Manisegaran on K.V.Mahadevan

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  • From: Manisekaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 14 02:41:04 EDT 2002


    PART ONE

    The Tamil film industry has produced many genius artistes, including in the filed of music. The late KVM is certainly one of those great souls whose contributions generations yet to be born would appreciate, should they have some inclination, involvement or at least some taste for Karnatic based music. The Tamil Film music world has lost several maestros of rare talents, and some of these losses are irreparable. The passing of KVM last year is certainly a loss that no pen could adequately describe.

    Those who had created some form of permanent impact in the hearts of the Tamil Film fans have been affectionately branded by some names or given some titles. While many of those were self given titles, some were in true recognition of their contribution or telents exhibited by them. We have had four renowned "Thilagams"-Makkal Thilagam MGR, Nadikayar Thilagam Savithri, Nadikar Thilakam Sivaji Ganesan and Thamizh Thirai Isai Thilakam KV Mahadevan. These are titles fully endorsed by the fans. All these thilagams have left us, and it is very much doubted if the vacuum created by their ascension would ever be filled. My personal feeling is many more endeavour to rise to the occassion. THey may rival these deceased heroes, but they would never replace them.


    Tamil Film Music Directors have been given several titles, such as Mellisai Mannar, Mellisai Mannarkal, Isai Methai, Isai Gnani, Isai Puyal, Innisai Venthar, Innisai Thialagam, etc etc etc... many of the titles, which I do not wish to mention here have been "fly by night" titles. But a sincere soul searching effort would establish beyond a shadow of doubt that the title "Thamizh Thirai Isai Thilagam" is not only most appropriate, but very much befitting to KVM. He worked hard to earn the deserving title laboured to live to the expectations of the fans. It is most unfortunate that one more mediocre composer of today is also carrying the title of "Isai Thilagam" but it is for the fans to differentiate between gold and bronze.

    KVM's journey in cine music goes back to the year 1942, when the World War II had already surfaced its ugly head. (Most of the readers here, including me were not yet born)He had composed actively for 40 over years and left for posterity music that would be cherished for generations after generations. Many of the Singers, MDs, Producers, Directors and even and Actors used to affectionately call KVM "MAAMAA" The great peot Kannadasan described KVM as the "MAAMAANGATHU MAA MANNAR" There is a song in Thiruvilayaadal- Isaithamizh Nee Seitha Arum Saathanai- Nee Irukkayile Enakku Perum Sothanai" by TR Mahalingam. Kannadasan has on many private conversations with KVM changed the lines and praised KVM as "Isaithamizhukku Nee Seithatu Arum Saathanai- Nee Irukkayile Enakku YEthu Sothanai?" (Details would follow later in the series.

    In a society that is greedy for publicity, KVM avoided blowing his own trumpet following successful hits. He was never, throughout his career and life a seeker of publicity. He limited press interviews.When invited to speak during film celebrations, he spoke nothing more than a few lines. All the praise, appreciation and glorification of KVM were given by the fans and critics. Again that brings to my mind an immortal song of Kannadasan which goes "Vilambarathaaley Uyarnthavan Vaazhkai Nirantharamaagaathu" This applies to KVM too.

    There is also a saying in Tamil-"Muthal KOnal, Mutrilum KOnal" Therefore the first efffort or the first impression of KVM to a large extent was decisive in so far as the film music is concerned.
  • From: Manisekaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 14 04:06:52 EDT 2002


    PART 2

    In 1942 KVM was invited to compose for the film "Manonmani" starred by P.U. Chinnappa Bagavathar. That was not only a great honour but also a challenge for KVM. It is quite unusual for beginners to be given the Herculean task of composing for very great singers. KVM was requested to compose for PU Chinnappa Bagavathar who was an uncrowned king among his contemporaries. One may also call to mind MKT who was also causing pleasant ripples in the souls of many fans, but critics of music are of the strong opinion that PUC was an abler singer than MKT. MKT was a more charismatic singer with mass support. So KVM made his debut by composing for a greater and abler singer of his time. (Of course KVM did compose for Sivakami-MKT's last film in 1960) Now to compose for such a great and majestic personality like PUC requires tremendous capacity, ability and confidence, which KVM never lacked. At this time there were great MDs like SV Vengatraman, G. Ramanathan, and C. Paandurangan,and yet the chance went for an untested MD-KVM. That only shows that KVM had proven his ability to rise against all competitors and odds in the cine field.

    The old song fans, now in their fifites would still remember the song "Moganaanga Vathani" sung by PU Chinnapa in Manoinmani of 1942. That song became an instant and sensational hit, and drew the attention of many fans and producers towards KVM. The beginning itself had been decisive, became a milestone in KVM's journey in the cine music field.

    Every MD has his own style of rendering music.KVM, right from the beginning had cut a name and fame for his own style of music. He was very particular in composing music. He believed that music is devotional, and ensured justice by adhering as far as possible, within limitations set by producers, to the basics of karnatic music. He excelled both in Karnatic and semi classic music so much so that for the 40 odd years he was active, there was a saying that "If you want good quality karnatic and semi classical music you must seek KVM" This was the trade mark that he had until the end of his career. Perhaps that was the reason that many knowledgeable fans and critics of music used to comment that one could feel the "Dheiveegam" in KVM's music. It is for that reason that most of the Purana and Ithikasa films went to KVM. In an effort to add quality and richness to music, KVM also made full use of the more popular South Indian musical instruments such as narambu karuvi-Veeenai; Oothum Karuvi- Nadhaswaran and Thol Karuvi- Miruthangam in his carnatic compositions.

    His effort paid off handsomely. It was in 1967 that a South Indian MD received a national award for being the best MD in India, and that was KVM for "Kanthan Karunai" which had excellent semi classical songs. After a period of 14 years KVM once again received a national award in 1981-this time for immortalising carnatic songs in Sangarabharanam. The only South Indian MD who received national award twice- at least unil his active involvement was KVM- a fame that could not be overshadowed easily.


    There was also another style that he had cut for himself- and that was popularising the folk songs. Before the coming of the genius Ilayaraja, it was KVM who was excelling in composing some of the best folk tunes. Other MDs also composed folk tunes, but KVM was exceptionally good where all his folk songs were instant hits that remained echoing in the ears of the fans for decades. Therefore two things were set straight. KVM was more or less a great composer of semi classical songs and folk tunes. The moment story lines were created and sufficient green light was obtained for making of village-based and purana films KVM was a natural choice.

    Continues........
    He had also made use of western and North Indian musical instruments.

    Let us be clear and honest that he had not adopted modern and western music as much as MSV had done. There are two reasons for this-firstly he was seldom approached for such western and modern music, and secondly MS was already excelling at it. But the fact is, only MDs who are all rounded could succeed in the cine field. KVM had good knoweledge of modern music, but the only unfortunate thing was that he seldom had to compose.There would be a discussion on the modern hits of KVM later in the series.
  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 14 05:38:49 EDT 2002


    PART 3

    A few words about the other two Thilagams- MGR and Sivaji Ganesan cannot be avoided. We would have known so much about these two majestic personalities. It is my intention to establish their active involvement with KVM. These two cine idols ahd their own areas and strength and weaknesses- areas of accord and discord. MGR knew almost everything in the cine field except "acting" This is highly debatable, subjective, relative, controversial etc etc. Please allow me to qualify that this is my peronal opinion. But one of MGR's greatest strength was the choice of proper MDs and best music. Knowing his weakness in the area of acting, MGR compensated by pushing forgood fights, young and beautiful heroines, eye-catching outdoor scenes, dialogues to soothe and suit the downtrodden and illiterate, and good humour. He avoided too much sad scenes. These were among the areas of strength. But the real strength of MGR's films was songs in movies acted by him. He would himself involve in setting the lyrics,tunes and even screenplay for song sequences. MGR himself had said that most of the songs in films acted by him were approved by he himself. He was a hardworking and active man who made it a point to learn basics of both modern and classical music. With some knowledge and knowledge of the taste of fans for cine music he used to sit with MDs to "OK" the tunes. That included KVM. When I met KVM in his house in 1984 for a personal interview, KVM mentioned the difficulties he had with MGR for composing the tune for "Aayriam Nialve Vaa" with SP Bala. This song was a matter of personal prestige for MGR as he wanted to build up SP Bala agtainst TMS who defied MGR's orders. But MGR squeezed MSV more than KVM because MSV was most accommmodating. With KVM MGR maintained a respectable distance for two reasons- firstly KVM was an elderly person, and secondly MGR knew KVM would come out with good music without supervision.

    But it was MGR who made a choice of going for MSV for modern hits and KVM for semi classical hits. MGR produced three movies under his banner-
    1) Nadodi Mannan- MD was his close friend SM Subbiah Naidu
    2) Adimai Penn- MD was KVM
    3) Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban-MD was MSV.

    So MGR knew whom to use for which taste. And all the three films had songs which are still on our lips. KVM was part of MGR's life history in that sense.

    Again on the choice of playback singers- MGR went for the best available and it was TMS. TMS sang for almost all stars of his time and did not really depend on MGR, although MGR's film song undeniably boosted some market for TMS. But where did MGR pick up TMS? It was during the recording of songs by KVM. In the early days Trichy Loganathan was one of the singers for MGR, along with MM Mariappa. In 1954 KVM was composing a song for Sivaji Ganesan for the film Koondukkili- the only film where both the Thilagams acted. It was a production of RR Films. The song that TMS sang for sivaji Ganesan was

    "Konjum Kiliayana Pennai
    Koondukkiliyakkivittu
    Kottu Melam Kottuvathu Sariya Thappa? Sariya Thappa?"


    That was also the first song of TMS for Sivaji Ganesan under KVM's composition. As TMS was singing in the studio, MGR heard the song and imediately took a liking for the golden voice of TMS. MGR enquired the details of the singer. He was told of the "Madurai Boy" TMS. MGR immediately recommended and used TMS in his next film "Malaikkallan" produced by Kovai Patchiraja films in the same year of 1954.There TMS sang "Ethanai Kaalamthaan Ematruvar Intha naattiley. MD was SM Subbiah Naidu. Malaikkallan is another history by itself. Sufice to say KVM's contribution for MGR in berief.


