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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: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.174) on: Thu Oct 10 04:10:19 EDT 2002
  
  Mani Sir, Lots of information again. Thanks.
  
  Some thoughts:
  
  1.Aayiram Roobai- S Janaki’s ‘Amma ille Appa illey, summa varle sothukke ille, Aandavanil pillaigalil naanum or pillai’ (Lyrics: Vali) is perhaps the first song that SJ sang for a child. The child goes out begging for alms, and the song ends with the sound effects of rain and storm, with SJ scaling a very high pitch effortlessly.
  
  2.Alli- there is a memorable fast-paced song by SJ – ‘Nalangu paadavaa paadavaa’
  
  3.Ullasa Payanam- As you have remarked, a rare wholly SJ album- and she had justified KVM’s trust in her capabilities in every song. ‘Chithirai penney chithirai penney singara kanne kanne’ is the stand out number, with all the tamizh months finding place in the lyrics.
  
  4.Idhayakamalam- This was a remake of the Hindi super hit ‘Mera Saaya’.
  Lata’s haunting ‘Tu jahaan jahaan chalega’ is the original equivalent of PS’s enthralling ‘Unnai kaanadha kannum kannalla’, and Asha’s ‘Bareilly ke bazaar mein’ is the equivalent of SJ’s catchy‘Melatha mella thattu mama’
  
  5.Kaakkum Karangal- Isn’t this supposed to be Sivakumar’s first film? SSR looked horrible with thick spectacles.
  
  6.Annavin Aasai- KVM made TMS sing for Gemini Ganesh and PBS sing for Balaji. KR Vijaya was Balaji’s pair. The film is important for one more
  reason: it is perhaps the only Tamil film in which the great Hindi actor Ashok Kumar acted- he comes as a judge.
  
  7.Chinnanjiru Ulagam- PS has a good song (with chorus): ‘Pudhumai Penngaladi’. It was KSG’s film stg. Gemini Ganesh paired with ‘Magic’Radhika and Nagesh paired with KR Vijaya. All the lyrics were by Vali.
  
  8.Thedi Vandha Thirumagal- Yes, SJ’s ‘Paadalukku sol azhagu’ is an enchanting song. SJ has one more solo too – Paruva paadal padippu’-a rather naughty number,sung with élan!
  
  9. Kann Kanda Deivam- Just wanted to add that KSG remade his own film in 1985 as ‘Padikkatha Pannaiyaar’ (MD: Illayaraja). Ranga Rao’s role was done by Sivaji, Subbiah’s role by Thengai Srinivasan and Padmini’s role was performed by KR Vijaya. This, incidentally was KRV’s 200th film, and she gave a memorable performance. ( Her 1st film- Karpagam, 100th film-Nathaiyil Muthu, and 200th film-Padikkatha Pannaiyaar were all by KSG)
  
  10.Muhoortha Naal- I vaguely remember a soulful PS-LRE duet (Nadandhadhu netru mudindhadhu?)
  
  11.Panama Pasama- ‘Vaazhathandu pole udambu aleck’- was sung by ALR and Jamunarani, and not LRE.
  
  12.Jeevanaamsam- This was Lakshmi’s first film.
  
  13.Some other films by KVM in this period, which had some good songs:
  
  Rajaathi – 1967- ‘Paadi parandhu varum kuyilo’-perhaps the first song by KJ Yesudoss for KVM.
  
  Thanga Thambi- 1967- ‘Aalukkoru muththam indha amma kannathile’-PS
  
  Deiveega Uravu-1968- ‘Sindhaama sirippaa singara papa’-MS Rajeswari
  
  Delhi Mapillai- 1968- ‘Aandavan oru naal kadai virithaan’ and ‘Aththi pazhathai paarkka paarkka’
  
  Ponnana Vaazhvu- 1967- ‘Kathai kathaiyaam kathai kathaiyaam
  
  14. From which film is the song 'Vandukku then vendum'? (PBS-PS). Is it from 'Yaarukku Sondham'?
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Oct 10 04:51:46 EDT 2002
  
  Dear Saravanan,
  Once again thanks for your observations and coments, which I always valued in building up a data base on KVM. This is the way we could all collectively preserve the mess created by those directly involved in the cine industry.
  
