maarathu
  Ethu Vanthaalum Entha Naalum Pirivum Nerathu
  
  Suseela sings humming and one line in this song.
  
  
  There is one more duet by SG and Jikki
  
  Sangeeetham paadi Santhosham Kondaadalaam
  Thanimai Naadivantha Vaanambaadi Jodi Naam
  
  :
  
  
  THANGARATHINAM (1960)
  
  This is the first film that SSR produced. The good song I can think of in this film are:
  
  A song by CS Jayaraman:
  
  Santhana Pothigayin
  Thenralenum Pennaal
  Alli Alli Mayakki
  Vinthaikal Seiguraal
  
  
  PS sings a solo that goes “Innoruvar Thayavetharku”
  
  There is a duet by TMS and Jamunarani:
  
  Jaalamellaam Theriyuthu Aaha
  Jaadaiyaale Puriyuthu Oho
  Enni Nee Elithinile Eikkavum Mudiyaathu
  
  
  
  There is one more duet song by TMS and K. Jamunarani
  
  Ethayum Thangum Manasu
  Ennai Ematha Paarkkuthu Thinusu
  Nam Ithaya Vaanile Uthaya Sooriyan
  Ezhunthathuthaan Puthusu
  
  Being his own film SSR sings a sing in this film as follows:
  
  Tunbam Theeratho?
  
  
  
  
  PONNI THIRUNAAL (1960)
  This is a film where Pugazhendi did most of the work, and credit was given to KVM.
  
  There is a very nice song by P.B. Sreenivos:
  
  
  Yen Sirithaai Ennai Paarthu
  Un Ezhilthannai paadavaa
  Thamizhai Serthu
  
  Vinthaikal Pesum Viunmeenkal Koottathile
  Vilayaadum Venmathi Neethaanaa?
  Vinthaikal Pesum Viunmeenkal Koottathile
  Vilayaadum Venmathi Neethaanaa?
  Enthai Munnorkal Iyal Isai Nadagam
  Payindrathellam Un Idam Thaanaa?
  (Yen)
  
  Solai Naduvile Thooya Thamizh Paadum
  Neela Kuyilum Neethaana?
  KaanilVaazhnthidum Maanin Inathile
  Kavarimaan Enbathum Un Inam Thaanaa”
  
  (Yen)
  Another beautiful song by PBS and PS, and happens to carry a tune that is unique in itself.
  
  PS:Veesu Thendrale Veesu
  Vetkai Theerave Veesu
  Maasu Illatha En Aasai Kathalan
  Vanthu Senthamizhil Sinthu Padave
  
  PBS: Padu Kokilam Paadu
  Paasamaaga Nee Padu
  Thedum Kathalan Odi Vanthanan
  Sinthu Padidu Nee Sernthu Paadalaam
  
  Aanmugam Kaanum Penmanam naanam
  Adaivathum Eno Athisayam Thano?
  
  
  PS: Aanmayiai Vellum Naanamey Engal
  Anikalan Athuve Thunai Balam Andro?
  
  (VEESU)
  
  PS: Nilavinai Engey kaanom
  Intha Nerathile Thaniyaaga Aanom
  PBS: Thalaimaraivagavey Kalai Mathi Mugame
  Saagasam Seivathilthaan Enna Sugame
  
  PS: Thottaal Kulirum Vittu Vilaginaal
  Sudumey kathal Neruppu
  
  PBS: Vittu Vilaguthal Ini Ethu
  Enth Vetpamum Nammai Anugaathu
  
  (VEESU)
  
  This is a song written by the late Putheneri Subramaniyam. He wrote this song for Nadodi Mannan, and MGR approved it. The scenes were discussed too. When MGR returned from outstation, for some reasons this song was removed. Puthaneri Subramaniam was upset and MGR gave him Rs 500 to pacify him. Puthaneri Subramaniam himself related the story to me on two occasions- when I went to his house for Pongal in January 1986 and in 1987 when he came to my house during his second trip to Malaysia. . (MGR was so close to Subramaniam that he appointed Subramaniam Director of Ancient Arts when he was the CM)
  