    Next we come to the other Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan who knew everything on acting except other things that MGR knew- "good fights, young and beutiful heroines, eye-catching outdoor scenes, dialogues to soothe and suit the downtrodden and illiterate and good humour"

    But Sivaji's full concentration focussed on acting alone, an area which to him was like fish to water. Other technical details were left to the other technicians and artistes. In the area of music for the films he very seldom sat down with the MDs. He firmly believed and was right that he could just cash on the strength of his mind boggling acting ability. That is the reason we see that while MGRs films genrally had excellent songs, Sivaji's films generally could never guarantee great songs. In the case of Sivaji's films the producers and directors and song writers did the job of working out great songs. Sivaji only sat down for his own films like Puthiya Paravai, Kungumam and his other proxy movies.

    This being the general case, Sivaji Ganesan divorced from his usual working style and sat down with KVM for the movie Thillana Mohanambaal. As the Nadaswaram tunes were composed, Sivaji Ganesan put his head on the lap of Kannadasan and listened to the great tunes composed by KVM and Pugazhendhi. He was almost in the verge of forgetting his own self.It is said that this had never happened in the life of any MD except forKVM.


    It is common for us to forget ourselves when we listen to great songs. Many domestic accidents have happened when great songs are played in the radio. Many stories could be related about how the MDS or sound engineers have felt great after creating great songs with fine melodies and tunes. But there has been one instance where the sound engineer was so mesmerised by the tune that he forgot to switch off the recording machine even many seconds after the recording was completed. To the best of our knowledge this happened under KVM's composition. The film was Samboorna Ramayanam. (In the case of Ilayaraja too a related incident had happened. The compsers forgot themselves as they were composing the song "Maatha un Kovililey" by S. Janaki. Precedence was still by KVM)


    There is one more unusual achievement of KVM.It is not usual for one MD to use another MD as a singer. But KVM has used G Ramanathan to sing a song composed by KVM in Alli Petra Pillai. The song is "Yejamaan Petra Selvamey En Sinna Yejamaaney" A horse was shown singing this song. Singer GK Vengatesh has sung for MSV and TKR, but that was a work within the same unit. But GR Is completely a competitor and a great MD, and to bring him to sing under KVM's tune, the tune itself must be of good quality. And KVM ensured it. This is still my favourite song in Gramanathan's voice. Even Gandasala the Telugu MD had sung under KVM's tune. Gandasala's last Tamil song too was by KVM- Muthukku Muthaaga- in Anbu Sahodararkal.


    Agian, in those days and even today, the song writers would sit with the MDs to create a song. Whenever the MDs found it difficult to compose tune to the lyrics, the MDs would request the lyricists to give alternative words. There has been no exception where song writers were alive. In the case of composing tunes for songs of deceased poets lile Barathi and Ramalinga Swamingal it is a diffferent matter altogether. But where lyricists were alive, the MDS felt at ease composing tunes for the songs with these lyricists hanging around. The only exception was KVM who was highly talented in composing songs in the absence of the song writers. All he wanted was blank lyrics. KVM would compose any song without changing the words. Kannadasan himself testifies to this. OF the 1,500 songs of Kannadasan KVM had composed, at least 800 songs in the absence of Kannadasan. This needs a great ability.KVM possesed it.


    To cut the long story short, even MSV had sought a singing chance from KVM.The only duet by Trichy Loganathan and P. Suseela was composed by KVM- "Adikikira Kaithaan Anaikkum"- a thanni aditha paadal from Vannakkili. AVM always used Sudharsanam for movies it produced, but finally came to KVM as well. The film Konjum Salangai of 1958 was said to be the best film for wide usage of Nadaswaram music. But Thillana Mohanambaal broke the record and gave a geater exposure to nadaswaram tunes, and credit goes to KVM. This film was nominated for Oscar award in 1969, but NaavalaR Nedunjeliyan redcommended ENga Veetu Pillai on party stand. That came back as it went. It was KVM who introduced LR Eswary, "Kavirithaai" Jayalalitha and AM Raja to the Tamil film music.


    ONRAA IRANDD EDUTHU SOLLA?


    So far only prelude explained in brevity. Details would snow ball as the series keep flowing.


    Contiunes next week.........

    Have a nice Weekend.

    Anbudan

    Manisegaran
  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Sun Jun 16 21:17:32 EDT 2002


    PART 4

    HE LEFT NO HEIR TO HIS MUSIC

    KVM passed away on 21 June 2001 at the age of 83. He left behind wife, two sons and three daughters alright. But to none of them KVM gave the responsibility of continuing from where he left. This is quite surprising to many of us. KVM was a highly successful MD, and yet he did not encourage nor impose upon any of his children to take up cine music. When one becomes successful in the film industry it is common to bulldoze family members. This aplies to film music, acting, producing, directing, technical expertise and every other area we could think of.

    We have seen that in the field of composing music, T.Govindarajulu Naidu trained his son TG Lingappa; Shankar followed CR Subbaraman; Ilayaraja brough in his children Karthik Raja, Yuvan Shankar Raj and Bhawatharani. Gangai Amaran also came along with Ilayaraja in the initial stage. Govarthanam was the brother of Sudharsanam'


    In play back singing Seergazhi Goviudarajan trained Seergazhi Siva Chidambaram; Malaysia Vasudevan brought in his son Yugendiran;Trichy Loganathan brought in his sons T.L. Mahalingam and Deepan Chakravarthy; TMS brought in his two sons; SP Bala encouraged his sister SP Sailaja and son SP Charan, and his daughter SPB Pallavi; P. Sandhiya I belive is the niece of P. Suseela; LR Eswary and LR Anjali are sisters; Soolamangalam Rajalechumy and RAdha Jayalachumy are sisters;D.K Pattamaal's grand daughter is Nityasree.........This lists has no end....

    KVM too could have easily pushed his children into the film music world, but he totally refused. Surprisingly he comes from a family where his family members and ancestors were involved in music!Towards the evening of his life he gave an interview in which he revealed the real reason for not doing so. His argument was in simple terms "Engough is engough" He said that he did not want his children to undergo the tests, trials, tribulations, uncertainties and disappointments that he himself had to tolerate. But KVM was a successfuland highly talented MD! True, but his early journey was undertaken on a path full of thorns. He himself has said that in cine field mere talent and ability would not suffice. More than talent, luck has to be in your favour. A cursory of the history of the Tamil cine world would indicate how many talented artistes had been dumped, all on account of bad times or lack of luck. Many of the successful artisites shone out of stroke of luck. But KVM's success was based on talent first, and luck next.Most of us see him as a talented MD, but are not informed of his uphill struggle that was fought with untold difficluties.

    HIS BEGINNING DAYS

    Mahadevan was born on 20 March 1918 in Krishnan Kovil near NagarKoil in South India. His father was Vengadachala Aiyer, and mother was Letchumy Ammaal.His family members and ancestors were muciallly inclined. KVM's grand father was employed as a Sangeetha Viodvan at the Thiruvithaangoor Palace. His father Vengadachala Aiyer used to conduct Kathakaalachebam in the local temples. His father was also called Bahagavathar on account of his deep knowledge he had on carnatic music. KVM received his first education in music from his father. He then went on to widen his music knowledge from "Boothapaandi Arunachala Kaviraayar." KVM learnt proper music from him for a few years. It is said that at that young age and infant stage KVM had sufficeint knowledge, talent and ability to conduct Kachery on stages. His formal education acquired in school was only for three years. KVM then went to train his voice and learn "Pinpaattu" for Kathakaalachebam from Arangai Visvanatha Bhagavathar.

    Following this basic education and training in music, KVM had to prepare himself for a livelihood. At the tender age of 13 KVM looked for chances in drama companies. In those days, before cinema glamour stole the hearts and mind of people acting in drama was a great attraction and glamour. These dramas also gave some form of livelihood for those simple folks who were not highly ambitious. The dramas groomed many talents such as acting, singing, dancing,painting, stage setting, props preparation and lighting. Those who were unsuccessful in school also ended up here either by parental force or by own choice. But KVM was looking for a chance in dramas where he could exhibit his musical talents. A chance came in "Boys Company" a drama troupe that used mostly boys. He joined the "Baala Gandharva Gaana Sabha" in Madras and played the role of a woman. AS he was just stepping into the outside world, the Baala Gaandharva Ghaana Sabha suddenly wasa wound up. KVM was pushed into the unemployed job market. Out of no choice, KVM was forced to work as a Server in a hotel. Following that bitter experience KVM went over to Kancheepuram and started to act in the local dramas there. But to his disappointement, there was no proper and regular income from the Kancheepuram dramas. So he had to leave them too.

    Following these disappointments KVM got a chance to act in cine films- a field that was creating great sensations in the Tamil society.

    (Perhaps KVM never forgot his beginning days. That could be the reason he humbled himself throughout his life. When I visited him in December 1984, a blind person came to him and wanted to be admitted into his unit to play flute. KVM told that blind person that he had come at a time when KVM had more or less retired from composing music. But KVM gave him a fifty rupee note through Pugazhendhi and told him to go for good meal. The blind person was not a beggar, but said that he decided to take the money in remembrance of the generous heartetness of KVM. This simple,and which to some may be a meaning less incident,really moved me to the core of my heart. This only told me that KVM had not forgotten his own beginning days.)

    To be continued......

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Jun 17 03:41:35 EDT 2002


    PART 5

    KVM’S DESTINY WAS DETERMINED

    It so happened that KVM received the rare chance of acting in movies. HE was given a very minor role in the film called “Thirumangai Aazhvaar” in which he acted as a “Balagan” or small boy. Unfortunately that chance too slipped away in no time. This film was released in 1940. Meanwhile KVM turned his attention to what was popularly called “Special Dramas.” This time KVM was smart enough not to choose the role of acting, as he was fully convinced that was not what he was made for. He was fully aware that the talent that was latent within him was attuned to music. Therefore in about they year 1936 KVM joined a special drama troupe as a Music Director. That was the very beginning of KVM’s hands dictating music to harmonium. Harmonium had always been an integral and indispensable part of the Tamil dramas. This experience and exposure that KVM gained from 1937 reflected in his films throughout his cine career.