  Though I possess the list of all the films composed by KVM, I not touching all of them. I am prejudiced by films where there are good songs to my taste. Even among the films I tocuh, I only mention the songs I like. I may be unfair. But I cannot say a song is good, If I dont have a liking for it. That had been my fear all along. But feel free to include what you like.
  
  
  S. Janaki has sung in Kuzhandaikal Kanda Kudiyarasu for a child. Sirikka Theriuma is the song. She is also ijn Aasayin OOnjalil Aadiduthe.
  IN Zimbo she sings UN Annai Mugam Theriyuthada Enakku.
  
  Nalangu Paadavaa- I have not heard this song. Thanks. I will get it recorded if available.
  
  Kaakkum Karangal introduces Sivakumar as "puthu Mugam" and is the first movie for him.
  
  Mugoortha Naal song is right- by LRE and PS.
  Nadanthathu Netru Mudinthathu-Indru
  Nadappathe Vaazhvil Puthiyathu.
  AL Ragavan and Jamunarani sing:
  
  Ambalai Paathi Pombalai Paathi Aagalaam
  You have liking for these songs I believe.
  
  Yes Jeevanaamsam is Lachumy's first film
  
  
  Vandukke The Vendum is a dream sequence for Devika and Kalyana Kumar in Yarukku Sontham
  
  
  I am rushing to finish the seris as fast as I can. I am going off to Bali for a conference soon. It may be quite immediate. Have to prpare papers to present at Bali. Upon return must prepare reports, and it isunfair to keep readers waiting. This woulb be another Senthamarai or Harichandra case.
  
  
  So I will have to finish the 50 parts I promised in the next one or two days. I hope my memory can cooperate.
  
  Thanks again.
  
  Manisegaran
  
  
  
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Oct 10 04:56:55 EDT 2002
  
  SECTION 43
  SOME FILMS OF THE 1970s
  Towards the late 1960s KVM was having fewer movies with great songs. In the 1970s KVM composed for many films. Unfortunately only a few took off the ground. A number of factors could be attributed to this. Not that KVM's ability was eroded. He had the ability, but there was no story line and situation to utilize his talents. There was a changing trend in the Tamil cinema. KVM did well at least till the mid 1970s. But with the coming of Maestro Ilayaraja in 1976, the entire taste for cine music changed. He was a clear trendsetter. His coming affected even MSV and other composers of his time. KVM was no exception. So when discussing of the movies in the 1970s I am left with no choice but to be selective. This would be difficult for the readers as our taste may once again differ. I have taken the liberty to choose movies that I liked based on the strength of good songs. It is a case of one man’s meat that may be another’s poison. Again, I wish not go into the 1980s and beyond for obvious reasons.
  
  
  THABAALKAARAN THANGAI (1970)
  Thabalkaaran Thangai has some nice songs to boast of. Gemini Ganesan, Muthuraman, Major Sundrarajan, and Vanishree are the main actors. The most famous one is of course a duet by TMS and Suseela:
  
  Karigaalan Katti Vaithaan Kallanai
  En Kankalukkul Katti Vaithaan Kannanai
  
  ANATHAI AANANTHAN (1970)
  This is an AVM production with AVM Rajan and Jayalalitha acting.
  There are at least three songs of good music.
  
  L R Esway has this to offer us:
  
  Malkova vangungo
  Malkova Pazhamungo
  Ellam Vithu Pochungo
  Iruppathu Renduthanungo (?)
  
  Seergazhi Govindarajan sings a very popular song
  
  Azhaithavar Kuralukku Varuven
  Enraan Geethayile Kannan
  
  TMS and P.Suseela sing this duet.
  