  
  
  Another sad duet by PBS and PS:
  
  Kannum Kannum Kathai Pesi
  Kalippaiye Vilai Pesi
  Enna Thadagathile Neenthi-Naam
  Inbamai Irunthathellam Kanavaa
  
  Jamunarani gives this nice solo:
  
  Athanai paaru –Adi Amma Ushaaru
  
  
  
  MAHALACHUMY (1960)
  Mahalechumy has some of the best songs by KVM. Those songs are:
  
  
  
  LREswary, Sarojini and group sing
  
  Katrulla Pothey naam Thootrikkollanum
  Karuthu Kaalathukku Etrappadi Matrikkollanum
  
  MS Rajeswary and LR Eswary sing
  Chinnanjiru Kannan Antha Singara Mannan
  
  K. Jamunarani sings a double meaning song:
  
  Paal Paal Pasumpaal
  Pathamaai Sudum Paal
  Paarthale Inikkum En Kadai Paal
  
  
  TS Bagavathy who has cut a name for sad songs sings this lullaby:
  
  Vanthaai Engal Kulam Vaazhgave
  
  
  P. Leela sings this great dance song penned by Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram:
  
  Vel Velluma
  Vizhi Vellumaa
  Vel Pole Vizhi Vanthu Kathai Sollumaa?
  
  Another great dance song by P. Leela penned by Maruthakazi
  
  Ulagil Ethu Periyathu
  Makkal Ullathai Kavaruvathu?
  
  These two songs of Leela reveal the good beats, tunes and the mature voice of Leela. They are truly heart-lifting songs, the like of which are never to be heard these days. I am sure Leela would place these songs among her very best. So would KVM.
  
  
  “Thaaye Jaganmaatha” is a solo by P.Suseela
  
  
  
  
  ENGAL SELVI (1960)
  
  Nageswara Rao, Anjali Devi and Balaji are the main stars in this movie that has nice song by KVM
  
  P Suseela sings this song of great music.
  
  Sollathaan Ninaikkiren Mudiyavillai
  Athai Sonnalum KEtpavarku theiryavvillai
  Illai Illai Enbavarku Kavalaiyillai Aanaal
  Irunthum Illai Enbavarku Amaithi illai
  
  The song title was even used in a Balachander movie.
  
  PB Sreenivas has this wonderful sad solo:
  
  Unnai Nambi Aval Irunthaal
  Oorai Nambi Naanirunthen
  Kannai Nambi Thavarukal Seithe
  Mannai Nambi Payir Seithaan
  
  
  P. Leela sings this sad song:
  
  Sila Sila Aandukal Munney
  
  AL Ragavan and MS Rajeswary sing a song that goes “Ambuli Mamaa”
  
  
  
  AADA VANTHA DEIVAM (1960)
  
  This film has some of the vry bestgems of KVM. The main stars are TR Mahalingam, MR Ratha, Anjali Devi and EV Saroja. The story was a series called Kalir Kalir by LRV.
  
  
  The songs are as follows:
  
  
  A Solo by P. Suseela:
  Sonnalum KEtkaatha ulagamunga
  Enna Sonnalumn Puriyaamal pogumunga
  
  A sad solo by P. Suseela:
  
  Nilayaaga En Nenjil OLi Veesum Deepam
  Neeye Ennalum En Kathal Geetham
  
  
  TRM and P. Suseela sing this song:
  TRM: Sottu Sottunu Sottuthu Paaru Ingey
  PS: Mazhai Kottu Kottunnu Kottuthu paaru Angey
  TRM: Kashtappadum Ezhai Sinthum
  Nethi VervaiPole-Avan
  Kanjikkaga Kalangividum
  Kanneer Thuiliyai Pole
  
  PS: Muttal Payale Moolai Irukkaa?
  