    In 1937 KVM went with the drama troupe to a place called Kolar Gold Field, popularly known as KGF in Karnataka State. This is a district dominated by Tamil people. It was some form of divine providence that a turning point occurred in the life and career of KVM. While KVM had stationed himself at KGF to compose music for dramas, he happened to meet a great genius who was destined to shape the entire destiny of KVM. In 1937 AVM production house was making a film called “Nanda Kumar”. The Music Director who was contracted for this film was “Isai Arinyar” S.V. Vengatraman. S.V. Vengatraman and those involved in this film came to Bangalore for the making of Nanda Kumar. From Bangalore, S.V. Vengatraman also dropped in at Kolar Gold Field. There the four eyes met for the first time. SVV and KVM were introduced to each other. KVM had heard of S.V.Vengatraman, but S.V.V. had no inkling or the slightest intimidation whatsoever of who KVM was. At KGF S.V.Vengatraman noticed the rare talent and the outstanding ability of KVM in composing for the special dramas. SVV was truly astonished, amazed and impressed with the depth, style and speed of the musical presentation of KVM. Without the least hesitation and second thought S.V. Vengatraman invited KVM to join him as his assistant. This was an invitation and a temptation that KVM could not simply refuse. Thus opened the portals to the cine world. Most unfortunately, though the portals lay open, the path did not open up as expected and anticipated. KVM worked for some time with SVV, looking for some ray of hope. While KVM worked under S.V.Vengatraman, he did receive much training and blessings. Those were the days when not too many films were produced, and so not too composing chances came by. After that he worked as assistant under T.O Subba Rao. The third MD under whom KVM worked was T. A. Kalyanam. It was under T.A. Kalyanam that KVM was able to see light at the end of the channel.


    Continues….

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Jun 17 19:32:02 EDT 2002


    PART 6

    KVM STARTS OFF HIS CAREER AS MD
    Everything happened so fast in 1937-joining Special Dramas as an MD, going over to Kolar Gold Field, meeting S.V.V, working under S.V.V, T.O Suba Rao and T.A. Kalyanam. One more incident of equally great importance took place in 1937. Those keen observers of the history of Tamil movies would be aware of the inception of the Modern Theatre production house. The Modern Theatres was also established in 1937. T. R Sundram was interested in giving movies according to the latest taste-mainly modern in style, presentation and nature, and he did succeed to some extent. Modern Theatres has a list of first to its credit. In 1937 Modern Theatres started its own and first film called “Sathi Akalya” In the beginning days three gigantic figures were involved in composing music for modern theatre films- T.G. Lingappa, T. R. Paappa, and T. A. Kalyanam. Time ticked away in agony for KVM. Not until the fall of 1942 did luck come his way. There were a few cast iron rules to enter the cine industry. One is the unwritten law of caste, which KVM easily passed. The other was the need of a proper introduction. In 1942 these three MDs introduced KVM to T.R. Sundram, the owner of Modern Theatres.

    In 1942 Modern Theatres went on realising its ambitious plan of adapting an epic into a film. We may remember Professor Sundaranar who wrote an epic called “Manonmaniam” Modern Theatres made a movie of this epic. The film was named “Manonmani.” The main stars of this movie were P.U. Chinnappa, T.R. Mahalingam, T. R. Rajakumari, A Sakuntala and T. S. Palaiya etc etc-all great pillars of the Tamil cine world. T. S. Palaiya was very much appreciated for portraying himself as an excellent villain and the press of those days did not fail to point out this feat of him. The film was a resounding success and a feather in the cap for Modern Theatres as evidenced by the advertisement that read “ Modern Theatres Maatchikku Manonmaniyam Athaatchi” It was T.A. Kalyanam who was signed up as MD for the film. An incident took place that turned KVM into an MD. T. A. Kalyanam had to haste to Madras on an important and urgent call. Therefore KVM Who was the assistant of T.A. Kalyanam was commissioned to compose music in his absence. Fired by the enthusiasm to prove his ability KVM Set to compose for the film. KVM composed two melodious songs for the film. He walled his mind towards every other thought and focussed on composing good and rich music.

    We all know who Nadaswara Vidvan T. N. Rajaratnam Pillai. He had just recorded and released vinyl records containing Nadaswaram music in Kaanada raga. As that tune was so popular among the lovers of carnatic and nadaswara music, KVM lifted the tune from there and composed a song for P{U Chinnappa. That song was “Mogananga Vathani” That was an instant hit. That one song became the highlight of the film, and added fame to the movie, the singer and the composer. That song instantly diffused and disseminated the name of KVM throughout Tamilnadu, and to other South Indian states where Tamils lived. All indications were very clear that KVM was already on the path to the height of glory. With just one hit song, some started to seek chance from KVM. There was one person known to all of us, who came seeking a chance from KVM. He had left beautiful songs by the tons, but KVM turned him off .

    Continues..

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 18 03:49:05 EDT 2002


    PART 7

    MELLISAI MANNAR MEETS THIRAI ISAI THILAGAM

    As soon as the songs of Manonmani became popular, there was a popular belief that the MD for Manonmani was KVM. In fact the real MD for Manonmani was none other than T.A. Kalyanam. KVM composed for only two songs. It just happened that the songs composed by KVM became greater hits, and hence the fame of KVM. As soon as the name and fame of KVM started to be scattered across Tamilnadu, a small boy came to KVM looking for a chance to sing. Remember this was at a time when KVM was not even a fully acclaimed and renowned MD. He was only an assistant MD in Manonmani. That small boy was MS Visvanathan, who became known to the film fans as the great Mellisai Mannar. MSV initially wanted to be an actor. But he did not mind trying other options. All he wanted was an entrance into the film world, after which he wanted to realise his ambition of acting, which only took place in recent years, following his semi retirement from composing music. (God willing I will contribute an article about MSV some time later) With that in mind MSV came to KVM for a chance to sing.

    It happened in 1942 when MSV was first brought into the presence of T.R. Sundaram of Modern Theatres. MSV begged TRS for a chance to sing. T.R. Sundaram sent him to see KVM. KVM first entered into a general conversation in order to gauge the quality the voice of MSV. In that conversation MSV came to a conclusion that the voice of MSV was not up to the mark. Therefore KVM very diplomatically dismissed MSV from his presence. As an effort to pacify him, KVM gave MSV two rupees and a shirt. But MSV was great. He never took the discouragement as an insult. Later when MSV became an MD, he continued to respect KVM and there was a healthy competition between KVM and MSV/TKR. This competition started off in 1958 and went on until about 1976, when Ilayaraja came into the field and got both of them to retire. This healthy competition brought much benefits to the music fans, as KVM and MSV/TKR were forced to give their best to the Tamilnadu fans. KVM and MSV openly appreciated each other’s composition. They used to meet up at functions, and converse freely without any shadow of neither hatred nor envy. MSV always called KVM “Maama” In fact MSV always openly professed his two favourite songs. One is Oru Koppayiley en Kudiyiruppu from Iratha Thilagam. This is a song where Kannadasan himself appears and sings about his own life, with TMS giving playback voice. MSV and Kannadasan were very intimate friends. The other song is “Mannavan Vanthaanadi Thozhi” by P. Suseela from Thiruvarut Chelvar. Wherever KVM organised life shows, MSV would urge P Suseela to sing that song, as MSV felt once thesong is sung the “MANDAPAM KALAI KATTIVIDUM” The composer for both the songs is KVM.

    Thadangalukku Varunthukirom....To be continued.....

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 18 19:53:23 EDT 2002


    PART 8

    A PERIOD OF ABEYANCE

    Rome is not built in one day, they say. It is highly dangerous for anyone to shoot to the zenith of fame within a fleeting moment. Through Manonmani KVM became a brilliant star overnight. But for the next 10 years KVM faced untold trials and adversaries. Following Manonmani, KVM composed at random in a few Modern Theatres movies, such as “Maaya Jothi” and “Sivalinga Saatchi.” But nothing else is known of these movies. There is a generally held view that these films did not make it to the box office.

    Until 1942 KVM was composing with other famous MDs. But he got a chance to independently compose for a full film. That was “Aanandan” produced by Yogi Films in 1942. This film was also called “Aanandan Allathu Akkini Puraana Magimai” Krishna Kanthan and P. Saraswathy acted in this film. Therefore on record Aanandan is the first full film in which KVM composed as an individual MD. In 1945 KVM received one more chance to compose for the film “Burma Raani.” This was the time when writer B. S. Ramayah was popular in Tamilnadu. In 1947 KVM composed music for the film “Thana Amaraavathy” for which P. S. Ramayah penned the storyline and dialogue and even directed it. In this film there is a song by V. N. Sundram, which goes “Yendisaiyum Vanangi Potrum Parasakthiye” This song became very popular. In 1948 KVM composed music for a film called “Devadasi”

    Unfortunately luck and chances never breezed over KVM. KVM saw that the cinema chances were neither constant nor regular. He clearly saw some form of uncertainty and instability in composing music for films. Again, the payment was not that lucrative either. Therefore he had to look for greener pastures elsewhere. He left Salem where Modern Theatres Studio was situated and came to Madras in pursuit of livelihood. There he had the contact of Violin Mahadevan. With his contact and association KVM joined the His Master’s Voice (HMV) Gramophone Company. At this time KVM was away from cinema field and concentrated in cutting vinyl discs for HMV.

    While with the HMV Company, one more cine personality of great reputation and fame came to see KVM for a chance. That great person was T.M. Sounderajan. Around this time TMS from the Chourashtra community was also desperately looking for a chance to go into the cine field as a singer. In fact TMS had just sung a few songs for cinema, but those songs did not take off. With a depressed spirit TMS came to see KVM for a singing chance in HMV. KVM had the habit of not turning away anyone who came in search of aid and assistance. So KVM made TMS sing two songs and got them recorded. After the recording was over, KVM gave TMS 80 rupees for pocket expenses.(That is to say 40 rupees per song. In the 1950s when the market of TMS shot sky high, he determined and demanded the rate. In fact among his contemporary singers in the 1950s it was TMS who demanded and determined the highest rate.He did this even with MGR, and MGR had to give in. In the 1980s when TMS lost all chances, Singapore fans invited him to sing in a Singapore show at a discounted rate. TMS did not reduce his rate at all. When they told him “after you are sitting idle in your house” to which TMS retorted “Gold may be lying idle in a goldsmith’s shops, but that does not mean the price has gone down. Gold is always gold and TMS is always like gold. The rate of TMS never drops.” Here we are able to see beginning days of struggle and the end days of arrogance of TMS. Talented people seem to build up some ego and arrogance. This is a well-deserved arrogance for such a talented singer.)