  Enna Ithu Summa Irukkuma Sontham
  
  
  KANMALAR (1970)
  
  LR Eswary sings a very good song here:
  
  Poovundu Pinjundu Kayundu Kaniunudu
  Yen Sollu MaamA-Ellam Yen Sollu Maama
  Kai yundu Killa Vaayundu Mella
  Vaa Sinna maama-Odi Vaa Ponnu Maama
  
  
  ANBU SAHODARARKAL
  
  There is one song that should not be missed. It is a song by Gandasala:
  
  Muthukku Muthaga
  Sothukku Sothaaga
  Annan Thamby Valarnthu Vanthom
  Kannukku Kannaga
  
  That was the last song that Gandasala sang before passing away. Likewise that was the last film Rangarao acted in before passing away.
  
  
  
  
  YANAI VALARTHA VANABADI MAGAN (1971)
  KJ Jesudas and LR Eswary sings an all time melodious song (not too sure of the lyrics)
  
  Neelamaan Kadalaiyil
  Neenthinitkum Meen Inangal
  Thulluvathenna
  Thulluvathenna
  
  
  ENIPPADIKAL (1979)
  
  
  Sobha and Sivakumar acted in the leading role.
  
  SP Bala sings this song:
  
  Poonthenil Kalanthu
  PonVandu Ezhunthu
  SangeethamPadippathenna
  Thallaadi nadappthenna
  
  The same is sung by P. Suseela
  
  Bothhn SP Bala and P. Suseela singthis song:
  
  Yenunga Mappillai Enna Ninaippu(? correct?)
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Oct 10 05:08:16 EDT 2002
  
  PART 44
  
  SIVAJI MOVIES
  When discussing the Sivaji starred movies, we had discussed mainly the movies of APN and a few others. We shall now discuss the other movies that were left out. These deserve to be discussed separately as his films contain special songs with some speciality.
  
  
  PADIKKATHA METHAI (1960)
  
  Padikkatha Methai would be another milestone for KVM. This is a film unique in some ways. There were far too many stars-all great stars, and again there were many singers in this film. The song was another plus point for Kannadasan himself.
  
  TMS sings this song:
  
  Ullatha Cholven sonnatha Seiven
  Veronnum Theriyathu
  Ullathil Irukkum Vaarthayai maraikkum
  Kabadam Puriyaathu
  
  
  MS Rajeswary sings this solo that became the talk of both the literate and the illiterate for the analogy used. This song was also meant to praise Karmaveerar Kamraj as Padikkatha Methai
  
  Padithathinaal Arivu Petror Aayiram Undu
  Paadam Padikkatha Methaikalum
  Paarinil Undu
  
  Vazhai maram Padithathillai
  Kani Kodukka maranthathaa
  Vaanmugilum Katrathillai
  Mazhai Pozhiya Maranthatha
  SolaiyellamKatrathillai
  Nizhal Kodukka Maranthathaa-Enrum
  Suthanthiramaa Paadi varum
  Kuyilum paadam Padithathaa
  
  
  
  Seergazhiyar sings the Bharathi song with a ringing voice:
  
  Engiruntho Vanthaan
  Idaichaathi Naan Enraan
  Ingivanai yaan Perave
  Enna Thavam Seithuvitten
  Kannan!
  
  
  What a great song!
  
  TMS sings this song:
  
  Seevi Mudichi Singarichi
  Sivantha Nethiyil Pottum Vashi
  Aaval Theera Mappillai Azhagai
  Alli Parugiya Kanni Penne
  
  
  AL Ragavan and Jamunarani sing this song:
  
  Pakkathile Kanni Pen Irukku
  
  P. Leela sings this solo:
  
  Aadi Pizhaithaalum
  Paadi Pizhaithaalum
  
  
  TMS and Soolamangalam Rajalechumy sing this song that was written by Kannadasan in a hurry burry as he was onhis way to the bank:
  
  Ore Oru Orrile Ore Oru raja
  Ore Oru rajavukku Ore Oru Raani
  Ore Oru raani Petha Onbathu Pillai
  Antha Onbathile Onrum Kooda Urupadi Illai
  
  
  P. Suseela, L.R. Eswary and Janunarani sing this song ( I believe these are the female singers):
  
  Inba Malarkal Poothu Kulungum
  Singara Thottam
  
  P. Leela sings this famous song:
  
  Vinthayilum Priya Vinthayadi
  
  All songs were extremely great in Padikkatha Methai.
  