  
  P. Leela and P. Suseela sing this song:
  
  Kodi Kodi Inbam Tharavey Thedi Vantha Selvam
  Konjum Sathangai Kaler Kaleer ena Aada Vantha Deivam
  
  
  
  K. Jamunarani sings this solo:
  
  Valia vantha Seethevia Thallathey
  
  TR ahalingam and P. Suseela sing this most wonderful duet:
  
  Sangam Muzhangi Varum Singara Thamizh Kalaiye
  Inbam Uruvbaaga pongum anbin Alaiye
  
  
  TRM sings this wonderful solo:
  
  Aasai Konden Amuthamey
  
  
  P. Suseela sings a few lines from Barathiyar’s following poem:
  
  Kannnil Thiriyuthoru Thotram
  
  
  Seergazhi Goviundarajan sings this solo:
  
  Aasaiyai Kondruvidu-Illaiyendraal
  Aaviyai Pokkividu
  
  
  
  
  
  
  VEERAKKANAL (1960)
  This is a film acted by Gemini Ganesan and Anjali Devi.
  
  P. Suseela sings this song:
  
  Poo Mudippathum Piottu vaippathum Yaarukkaka
  Nee Purinthuk Kondaal Pothum
  Ithai yaaridam Sollathey
  
  P. Suseela again sings this song:
  Sirithukondy Irukka Vendum
  
  One more solo by P. Suseela:
  
  Silayodu Vilayaada Vaa
  P. Suseela and SG sing this good song:
  
  Sithirame Sithirame Sirikka Kudaathaa
  
  SG and PS give a wonderful song
  
  
  Thanga Kiliye Mozhi Pesu
  Sarkarai Thazhaal Kavi Paadu
  
  
  TMS sings this solo:
  
  Pirappavarkal Pala Kodi
  
  Trichy Loganathan and LR Eswary singthis song:
  
  Pottukkittaa Rendu Perum Sernthu Pottukkanum
  
  
  
  KAITHI KANNAYIRAM (1960)
  
  This is a very good Modern Theatres production- a remake of Hindi film Kaithi. R.S. Manohar. P.S. Veerappa, Rajasulochana KA Thangavelu and M. Saroja act in main roles. The songs are really wonderful:
  
  K. Jamunarani sings a solo:
  
  Manam Nenjile naanam Kannile
  
  
  P. Suseela sings both happy and sad versions of this song:
  
  Konji Konji Pesi Mathi Mayakkum
  Vanjiyarin Ulaga Valai Virikkum (This is taken from the Hindi tune)
  MS Rajeswary sings:
  
  Sundelikkum Sundelikkum Thirumanamaam
  Iravil Solaithattu Pallakkile Oorvalamaam
  
  K. Jamunarani and Sergazhiyaar sing this comedy song:
  
  En Kathalai Sothichu paarthukkalaam
  Paarthukkalaam
  
  P. Suseela sings this solo:
  
  Ennamum Enna
  
  TMS sings this sad song:
  Enna Kodumai Enna Kodumai
  
  Seergazhiyar sings this song:
  
  Sangadam Sangadam Sangadam
  
  AL Ragavan and K. Jamunarani song this song of modern beat, very wellpicturised on Kallapart Nadaarajan and EV Saroja:
  
  En Kannai Konjam paaru
  Un Kanai Athile Seru
  
  
  
  
  THANTHAIKKU PIN THAMAYAN (1960)
  
  
  The following song glorifying DMK and sung by TMS is from this film:
  
  Udaya Sooriyan Ezhunthaan
  Makkal Ithayathil Nalloli Thanthaan
  
  
  I don’t have more details of this film that I never saw. Perhaps there is a song by TRM that goes “Inbam Malarvathu Anbile “ or something like that.
  