    Before dismissing TMS, KVM gave the information that AVM was seriously hunting for new singers and new voices. Then TMS went over to AVM studio for singing chances. When KVM shot into prominence, it was the same KVM and TMS combination that gave some of the very best gems for us.



    Meendum Santhippom...

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jun 19 20:15:49 EDT 2002


    PART 9

    SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
    In the fall of 1950 KVM had to face unexpected challenges from two angles. One was quite unrelated but still had thrown some challenges, and people favoured dialogues than songs. Although songs were wanted by people, there was a temporary swing in favour of dialogue caused by the new wave writers from the DMK such as Karunanithi and Annadurai. These writers came with very powerful social themes, and soul–stirring dialogues that made the fans applaud in the box offices. Mandhiri Kumari in 1950 and Ore Iravu in 1951 are just two examples. In fact these two writers were already creating ripples from the late 1940s. The early fifties was the golden era for Karunanithi’s dialogue. It soon turned out that whenever names of Karunanithi and Anna were shown on the silver screen, there used to be thunderous clapping. So preference of the fans switched preferences. The irony was that these dialogue-preferred films too had very good songs. This was not a direct threat to the cine music.

    Next challenge was the change in taste for more modern films. By the 1950s the influence of foreign films had its own direct effect on our people. People were in a way sick and tired of films based on puranaas, ithikasams, epics, folklore expressions, mysteries and magic. Social and modern themes were in full demand. Therefore the story lines had to change, and that called for a paradigm shift in the composition of music as well. Almost all MDS had to either sink or swim. The 1950s was the toughest period for all MDs and they had to compete to compose music for the changing times, and secondly they had to compete among themselves. So the 1950s was the period when Tamil film fans started to enjoy all forms of taste in Tamil film music- most carnatic, semi- classicals, Hindustan- based, Modern, Western and masala mixes. This became the survival of the fittest for all of them. KVM was naturally dragged into this unexpected struggle. He had to improve himself and compete with his contemporaries.

    Who were his contemporaries? They were no ordinary MDs, and could KVM give a tough fight? It was a make it or break it battle. It was a battle of the titans.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jun 19 21:11:01 EDT 2002


    PART 10

    EMERGING FROM OBSCURITY

    The MDs of the 1950s were no ordinary people. They each had cut a name and fame for themselves. It was quite difficult to say who was better than the other. Each had his own area of strength and talent to exhibit. Each had his own following among the fans in Tamilnadu. G. Ramanathan was already making waves by composing almost all form of tunes- from pure carnatic to most modern. C.R. Subbaraman had his own way of rendering soul-touching sweet melodies, though his period in the filed was short lived. S. V. Vengatraman was creating his own line of taste with emphasis on carnatic based tunes, popularly appreciated by the carnatic music fans. Others like C. N. Pandurangan, M.S. Nyanamani, S. Dachinamurthi, V. Dachinamurthi, Chalapathi Rao, T. R. Paappa, R. Sudharsanam, T.A. Kalyanam, T. Govindarajulu Naidu, S. Rajeswara Rao, Pendiala, Gandasalan, S.M Subbuah Naidu and M.D. Parthasarathee are some among of those who deserve mention. Of these MDs G. Ramanathan, C.R. Subbaraman and S.V. Vengatraman were accepted as the “Tamil Thiraippada Mummoorthikal” Particularly G. Ramanathan was affectionately called “Isai Methai” while SVV was called “Isai Arinyar.” These were seniors in the filed and KVM had to rise above all odds. KVM could make it on account of his confidence and the talented mechanism that was inbuilt within him.

    The year 1952 seem to be quite an important year for KVM. This was the year when KVM composed for the film “Kumari” acted by M.G. Ramachandran. This film was historical for a number of reasons, but not well received, and the write-ups were said to be not encouraging. That may be so. But this was a film of great historical significance for KVM, MGR and A. M. Raja. This was the first film of MGR where KVM had composed music. This was also the first film where AM Raja’s voice was recorded for cinema. But it was Samsaram that was released earlier in 1951 while Kumari was released a year later in 1952. Therefore there is a widely held view that AM Raja sang first in Samsaram.

    Kumari is also the first film where AM Raja and P.G. Krishnaveni (Jikki) sang duet and the duet song is “ Iruliley Nilavoli Pol Avar Varuvaar.” AM Raja sang a song based on a popular Hindi film song, and that solo is “Azhiyaatha Kaathal vaazhvil Anaiyaatha Jothiyaai Oli Vessuvaal Ennalum Ulla Vaaniley” Aha what a nice song! There is also another solo called “Kaathal Solai” A song called “Aayo Shagimayo” by AP Komala is also a song of Kumari. There is also a group song called “Athairiyam Kolvathen” sung by Leela, AM Raja and others.

    In view of the afore mentioned matters, Kumari may be a commercial flop, but it carries much historical significance that cannot be overshadowed over passage of years, nay centuries to come.


    Perhaps I have to mention here how KVM and A.M. Raja parted off in different ways after the year 1958- within a period of 4 years of KVM building up AM Raja. AM Raja had sung under many MDs, including KVM. KVM had given AMRaja some beautiful gems like Mayakkum Maalai pozhuthey Nee Po Po (recorded by KVM in Koondukkili but used in Kulebagavali in 1955), En Kaathal Inbam Ithuthaana (Thaaikku Pin Thaaram in 1956) Anbey Nee Naan Ingey and Inbamey Pongumey (Bommai Kalyanam in 1958). In 1958 AM Raja became Music Director through Kalyana Parisu and shot into fame overnight. Then the usual arrogance set in. He was by nature a suspicious character that very much affected his personal life as well. Once he became an MD, AM Raja started to belittle or side step seniors in the field. He used to dominate, correct and change film tunes composed by others. This irritation was also felt by KVM while composing for the film Manamulla Marutharram. The song is “Kayiley Inippathenna Kaniyaanaal kasappathenna” by AM raja and Jikki. After this beautiful song was recorded KVM bid AM Raja farewell for good. Many others also said goodbye to AM Raja, but not to poor Jikki. But when AM Raja lost his chances, he did not allow Jikki to sing. However on rare occasions she did sing here and there. Following boycott of AM Raja by the cine field, he concentrated on his tourist car business to make a living and sang in some Telugu movies. Poor AM Raja passed away in 1989.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jun 20 21:30:48 EDT 2002


    PART 11

    KVM AS SINGER CUM MD

    Following the film Kumari in 1952, KVM got another a few more chances to compose in films. Rohini, Naalvar and Mathana Mohini are those films that came looking for KVM in the year 1953. There is nothing much to mention about Rohini. Mathana Mohini and Naalvar deserve some mention. Mathana Mohini was a commercial flop, but a success for KVM and lovers of music. KVM had sung four good songs in this movie. It was neverpre- decided that he would sing. But when the booked playback singer failed to turn up, KVM had no choice but to sing out the four songs. There is one most famous song that KVM sang with P. Leela, and the song is “Kannodu Kanninaai Ragasiyam Pesi” Oh what a nice song! It was well composed. This song was very much welcomed by the song fans all over Tamilnadu. Even today one could enjoy the sweetness in this song. There is one more song that KVM sang and it goes “Unmaikke Ulagil” written by M. Pabanasan Sivan. A.P Komala sings a song called “Aanum Pennum” Again there is one more song that KVM sang for Narasimma Bharathi called “Vaazhiya Senthamizh Thaaye” P. Leela sings a song called “Vaana Methi Meley” P. Leela, the well-seasoned singer of semi classical songs, in an interview has mentioned about this great song and appreciated the mature voice of KVM. P.Leela herself had felt that KVM could have been the main singer in songs composed by him, given the golden voice. But he was magnanimous enough to groom the others and contented with composing alone. It is also a fact that KVM’s voice was far better than some of those singing in his days.

    Around this same time, a famous Hindi movie called Deedar was released with very good songs, composed by Naushad (whom I met in December 2001 in Mumbai, along with MD Ravi and Aanandji). There is a song called “Mere Kahani” KVM sang the Tamil version of this song that goes “Kaathal Enraale” (There is also a duetby AM Raja and MS Rajeswary in this tune. That was the only song where MSR and AMR sang). KVM sings a duet with A.P. Komala that goes “Malar Vizhigalai” This is another wonderful song. So KVM has also sung dubbing songs.


    It is quite surprising why KVM sang very few songs, with such a golden voice. In a TV program called “Thirayum Isayum” conducted by MSV a few years ago, KVM sang the first few lines of the song “Mannavan Vanthaanadi Thozhi” Even at that advanced age his voice was just par excellence.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jun 20 22:15:52 EDT 2002



    PART 12
    BEGINNING OF MANY GOOD BEGINNINGS

    Now, a word of the film Naalvar released in 1953. This film was indeed a turning point for KVM and AP Nagarajan. This was the first film for AP Nagarajan. From this film right up to Thirumaal Perumai” released in 1968 APN and KVM enjoyed excellent working relationship. The films produced by their combination gave some of the best songs for the Tamil cine world. Some of the best Puarana movies were also the product of this combination. Going to theatres to see the puraana films of APN and KVM combination was like going to temple, as divine fragrance could be felt in theatres, among other things for reasons of saoul stirring songs and music.(Will discuss at the appropriate section comes)

    AP Nagarajan was a product of the Tamil Stage Dramas. He used the Tamil Drama stage as a spring board to land himself in the cine field. In those days, the Tamil dramas were facing a steady decline owing to the speedy growth of the cine line. Cinema was the prime and number on enemy of Tamil Dramas. No prospect was to be found in Tamil stage dramas. Drama by itself was seeing a dead end. Cinema gave so much glamour that dramas could not provide at all. Cinema became the crowd puller for both the elite and the ordinary man on the road. So those who were far -sighted switched on to cinema at the slightest opportunity made available, while some appeared in cinema and maintained the stage. One of those who were such a far-sighted stage drama actor was AP Nagarajan. He was a stage actor, scriptwriter and producer of stage dramas. Therefore he had acquired sufficient training to take off well in the cine field.