  
  PAAVAI VILAKKU (1960)
  This is based on Akilan;s novel. Sivaji Ganesan, MN Rajam, Santhiya, Sowkar Janaki, VK Ramasamy Kamala Lachumanan are the main stars here. This film would boast of some of the best songs KVM had left for posterity.
  
  C. S. Jayaraman sings
  
  Aayiram Kan Pothathu vannakiliye
  Kutraala Azhagai naan Kanbatharku Vannakkiliye
  Thendral Isai paadi varum Thenaruviu aadivgarum
  Andralantha Shenbagapoo Vannakkiliye
  Aananda Kaatchi Tharum Vannakkiliye
  
  Again, C.S. Jayaraman sings another song with Sivaji singing the early part. LR Eswary does very good humming.
  
  
  Vannathamizh Pennaoruthi Ennethiril Vanthaal
  Kannasaivil Kodi Kodi Katpanaikal Thanthaal
  Azhagai Ellaam Avalidathil Kanden
  Vennilavin Azhagai Ellaam Avalidathil Kanden
  Vel vizhi veechin Minnalinaal Nilaimaari Nindren
  
  
  P. Suseela sings this famous sad song:
  
  Sithariya Sathangaikal Pole
  Sithariyathe En Ennangal Man Mele
  
  
  Soolamangalam Rajalechumy sings this all time famous song:
  
  Nee Sirithaal Naan Sirippen Singara Kanne
  Nee azhuthaal naan Azhuven mangatha Ponne
  
  There is one more song by Soolamangalam Rajalechumy :
  
  Vetkamaaga Irukuthu
  Enakku Vetkamaaga Irukuthu
  Pakkathile Athanai Naan Paarkavittalum
  Avar Sakkaari Pechai Kathinaale
  Ketkavittalum
  Vetkamaaga Irukkuthu
  Enakku Vetkamaga Irukkuthu
  
  
  P. Suseela sings this lovely dance song picturised on Kamala Lechumanan:
  
  Naan Unnai Ninaikkatha Neram Undo
  Nayagan En Vaaazhivil Neeyandro
  
  
  C.S. Jayaraman and P. Suseela sing this famous song picturised on Sivaji and MN Rajam:
  
  Kaviyama Nenjin Oviyama
  Athan Jeeviyama
  Deiveega Kaathal Chinnamaa
  
  CS Jayaraman again sings this Bharathiyar song:
  
  Mangiyathor Nilavinnile Kanavilithu Kanden
  
  ELLAM UNAKKAGA (1961)
  This was a good movie with very good songs, but failed at the collection box.Sivaji Ganesan and Savithri are in the main roles.
  
  There is a fast beat dance song in this film, sung by P Suseela
  
  Asainthu Kulungum Sathangai Oliyum
  Aayiram Kathaikal Solliduthey
  
  Then comes a thalaattu Paadal by Suseela:
  
  Konji Varum Nenji Indru Kobam Ennada
  Kutramatra Annai Seitha Paavamennada
  
  
  One more thalaattu soing by Suseela:
  Thanga Maganey Inbam Thanatha Selvame
  Petra thaai madiyilAaa vantha Puthiya Vellamey
  
  The famous duet by TMS and P. Suseela is as follows:
  
  Malarum Kodiyum Pennenbaar
  Mathiyum Nadhiyum Pennnenbaar
  Malarum Kodiuym nadappathillai
  TMS –Avai manam Thara Enrum maruppathillai
  
  TMS- Kovilil Vilangum Poo Magale
  Kulathil Vilangumn Thirumagale
  
  PS- Kovil Silaikal Nadaappathillai
  TMS- Athai Kurai Ena Kalaikal Verupppathillai
  