  
  
  SIVAGAMI (1960)
  Sivakami is the last film acted by MKT. The actual date of release of this film is 1 November 1959, but on record it comes under the year 1960. When MKT came out of prison he tried making his own movies and all were failure movies. (Please see my article under the heading of singers kept by the TFM Team). Many people tried to rehabilitate him when his fortune went down. Venu of MAV pictures took personal interest in making a movie for him, and that was SIVAKAMI. By this time MKT was already blind. To make things worse, he could not even move his lips for the songs he himself had sung. He appears as a Bagavathar and there are very few scenes for him. Half way through he passed away in government hospital and his body was taken away-all without the knowledge of MKT.
  
  The film had stopped and one Jakkaiya (an MLA) of Andhra Pradesh was brought in to complete the movie. G. Varalachumy and SD Subbulachumy too act in the movie. Adjustments were made in the storyline and so there are songs by MKT and by TMS.
  
  This film would boast of the fame of KVM. Not everyone had the chance of composing music for MKT. G. Ramanathan, CN Pandurangan, Pabanasan Sivam, SM Subbiah Naidu and CR Subbaraman were the great composers who had been composing for his songs. But when the producers looked for a suitable composer in 1959, only KVM was visibly available as the most qualified to compose for MKT. There are great songs in this movie – a perfect combination of typical classic and light.
  
  The songs in SIVAKAMI by MKT are:
  
  
  
  1. Atputha Leelaikalai yaar Arivaar
  Agilaanda Naayagane
  
  2. Nyana Sabayil Thillai
  
  3. Aravabaranan
  
  4. Aanantha Nadana Vinodha
  
  5. Sotrunai Vedyan
  
  
  
  The MKT songs were written by Pabanasan Sivan and recorded much earlier.
  
  The other songs in this film are:
  
  A solo by TMS:
  
  Vaanil Muzhu Mathiyai Kanden
  Vanathil Oru Pennai kanden
  Vaana Muzhu mathiyai Pole
  Mangai Aval vathanam Kanden
  
  Kovai Pazham Kodiyil Kanden
  Kudisai Munne Pennai kanden
  Kovai Pazha Nirathai Pole
  Kumari Aval Uthattai Kanden
  
  Solayile Thennai Kanden
  Thoppinile Pennai Kanden
  Solai ThennamPaalai Pole
  Thogai Aval Sirikka Kanden
  
  Malai Mele Thenai Kanden
  Malai Adiyil Pennai Kanden
  Malai Thenin Inippai Pole
  Maathu Aval Pesa Kanden
  
  
  Thookkam Kannai Sutrak Kanden
  Thoongum Pothu Kanavu Kanden
  Kanavileyum Antha Penne
  Kannethire Nitka Kanden
  
  (Vaanil Muzhu)
  
  
  TMS and Soolamangalam Raajalechumy sing this duet that is really soothing to the ears and soul:
  
  TMS: Angum Ingum Aatam Poda Vaikuthu
  Aanaalum aananthamaa Irukkuthu
  SR: Kannum Kannum kalanthu Kathai Pesuthu
  Kaathalinbvam Nenjil Peruguthu
  
  
  
  
  SIVAKAMI may be an utter flop commercially. But just listen to the songs, especially those by MKT and one would find them really great beyond measures. MKT has really left mark and impact. Again KVM has to be given the right recognition for having composed music for two generations- lovers of carnatic and light music. And he did justice by any standard!
  
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.173) on: Wed Aug 7 00:15:44 EDT 2002
  
  Mani Sir, so much information about these forgotten movies- you are amazing!
  
  Reg. Ponni Thirunaal:
  
  1. Who were the actors?
  
  2. One of PS' best solos (in my opinion) is from it- Pattu siragadithu parakkum chittu kuruvigala--
  haunting pathos filled song.
  Also isn't 'Natukkor thandhayadi' by Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi and (Radha)Jayalakshmi from Ponni Thirunaal?
  
  

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