    Naalvar was a drama that APN himself wrote and acted. It was so popular that APN was affectionately called “Naalvar Nagarajan”

    Nagarajan befriended M.A.Venu, the Production Manager in Modern Theatres. Venu was of the strong opinion that successful dramas could be made into lucrative movies. The 1940s and 1950s were also a period when dramas that were successful were turned into great movies. Venu saw the success of the drama Naalvar. APN gave the green light and it was made into a movie with APN as the main actor and Kumari Thangam as the heroine. This film became such a big sensational hit in those days, so much so that APN said goodbye to stage dramas and switched camp to the cinema field. The composition of music went to KVM. KVM, K. Rani, Rathnamala and Trichy Loganathan sang in this film. There was a song by Trichy Loganathan and MLV called “Vaanameethiley”. MLV sang “Inbam Kolluthey” and another thanippadal by Ayaloor Krishnan called “Mayile”. MLV also sang a solo called “Irul Soozhntha Vaazhvil Oli Veesum Nilavey”- an excellent song. KVM and K. Rani sang “Abaraatham Roobaai Aimbathu”. KVM also sang a comedy song that goes “Lovekku Love” The songs were not too bad and the film was a big hit. This film was said to be the beginning of many good beginnings for KVM. So another milestone in the joureny of KVM.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 21 02:04:28 EDT 2002




    MS,

    This is what I shared with many over the emails:

    "TMS was nailed in Malaysia by Ilayaraja. Ilayaraja was coming up from
    Annakkili onwards, and has been using TMS as he was the star of the day.
    However, IR was a trend setter, giving new music altogether, which TMS, PBS
    and Seergazhi Govindarajan and a few others did not support (They told me)

    But they all feared to voice out their opinion. TMS did bad mouth. Perhaps
    TMS was of the opinion that IR was a small boy and would not shun TMS. After the success of Annakili there were a few other movies where TMS sang-Deepam, Naan Vazha Vaippen, Thiagam etc. Following that
    IR came with TMS and a few others to Malaysia.

    There was an interview in TV Malaysia. TMS has come many times and had known the officers in TV Malaysia. But these officers were speaking to IR as a new and upcoming MD who had made his first trip here. TMS saw that and called the head of the Section "Yow! Chinna PaiyanKooda Ellaam Enna Pechu Irukku? Vanggiya Naama pesikkittu Iroppom" and took away the officer. IR was very hurt but humbled himself.

    In the gropu interview TMS was aksed " What is the difference between MDS of those days and these days?" TMS said "Antha Kaalathiley G. Ramanathan isaikku paadinaal ulagathil evanudaiya isaikkum Paadidalaam. Intha kallathilke enna Thiraimai Irukku?"

    That was hitting IR below the belt, and upon return to Madras we saw TMS being slowly sidelined and completely shun by IR.


    So I agree that TMS is talented as a singer, but bad mouths unnecessarily. He spoilt his career owing to his own mouth. But I still do admire his tremendous talent."


    You see what happens following this posting. Its going to be fun.


    MS,

    You may edit the way you want, but I belive I will be consulted too for final editing.

    No written contribution would be enriched without criticism from readers. I very much welcome that. Thanks for the idea.

    The only regret is that I may break soon and take some time off and continue later, as for the moment I am still relatively free.

    Manisegaran


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 21 19:59:04 EDT 2002


    PART 13

    NALLA KAALAM FOR KVM AND ASSOCIATES

    In 1954 came Nalla Kaalam, which lifted KVM many steps higher. M.K Radha was the main actor with Bandaribai of Parasakthy fame as heroine. There was a saying that Nalla Kaalam, starred by NN Kannappa brought Nalla Kaalam to KVM, APN and the play back singers. In the earlier films there was no guarantee that the songs would be a hit. But Nalla Kaalam songs were very much appreciated by the cine fans and music lovers. This film had more songs, and more singers than before.

    No admirer of R. Balasaraswathy Devi would easily forget the song:
    Vaazhvu Malarnthu Manam Veesiduthey,
    Inba Then Undu Aaduthey Vandu

    This song is the highlight of this film. This is a 1954 song that has been immortalised by KVM to be appreciated for generations to come. Even a first time listener would be mesmerised by the fine and soul-stirring tune in this song. Balasaraswathy Devi sang another song called “ Manamey Un vaazhvil Nee”

    Kalaivaanar NSK sang more under other MDs, but very seldom under KVM. Nalla Kaalam has one of those rare songs of N.S. Krishnan and the song is
    Summa Irukkathunga-
    thuruthuruthavan kaiyum kaalum
    summa irukkathunga.

    It is widely believed that this was the first song of NSK under KVM. NS Krishnan’s wife T.A. Mathuram sings a song called “Bharatha Naattin Kankal” here. Some unknown children sang a long song on Ramayana. Aaandaal and KVM sang a song called “ Vaazhvin Kadamaiyai Maranthu Nee vaadathey”. It is said that this song was popular and popularised in Ceylon as well. Therefore the fame of KVM was also noised abroad in 1954.

    Aandaal also sang another song called “Kolakalamaaga Kondaaduvom.” Ganasaraswathy sang a song called “Kannaley Kaanpathum Poiye” written by Pabanasam Sivan. K. Rani sang a solo called “Kantham Pol”

    In 1954 came one more film of APN – Mangalyam for which APN penned the dialogue, directed and acted as the hero. MA Venu of Modern Theatres produced this film while KVM was made the MD. This film has some excellent songs. There were other good songs too. Ka Mu Sheriff wrote a song called “Thottathu Roja” sung by Jikki. There was another song by Jikki called “Thinamey Unai Ninainthu” Radhe Jayalechumy had sung two very captivating songs- Ninaithaalum Inbam Tharum and Ottumiru Ullamthanai Vetttuvathu Nyayamillai. The latter is again one that could be appreciated for all time to come.

    TMS sang two songs in this film. One is “Koojaa Kooja Kooja- Vaanaa Moonaa Kaana” with Chellamuthu. This is a political song. The other is “Nalla Kaalam Poranthiduchu” a solo by TMS. In discussing the song Kooja Kooja Koojaa we have to go back to a film produced in 1952-Panam where MSV and TKR combined for the first time. In that film produced by NS Krishnan there is a song promoting DMK. The song goes “Theenaa Moona Kaana” In those days the censor board did not allow, among other things political propaganda in movies. Following the resounding success of Velaikkari and Ore Iravu, C.N. Annadurai publicly gave a statement that should censorship be removed completely, within a few movies and a short span of time DMK would capture the state legislature in Tamilnadu. It was at this difficult period of time that NSK sang Theena Moona Kaana and in the next line mentioned Thirukkural Munnani Kazhagam. There was nothing the censorship could do about this though the purpose was tactfully and cunningly achived. Now APN and a few of his close friends at this time saw the DMK party growing like wildfire and so decided to suppress it. They were members of the Thamizharaus Kazhagam. Ma PO Si and Avai Shamnugam were strong supporters of this. Being a film penned by APN and produced by Venu, APN took the freedom to counter the Theena Moona Kaana song. A song was written in Mangalyam and the song was “Vaanaa moonaa Kaana,” sung by TMS and Chellamuthu. This was a reference to the comedy actor Ezhumalai who was named Va.Mu. Kazhugumaalai. This was a competition song between Ezhumalai and A. Karunanithi (Again Karunanithi!) The Tamilnadu got the message. Such competitions were needed in those days to make the films run.

    The other song is Nalla Kaalam Poranthiduchu by TMS. It was a prophetic song as indeed Nalla Kaalam had dawned upon a few- TMS himself, KVM, APN and a few others. It was a great comeback for TMS!


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 21 20:00:46 EDT 2002


    PART 14
    TMS AND KVM

    I am taking the liberty of discussing, very briefly the advent of TMS into KVM’s ambit, as his role with KVM is not too small to be neglected. We have seen how TMS came to see KVM for a singing chance. Now how could we divorce the combined contributions of KVM and TMS. Therefore allow me to say a few lines on TMS and KVM.

    TMS was the second son for Meenachi Aiyangaar, a temple progithar who earned a living from Madurai aratharaja Perumaal Temple and singing in marriage functions. TMS had been training his voice from the age of 7 by singing the songs of MKT and P. U. Chinnappa Bagavathar. TMS studied till SSLC. He learnt carnatic music from Rajamani Aiyangar for two years and did his staging at the age of 23. He got married much early. He was singing in stage kacheris in the voice of MKT and many called him kutty MKT. TMS wanted to also become a disciple of MKT but MKT advised TMS to shape a separate identity for himself.

    TMS had a burning desire to sing in cinema. Through actor Narasimma Bharathi, a person of his community, TMS worked in the Kovai Royal Talkies for a monthly salary of only Rs50. Then he went go over to Coimbatore Central studio to show his ability to the seniors in the field, such as K R Ramasamy and P U Chinnnappa. (Later KRR and TMS sang a song in Nirabarathy -Oruvam Kandu En Manathu Uruguthu) PU C took a liking for TMS and started to take him for movies. TMS found his own way of working for six months in the house of Sunderlal Natkarni, who was a director making good number of movies at the Central Studio, hoping to get a chance. But nothing was forthcoming. The director recommended to the MD S.M. Subbiah Naidu to give TMS a singing chance. SMS made TMS sing five songs for the film Krishna Vijayam starred by Narasimma Bharathi. The hit song was “Raathey Ennai Vittu Odathedi” a replica of a song written by Boomi Baalakadass and sung by MKT in the film Chintamani. He was paid Rs 625 for that. This film was released in 1950.