  Then manam Kamaazhum Poo Magale-En
  Sinthayil Malantha Thamaraiye
  PS- Thamarai Malarkal Nadappathillai
  TMS- Athai Thazhuvum Kathiravan VEruppathillai
  
  PS- Nenjinil Onraai Nirain thuvittom
  TMS-Ninaivinil Ki\uraikal Valarvathillai
  PS- Kankalil Onraai Kalanthuvittom
  TMS- Ini Kaatchigal Veraai Therivathillai
  
  Ellam Unakkaka was a very good movie. All expectations ran high to see this as another box office hit, but turned out to be a failure, not because of this film itself, but because of the immediate prevfious movie-Pasamalar. In Pasa malar Sivaji and Savithir appeared s Brother and sister, but here as husband and wife. The audience already accepted them as broter and sister, but could not digest the relationship in this film. That is the power of the cine industry on the minds of the cine goers.
  
  
  
  VALAR PIRAI (1962)
  
  Another film with good songs and yet failed commercially.
  
  P. Suseela sings this solo, a favourite of Kannadasan himself:
  
  Naangu Suvargalukkul Ethu Nadanthaalum
  Nallamma
  
  Then comes a duet by TMS and P. Suseela:
  
  Salasalakkuthu Kaathu
  Kalakalakkuthu Keethu
  Palapalakkuthu Solaiyellam
  Paruva Pennai Paarthu
  
  
  Suseela sings this solo:
  Sugam Sugam
  
  
  P. Leela and LR Eswary sing this group song:
  
  Kannam Sivantha machaan
  
  P. Suseela sings this song:
  
  Pachai Kodiyil Mazhai Vizhunthu
  Payirkal Undachu
  
  The most famous of all the songs is by Kannadasan and sung by TMS
  
  Boojyathukkulle Oru
  Rajyathai Aandukkondu
  Puriyamale Iruppan Oruvan-Avanai
  Purinthukondaal
  Avanthaan Iraivan
  This was the song quoted by many poets of Tamilnadu as one of the masterpieces of Kannadasan. Sivaji appears as a dumb. Simmakuralon does not speak and how do you expect the film to be a hit?
  
  ANNI ILLAM (1963)
  This is another good movie with good songs. The movie was well received by the cine goers.
  
  TMS sings a lovely solo:
  
  Ennirandu Pathinaaru Vayasu
  Aval Kanni rendiul Aaduthamma
  Kaathal Konda Manasu
  
  
  Sutri Naangu Suvargalukkul Thookamindri Kidanthom
  Thunbam Ponra Inbathile Iruvarume Nananthom
  
  Then comes another solo that was capitalised by many youngsters (along with Hello Miss in Ena Kadamai)
  
  Nadaiya Ithu nadaiya
  Oru Naadagamanro nadakkuthu
  Idaiya ithu Idaiya
  Athu Illathathu Pol Irukkuthu
  
  The most enchanting duet by TMS and P Suseela is:
  
  Madi Meethu Thalai vaithu
  Vidyum Varai Thoonguvom
  Maru Naal Ezhunthu Paarpom
  
  TMS and Suseela come out with one more song:
  
  Sivappu Vilakku Eriyuthamma
  
  IRUVAR ULLAM (1963)
  This fillm came as a great gift to the loves of Tami songs. One of KVM’s very best. Mu Ka wrote the dialogue for a novel by Lechumy. Pena Manam became Iruvar Ullam. Sivaji and Saroja Devi are at their best.
  
  
  TMS sings a song for Sivaji who comes as a playboy. Music is simply soul lifting.
  