    In 1950 he got a chance to sing a song Annamitta Veettiley for an unknown actor in the film Mandiri Kumari. G. Ramanathan had composed the music for this MGR film. Surprising MGR never gave lip movements for even a single song in Modern Theatres Mandiri Kumari though later his films were full of songs where he himself had given lip movements. In this movie MGR somehow missed TMS. In 1951 TMS acted and sang as beggar in the film called Devagi, and the song was “Theeraatha Thuyaralley.” In 1952 came Valayapathi where TMS sang two songs under S. Dachinamurthy. One was a solo “Kulir Thaamarai Poigaiyai Kanden.” The other was Kulungidum Poovilellaam” with K. Jamunaraani, based on a famous Hindi song by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkaar. Bharathithasan wrote both songs. During the time of recording “kulungidum Poovilellaam” TMS was able to witness the fight between Bharadhidasan and the MD S. Dachinamurthy. Bharadhidasan wrote the first line as “Kulungidum Poovilellaam Thenaruvi Kamazhnthathanaal”, but the MD Changed “Kamazhnthathanaal” into Kandathanaal” to suit the tune. Bhardhidasan walked off and banged his car door. A boy came from the recording studio and told Barathidhasan that the car sound may be recorded, for which Bharadhidasan retorted “If your recording machine cannot record my “Kamazhnthathanaal” how could it record the car sound” Anyway the MDs version was sung by TMS.

    They were all good songs, but there was no further chance for TMS. It was around this time that TMS came to KVM in the HMV studio and recorded two devotional songs for which he was paid Rs 80. KVM requested TMS to go to AVM which was looking for new voices. So TMS went to AVM where he sang two songs for the film Chella Pillai. One was “Podanum Kulla Podanum” and the other is “Naadu nadakkira Nadayiloey” with MS Rajewswari. The film came later in 1955, after Koondukkili was released in 1954.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 21 22:26:01 EDT 2002


    Vicky,
    As I said Chellappillai was made earlier in 1954 but released in 1955. Koondukkili and Thookku Thookki were released in 1954.It was KVM who sent TMS to AVM to get a singing chance, and so ended up in Chellapillai. That was the first attempt of TMS under Sudarsanam. Naadu Nadakkira Nadayile is with MS Rajeswary.

    The famous songs of this film are:

    1) Kulla Podanum by TMS
    2) Naadu Nadakkira Nadayiley by TMS and MSRajeswary
    3) madhana Ezhil Raja Nee Vaa ny Jikki and KRR.

    The first song TMS and P Suseela sang together is said to be Bantulu's film Enga Kudumbam Perisu. The song is "Ratha Madhava Vinotha Raja" an excllent song. The MD is TG Lingappa.

    We have to be clear of one thing. There are far too many gaps in the cine industry. The authors of cine history themselves have forgotten them.Written records are very much lacking.

    Thanks for the comments and interest.

    Anbudan,

    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Sun Jun 23 21:07:53 EDT 2002


    PART 15

    KOONDUKKILI

    In 1954 Through Maruthakazi’s recommendation TMS was taken to sing in Aruna Pictures Thooku Thookki. He was taken to the Film Center Studio for recording. Sivaji Ganesan who used to be given playback by CSJayaraman doubted the suitability of the voice of TMS. TMS was willing to sing three songs free. TMS and Sivaji Ganesan were introduced to each other. In the short conversation TMS studied the voice of Sivaji Ganesan. (Right from the beginning TMS was excellent at imitating the voices of most of the heroes he sang for.) And he did sing Sundari Soundari and Eratha Malaithaniley, imitating the voice of Sivaji Ganesan to the closest possible. When G Ramanaathan heard his voice and gave TMS the chance to sing all the songs for Sivaji Ganesan. G.Ramanathan had already used TMS in Mandiri Kumari (Annamitta Veettile). That was how Sivaji got involved with TMS. All the songs were instant and great hits. The fame of TMS shot sky high overnight. There was already a talk that the voice of TMS suited Sivaji Ganesan very much.

    While this development was going on, in the same 1954 TR Ramanna and TR Rajakumari started the RR films that produced some of the best movies in Tamil. As the film was under production stage, TMS was given a chance. TMS was invited to sing only chorus. But Tanjai Ramayah Dass was very impressed with the golden voice of TMS, and he requested the story and dialogue writer Vindhan (at that time known as Makkal Writer, and a close friend of Jayakanthan) to give TMS a chance to sing a full solo. By this time Sivaji Ganesan had known TMS as they had worked together in Thookku Thooki songs. Koondukkili is the first film where TMS had sung under KVM’s composition, with the song Konjum Kiliyana Pennai. It was actually G. Ramanathan who built up TMS by that great movie.


    That was the first song by TMS for Sivaji Ganesan. Just to mention that in films following Thookku Thookki, Sivaji Ganesan was not adamant about using TMS as playback singer, until the early 1960s when he started to insist on TMS singing for him.

    But as the song was recorded MGR heard it and wanted TMS to be his permanent singer. He was used in MGR’s next movie Malaikallan where TMS sang Ethanai Kaalamthaan Ematruvaar Intha Naattiley” written by Tanjai Ramaiyah Dass and composed by S.M. Subbiah Naidu. History has it that Koondukkili was the only film where MGR and Sivaji, the two Thilagams acted together. P.A. Periayanayaki sings a song called “Enakku Theriyaley Nejamaa Enakku Theriyialey.” There was also a Deepavali song by TMS and K. Rani that goes “Vaangga Ellorum”.


    A song by Ratha Jayalechumy that became popular in this film is:

    Paar En Maghaley Paar paar,
    Paranthu Kidakkum Annai Boomi
    Arinthunnai Azhaikkuthu Paar Paar

    But in this film it was Konjum Kilyana Pennai that made TMS very famous. From then on the TMS-KVM combination started off. There is a situation in the film where Thangaraju (MGR) asks Jeeva (Sivaji Ganesan) to look after his wife when Thangaraju is forced to go to jail owing to circumstances. Jeeva goes for Thangaraju’s wife whom he had fallen in love earlier. Then Jeeva faces a severe conflict within himself as to whether his action was justified. The song is very well written to suit this conflict. Can anyone answer these questions that Jeeva asks?


    Konjum Kiliyaana Pennai
    Koondukkiliyaaki Vittu
    Ketti Melam Kottuvathu Sariya Thappa?
    Thinna Pazham Thanthuvittu
    Thinnathey Enru Kaiyai Thattivittu
    Thittuvathu Sariya Thappaa?

    Theenthamizh Paattai Paadi
    Ketkaathey Enru Kaathai
    Pothivittu Kathuvathu Sariya Thappa ?

    Kaathal Seitha Kutram Enathu
    Kankal Seitha Kutramaanaal
    Kannai Padaitha Kadavul Seikai Sariya Thappa?

    Kalyanam Seitha Kutram
    Enathu Nanbam Seitha Kutramaanaal
    Katpai Padaitha Manithan Seikai Sariya Thappa?
    Sariya Thappa? Sariya Thappa? Saria Thappa? Sariya Thappa?


    Kaathal Pichai Vendi Kaiyai Enthi
    Vasal Kathu Ninraal
    Saathirangal Pesuvathu Sariya Thappa?
    Anbu Konda Ullathodu
    Kallamilla Kathal Kondaal
    Aathirangondu Esuvathu Sariya Thappa?

    Mannum Ponnum Maayai Enru
    Makkalukku Solliviuttu
    Pennai Paarthu Kannadithal Sariya Thappa?

    Vinnulaga Asayinri
    Virumbum Pennai Nesathodu
    Kanniyamaai Kaathalithal Sariya Thappa?
    Matroruvan Vaazhvukkaka
    Manamarintha Pennai Vittu
    Manamudainthu Sutruvathu Sariya Thappa?

    Marumalarchi Vendum Vaazhvil
    Marakkamaaten Unnai Enru
    Malarkkarathai Patruvathu Sariya Thappa?
    Sariya Thappa? Sariya Thappa?

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Jun 24 02:15:57 EDT 2002


    a.a.

    The a duet by AM Raja and MS Rajeswary that I mentioned is in the film Ulagam,with MS Gnanamani as MD, a movie released in 1953. Starts as "Premaiyin Ranee Kaathalinaale"

    Right. Uruvam Kandu is from Neethipathy, and Kulir Thamarai is a duet. Slip on my part.

    Uruvam Kandu-a duet by TMS and KRR, picturised on TS Balaya and KRR (in disguise as a female) a movie of 1955 release

    Kulir Thamarai is the second duet for TMS. The first ever duet of TMS is Kulungidum Poovilellaam, MD is S. Dachinamurthy with Bharadidasan penning lyrics.

    Happy there are auditors. Readers stand to gain.

    Anbudan,
    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 00:20:57 EDT 2002



    A few comments.

    Pennin Perumai has other good songs too:

    1. Vaazhkai Odam karai serum munnye puyal vanthaalum Kalangathey- by P.Leela

    2. Kanna maraiyatheda by Jikki
    3. Mugoortha Naalum Mudivachu Mookkanam kayirum Pottachu- a chorus song



    Kuravanji is by TR Paappa (origninal name is Sivasankaran. All boys in the family and was dressed as a girl child and called him Paappa)

    Arumai Anna (a.a)

    The song Kaathal Enraaley is a solo by KVM sung for the dubbing movie of Deedar itself.

    Regarding Neengatha Ninaivu, you are right he compsed an original tune for PBS to sing in the same situation. He has also retained the same tune of the original Deedar. The song is:

    "Oh Oh Sinnanchiru Malarai maranthuvidathey" comes twice- once by P Suseela and LR Eswary (lyrics by Valee) and the other time by TMS?


    There are other good songs too like "Engiruntha Pothumj Unnai marakka Mudiyuma" by P. Suseela, "Anbu Vaazhga Aasai Vaahzga Inbam Kondadum manam Vaazhga" bt TMS and PS. Paarthathunda Kettathunda solladi Kiliye" by LRE.

    KVM subject is too deep, and I wonder what is going to eb the direction of this article.


    Vanakkam

    manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 05:01:53 EDT 2002


    PART 16
    VASANTHA KAALAM FOR KVM

    As soon as Koondukkiili and Malaikkallan were released, a permanent feature started off, and that was both Thilagams using TMS for their film songs. And both were right in selecting TMS.

    The year 1955 was the real vasantha kaalam-spring season for KVM. Movies of this year were Town Bus, Aasai Anna Arumai Thamby, Pennarasi, and Mullai Vanam. Aasai Anna Arumai Thamby, Pennarasi and Town Bus were released with direct involvement of APN as actor or story and dialogue writer. Aasai Anna Arumai Thamby, has three songs that no one would easily forget. One is “Bayanthaal Aaguma” by Deva Narayanan and Sarojini. The other is a solo by SC Krishnan called “Athirshtam” which is fairly an OK song. The big hit song that took many by a pleasant storm is of course by R. Balasaraswathy Devi that goes
    Kai Padaatha Mullaippoo
    Kannaithaan Parikkuthu
    Kaalam Seiyum Jaalamthannai
    Enni Enni Sirukkuthu


    This is indeed a song to be enjoyed in all seasons by fans of all age brackets. This film for which dialogue was by Sakthi Krishnamoorthy and starred by APN, TR Ramachandran, Sayiram, Ezhumalai, Maduri Devi, Raaja Sulochana etc was a hit in those days. The dream queen Maduri Devi herself produced this movie.

    The next comes Pennarasi, which was a history by itself. Pugazhendhi from Kerala (Says Kannadasan in his book Chinthithen Santhithen) settled in Tamilnadu and teamed with KVM from 1954.He was an assistant to KVM from that year onwards, and has even composed individually. There have also been many songs composed by him, and added on to KVM movies.

    Pennarasi was released in 1955. This film was taken to bash on the DMK propaganda. Manohara of Krunanithi had created a big sensation and so the dialogue of Pennarasi was toned to hit at the DMK movement. APN wrote the dialogue and acted in it with MA Venu producing it. It is said that while songs for Pennarasi were about to be composed KVM had to leave outstation. Therefore he entrusted Pugazhendhi to compose, and he came out very well. Trichy Loganathan and MS Rajeswary sang a very melodious song called

    Inbam Engu Enrey Aatchi Puriyuthu

    This became an instant hit. S.C. Krishnan and V. R.Chandra sang “Pennai Petha Aambalai” which was a famous song in its own way. The most famous was a comedy song by SC Krishnan and Kanaga which and the song is :

    SCK: Nethiyiley Neela Nira Pottu-
    Udambai Suthi Sarigai Karai Pattu-
    Soukkuthadi en Manasa Thottu
    Sittu Kurivye Unnudaiya Pagattu.

    Kanaga: Buthiyulla Raasaavey Vaanga
    Ini Porukkathu En Manasuthaanga
    Muthu Palla Kaatti Aasaiyai Mootti
    Pithu Kolla Seithuttinge Neenga

    SC: Poothathu Nilavu Vaanathule
    Ponnaana Iravu Nerathgile
    Aathangarayin Orathile Aadidalaamey
    Pen Mayile Vilayadidalamey Pen Mayile

    Kanaga: Kaaathirekkenunga Enai Neenga
    Kalyanam Seithida Venunga
    Kalyanam Seithidavenunga
    Ithanai Naala Buthi Kettu Poyi
    Irunthatha Mannikkanum Neenga……


    MULLAI VANAM- ARE RARE TREAT

    Mullai Vanam is also a release of 1955. This film has some wonderful songs, but unfortunately this film did not run well, all because publicity was overlooked. This is said to be the first cowboy styled movie in Tamil. A few songs are to be remembered in this film. Ratha Jayalechumy has sung “Putham Puthu Malarey Kurunagai Puriyum Vennilavey.” This is a song with catchy tune. Then comes one more of her song sung with TMS – “Engiruntho Ingu Vantha Rathiye-En Ullanthanaiye Nee Kolai Kondathen?” Here one could see the softness of TMS voice for a change. The song itself is soul lifting, and could be enjoyed even now. AP Komala sings “Kaaya Pazhamaa Sollunga” another famous song.

    Let us see how many of the readers recognise and enjoy this golden contribution of KVM:

    TMS: Engiruntho Ingu Vantha Rathiye
    En Ullanthanaiye Nee Kollai Kondathen?
    RJ: Kalla Ennamey Kondu Ennidathile
    Nee Nallavanai Pol Pesa Ennuvathum Veen

    TMS: Thenum Paalum Sernthathu Pole
    Naanum Neeyum Onraaginom-
    Naanam Eno Ennasai Maaney
    Naamey Kaanbom Perinbamey
    Engiruntho Ingu….

    RJ: Aankalin Uravai Veruppaval Naaney
    Athanaal Ennidam Neeyee
    Veen Aasaiye Kondu Pesuthal Theethey
    Aagathu Sarasam Sariyallavey
    Veen Aasaiye Kondu Pesuthal Theethey
    Aagathu Sarasam Sariyallavey
    Kalla Enname Koondu..


    TMS: Aangalin Thunaiye Illaathu Pengal
    Sugam Kaana Mudiyumaa?
    RJ: Enrum Sugamey Enni Vaazhal
    Sariyalla Theriyumaa?
    TMS: Inbathai Veruthu Pesuthal Muraiyo
    Ezhil Mevum Sunthari?
    RJ: Vambuth Thanamey Seithal Thagumo
    Sol Neeyum Suntharaa?
    TMS: Aandavan Aan Pennai Padaithathum Eno?
    RJ: Arivudan Ulakil Vaazhvatharkey.
    TMS: Aandavan Aan Pennai Padaithathum Eno?
    RJ: Arivudan Ulakil Vaazhvatharkey.

    TMS: Engiruntho Ingu Vantha Rathiye
    En Ullam Kavarnthe Nee Sellalaamaa?

    Aha what a tune, and how enchanting the voices! I was playing this song over the cup of coffee, and the coffee was bitter, all because this song was sweeter. I just could not believe my ears. Both TMS and Radha Jayalechumy sang very softly, no high pitch. The song was simple and yet enchanting, and is sure to pierce one’s very soul.

    Some time ago Malaysian friend met Radha Jayalechumy in her house and discussed her old songs, including this. She just was condemning the cine industry as a whole, as she said the industry does no more compose songs that moves the heart and soul, but only the bodies.
  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 23:20:43 EDT 2002


    Saravanan,

    I can think of the following songs by Radha Jayalechumy in KVM's music:

    1.Ninaithaaley Inbam Tharum- Mangalyam
    2.Ottumiru Ullanthanai VEttuvathu- Mangalyam (good song)
    3.Mangalam-Valliyin Selvan

    Since you like her songs, let me give you some more of her songs from my immediate memory:

    1.Be Happy- Kaithi-S. Balachander
    2.Poochendu Nee Ponvandu Naan with TA MOti and Ganasaraswathy in ThayullamMD V. Nagaiyah)
    3. Etham Pottu- Kanchana
    4. Jagam Yaavum- Manithanum MIrugamum-TGovindarajulu Naidu
    5. Kathal Kondaadugiraar- manohara-SVV

    6. Aanantham Tharuvathu Sangeethemey- Samaya Sanjeevi- GR

    7. Gangatharaney- Poologa Rambai- CN Pandurangan

    8. Vaazhiya Needoozhi- Arivali SVV
    9. Aaraaro Aaraaro- INdira En Selvam SR Pathmanaba Sastiri

    10.Kanni Paruvam Aval Manathi Enna Ninaithaalo with PBS- Indira En Selvam

    11.Anaiya Jothi with AM Raqja-Solaimalai Raani-CN Pandurangan
    12. PAchai Kuzhandayadi Kannil Paavaiyandro Chandramathi- with SG -Odi Vilyadu Pappa- by KRishnamurthy
    13. Nadanamaadinaar with Leela- Manamaalai-GR
    14. Ethukkithanai Modi - Sarangadara- GR

    15.Jagam Yaavumey- Ratha Pasam
    16. Vazhvatho Mathu-Manohara-SVV
    17. Aasai Mounamaai- Inspector -GR
    18.Madhuvai parugum Vandu-Jameenthaar- GR
    19. Malai Thiritha Magarasi with P.Leela and Ganasaraswathy-Moondru Pillaikal
    20. Oh Alai Mothum-Puratchiveeran
    Pokkiri Payale- Thayullam- Thayullam by V. Nagaiyah.
    21. Vennilaavum Vaanum Pole- kalyanam Pannnium Bachelor-TG Lingappa.

    Thanks,

    Manisegaran







  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 23:36:57 EDT 2002


    Aasai Anna (a.a),
    Arumai Thamby ezhuthuvathu

    I have not seen some of these movies, and that inludes Pennarasi. Let me see if I can recollect the missed songs for the moment. They are:

    1.Ulagam Sezhippathgu- by P.Leela
    2.Santhegam Ethukku by Sc. Krishan and Kanaga
    3.Thodathey-SC KRsihnan and Kanaga
    4Ezhuthi CHellum- SC Krishnan
    5. Aadhiyaai- SC Krishnan
    6.Vendrathu Soolchi by TMS
    7.Seer Valara by TMS
    8. Konjam Kooda Kuri Thavaraatha by Jikki

    I am not able to think of the song you mentioned. May be you can post when you recollect.

    In this article, I would want to mention only the famous and hit songs.

    Sorry I am not giving all the songs from the films I am listing. I am trying to move fast and complete the series, while I still have the time. We have not even covered the tip of the iceberg so far.


    Thanks,

    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jun 26 06:48:03 EDT 2002


    PART 17

    METEORIC RISE

    Now we come to Town Bus a film that is still being spoke of and one that was very much loved by KVM himself. Before this KVM had composed music for a few movies and they may or may not have run well. In the case of Town Bus, it had good story line to capture the cine goers, and at the same time there were wonderful songs as well. In my interview with KVM I asked KVM which was his first film, and to my shock he said "Town Bus" I said couldn’t be. He then qualified and stressed that he could have composed for so many films, but Town Bus was his "first super hit movie" and so he decided to remember that movie as his first. Very much true! It was Town Bus that popularised KVM further and immortalised his name and fame.