  Paravaikal Palavitham
  Ovvondrum Oruvitham
  Paadalkal Palavitham
  Ovvondrum Oruvaitham
  
  Vaanamengum Odi
  Vaazhkai Inbam Thedi
  Naamiruvar Paaduvom
  Nyanap Paattu Thedi
  
  Kodikku Kodi Oruvitham
  Kodikalellam Palavitham
  Kondattam Palavitham
  Naanathile Oruvitham
  
  Iravu Pagal Endru
  Ethuvumillai Enru
  Uravil Inbam Kondu
  Urugiduvom Indru
  
  (hope lines are correct)
  TMS sings an all time popular song:
  
  
  Kannethire Thonrinaal
  Kanimugathai Kaattinaal
  Ner vazhiyai maatrinaal
  Netru Varai Emaatrinaal
  
  Panneer Poo Ponra Parvayum-Netri
  Parappinile Muthaana Vervayum
  Pinni Varum Nanam Ennum Porvayum
  Sutri Pinnalitta Koonthalennum Thogayum Kondu –Indru
  
  (Kannethire Thondrinaal)
  
  Ennai Avalidathil Tharugiren
  Aval Innum Ennai Yen Veruthu Maraigiraal
  Enrum Aval Engal Veettu Thirumagalaavaal
  Antha Iniya Magal Enathu Thaaikku Marumagalaaval
  
  (Kannethire Thondrinaal)
  
  Suseela again is at her best when she sings this song:
  
  Ithaya Veenai Thoongumpothu
  Paada Mudiyuma
  Irandu Kangal Irandu Kaatchi Kaana Mudiyuma
  
  TMS and Suseela come with this enchanting duet:
  
  Nathi Engey Pogirathu?
  Kadali Thedi
  Naalenge Pogirathu?
  Iravai Thedi
  Nilavenge Pogirathu?
  Malarai Thedi
  Ninaivenge Pogirathu?
  Uravai Thedi
  
  
  One more duet by TMS and P Suseela
  Azhagu Pm Pom Pom Sirikirathu
  Aasai Pom Pom Pom Thudkinrathu
  
  Suseela gives one of her best solos:
  Kanne Kanne kalangaathey
  Kaathalan Varuvaan Thayangaathey
  Penne Penne Mayangaathe
  
  TMS sings a sad song with full feelings:
  Yenazhuithaai yenathuzhuthaai
  EnnuyireEn Azhuthaai
  Naanazhuthu Ointhapinne
  Nanri Sollava Azhuthaai
  
  
  There is a comedy song by AL Ragavan and LR Eswary for MR Radha and Manorama:
  
  Puthi Seegamani Petra Pillai
  Athu Punnagai Seiyuthu Sinna Pillai
  
  
  This is one of the rare films that is most comeprehensive with good actors, storyline, dialogue, acting, lyrics, singers and songs. Particularly KVM, Kannadasan, TMS and P. Suseela have immortalised the songs. I happened to see the movie ONCE MORE where clippings of the songs from this film were screened. There was thunderous applause in the theatre, including children. I did not realise that I too clapped untill my daughters looked at me. If readers allow me to say, upon return my daughter asked me to play the video songs of Iruvar Ullam. We played the song and enjoyed. She was very much taken up by Sivaji and the songs. So, KVM, and Sivaji have cut across generations. My daughter was a yardstick for me to gauge how much KVM had left music that cuts across generations. I am sure some of you have similar expereinces, perhaps in different situations.
  
  Thanks for allowing me to share something personal.
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.174) on: Thu Oct 10 05:16:22 EDT 2002
  
  Mani Sir, thanks for the response. Very sorry that you have to rush thru. I really enjoyed your detailed posts earlier.
  
  Haven't gone thru your latest post in detail. Some points:
  
  1. Kann Malar- starred Gemini Ganesh, Sowcar Janaki, Sarojadevi and Nagiah. It had two great songs: 'Thodudaya seviyan (Odhuvaar--)-M Balamuralikrishna and Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, and Ambalathu Nataraja (Paamaalai avar padikka)- M Balamuralikrishna and S Janaki.
  
  2.Anbu sagodarargal had one nice duet by SPB-PS.
  
  3.Neelamman kadalayail-KJY,PS is from the film 'Malai naattu mangai' and not 'Yaanai valartha vanambadimagan'. YVVM had songs like 'Jam jam jam endru sandoshama'-SPB-PS,'Engengum ullasa oorvalam'-SJ etc.
  
  

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