    This was another production of M.A.V Pictures of MA Venu, with story and dialogue scripted by APN and directed by K. Somu. N.N. Kannappa was the hero with Anjali Devi as heroine. Other stars were TK Ramachandran, VK Ramasamy, MN Rajam, Thamabram Lalitha etc, which clearly indicate that this was not a great star-rated movie. But then this film ran on the strength of songs comnpsed by KVM. There is a hit song here that is still hinges somewhere in our inner m,ind, and with the slightest effort, comes to our mind. Years, nay decades and even close to half a century has passed since tghis song was noised in Tamilnadu and abroad. But it continues to ring in our ears,without losing the sweetness. That immortal song by M.S. Rajeswary is:

    Chittu Kuruvi Chittu Kuruvi Seithi Theriyuma?
    Ennai Vittu Pirinji Pona KanavanVeedu Thirumbala.
    Pattu methai Virichu Vachen Summa Kedakkuthu
    Pasum paalai Kaaichi Eduthu vachen Aari Kidakkuthu.

    Thalaiyai Vaari Poo Mudichen Vaadi Vathanguthu
    Sathaa Theruvil Vanthu nNinru Ninru Kaalum Kadukkuthu

    Vazhiyai Vazhiyai Paarthu Paarthu
    Kannum Noguthu-Avar
    Vanthaal Pesa Niraya Sethi
    Nenjil Irukkuthu

    There is also a sad version of this song. This song had some specialities, and the credit goes to KVM. It was meant for the heroin, but was compsoed in such a way that it could be enjoyed by elders and youngsters alike. That was the motive of the whole song, said Ka Mu Sheriff to a few of us when he came to attend the Tamil Writers Association in Kuala Lumpur in 1984.
    He said that the song will always be part of our daily lives. Whenever we see chittukuruvi in our compound this song comes to our mind. The song has a sweetness that is eternal.

    There is also a challenge song-challenge between ancient Tamil tradition and modernisation, sung by SC Krishnan and Seergazhi Govindarajan. This was one of the early entries of Seergazhi into the music of KVM. It is

    Lady lady..lady Lady
    Aasai lady Aruginil Vaadi
    Aadi paadalamm.

    This also became a popular hit. A sad song by Trichy Loganathan, MS Rajeswary and Radha Jayalechumy
    “Ponnaana vaazhvey Mannagi Pomo?
    Thuyaram nilaithaana? Ulagam Ithuthaanaa?”

    This is a song with beautiful tune, melody and voicing. Still remains one of the all time favourites. Then comes a beautiful song by Radha Jayalechumy:

    Nenjam Virumbuthey-sathaa
    Ninainthu Magizhuthey
    Konji Pesi Uravaada
    Kuzhanthai Ullam Konda Avarai……

    A real super song!
    Town Bus cemented the relationship between APN, MAVenu and KVM and created a bond that lasted many years. This was one of the first films to retain supremacy in pulling the crowd even in the second and subsequent releases. Town Bus ferried Mahadevan throughout Tamilnadu, South India, Ceylon, Singapore and Malaysia, including Burma. (the last film the Tamils in Burma saw was Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum screened there towards end 1963. Hope to cover on Devar films if the article flows without interruption)

    By 1957 APN and KR Ramasamy had already become very close friends. They started a film company called Sri Lakshmi Pictures and made a few movies together. The very famous Makkalai Petra Maharasi which had star value-Sivaji Ganesan, MN Nambiyar, Kannaamba, K. Banumathy, K Sarangapani, VK Ramasamy, MN Rajam etc. Story and dialogue by APN. The famous songs here were:

    1. Manappaarai Maadu Katti by TMS. Maruthakazi told me in 1988 that this song was a true patriotic song as it made mention of many areas of Tamilnadu, and was sung in every remote village of Tamilnadu by people of all walks in life.
    2. Sonna Pechai Kekkanum Munnum Pinnum Paakkanum by K.Banumathy. This was another hit song
    3. Vanthathu Yaarunnu Unakku Theriyumaa by K Banumathy- also a good song
    4. O Malliyakka- a famous dance song
    5. Adi Tharaburam Tambaram Un Thalaiyiley Kanagamabaram- by SC Krishnan and Ratnamala
    6. Poravaley Poravaley Ponnurangam by TMS and Banumathy
    7. Makkalai Petra Maharasi by Jikki
    8. Onru Serntha Anbu Maarumaa by PB Sreenivos and Sarojini. This is the first song of PB Sreenivas under KVM.

    This film was another big hit. KVM proved that he could compose excellent folk music too. It was following this film in 1957 that many approached KVM for village based songs.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jun 27 22:37:42 EDT 2002


    PART 18

    SANGEETHA SOWBAGIYAME
    ENDRUM KUNDRATHA PERUM BAGYAMEY…

    From the title readers ought to know what I am arriving at. Yes it was Samboorna Ramayanam. Following the resoundiong success of Town Bus, MA Venu was contemplating on the next movie. This time he decided to take a great risk by going for a daring theme. He wanted to produce a movie based on the epic Ramayanam. But Ramayanam has already been produced several times by others either in full or in parts.
    Shadows of doubts were cast on the viability of this effort. Will such a film run?

    This was the time when people were moving away from the stereotype movies and opting for modern themes, and would Ramayanam strike well? But a few plus and minus positions were carefully taken into consideration and studied. They could not risk at all, as the subject was too big and many leading stars were thrown in. APN guaranteed good dialogue based on wide research; KVM was there to give his best music; K.Somu was readily available for ably directing the movie. Then they worked out a range of great stars who would suit the characters. Sivaji Genesan came as Bharathan; NT Ramarao as Raman; Pathmini as Seetha: TK Bhagavathgy as Ravanan; Santhya (Honourable CM Jayalalitha’s mother) as Mandothiri; MN Raajam as super Soorpanagai. Narasimma Bharathi, and V.K Ramasamy were there to add strength. With the songs and music thrown in Samboorna Ramayanam created history and became one more milestone in cine field. Following the resounding success, a special souvenir book was released in which leading figures of the then Tamilnadu gave congratulatory messages. Even MR Radha, the hardcore hater or Ramayanam gave a congratulatory message, very ably and carefully worded..

    Now what about the songs? It was said that until the coming of Ramayanam there was no one single film that carried so many Raagas in one film. It is said that this film had the most number of Raagaas. Ramayana is a long story that cannot be summarised. After so much adaptation and accommodation the film was cut down to just 4 hours. This was achieved after summarising certain portions of Ramayanam by means of songs. KVM very marvellously composed for the songs. This was a yardstick to measure the ability of KVM, and true enough turned out to be a crowning glory for Isai Thilakam. Let me mention only the hits among the hits.

    1. Vaazhita Ulakam Enre Vaazhthidum by TMS
    2. Thavamuni Visvamithiran Pinnaaley by CS Jayaraman
    3. Sree Ramachandiran Magudabishega Thirukkolam Kaanbathatkey by Seergazhio Goveinderajan, SC Krishnan, Ratnamala,AP Komala, K Rani, Sarojini and Udutha
    4. Uthaman Poginraan Uruguthey Makkal Ullam- Gandasala
    5. Mannellaam Ponnaagum Raaman Varavaaley-SC Krsihnan, Ratnamala, AP Komala,, K. Rani, Sarojini and Pathma
    6. Annayum Pithaavum Arivoottum Aasanaagi- by TMS and Thangappan
    7. Paathugaiyai Thunaiyaagum Ennaalum-TMS
    8. Anthiri Munivar Rama Lakshmanarai- Seergazhi Govinderajan
    9. Pakkraan Summa Paakraan by MS Rajeswary
    10. Pogathey Athgaan Pogathey by MS Rajeswary
    11. Thennadudaiya Sivaney Potri- SC Jayaraaman
    12. Veenai Kodiyudaiya Venthaney- Trichy Loganathan
    13. Sangeetha Sowbagyamey by SC Jayaraman
    14. Irukkum Idathai Paarthu-Jikki
    15. Sabarikku Raman Than Nilai Kulainthey- Seergazhi Govinderajan
    16. Penkalil Ennai Pol {erum Paavi Undo- R. Balasaraswathy Devi
    17. Azhagiya Ilangai Nagarai Anuman by Seergazhi Govinderajan
    18. Inru Poi Naalai vaaraai- SC jayaraman

    Therefore, many of the leading singers of the later part of the 1950s were utilised to add richness to the music. Other than the premier screening, not all the songs were screened by the theatre operators owing to time.


    Sangeetha Sowbagyamey
    Sangeetha Sowbagyamey is a song that gives basic tuition to a beginner of Karnatic music. There is a dialogue in this song seeking clarification of the different ragas that are used for different parts of the day, different moods, and different events, and Raavanan gives explanation through the ragas accordingly. This was precedence again. Morning raga is Poobaalam; Raaga for noon is Saaranga; Raaga for evening time is Vasanthaa; Raaga for mercy is Neeelambari; Raaga for declaring war is Kambeera Naatai; Raaga for happiness is Danyaasi; Raaga for composing Venbaa is Sangarabharanam; Raaga for agaval paa is Thodi; Raga that is most appropriate for Tamil music is Kalyani; thus replies raavanan bys singing these ragas out in songs. Finally Mandothiri asks “Swamy, Kailainaathanai Thaangal Gaanathaal Mayakkiya Raagam Ethuvo?” to which Raavanan sings with beautiful surangal. What a gift of KVM in Raagamaalika?

    Let me mention a song of Ramayanam mentioned in the introduction to this series. There was a song where the sound engineer forgot to switch off the recorder after the song was over. And that song comes from Sampoorna Ramaayanam. The song composed in beautiful Thilang raga is:

    Inru Poi Naalaai Varrai, Yena
    Yenai oru manithanum Pugazhuvatho?
    Manmagal Mugam Kandey-Manam
    Kalangidum Nilai IndruEn Koduthaai Eesaa
    Endisai Vendrene-Andru
    Innnisai Pozhinthunai Kandeney…..


    The tail end of the song is a is truly mesmerising to listerners. The sound engineer was listening to the enchanting singing of C.S.Jayaraman. Once the song was completed every other technician had switched off his machines, but the sound engineer was just oblivious to surroundings. After many seconds, somebody patted him on the back and brought him down to earth.(Souvenir book of Samboorna Ramayanam)


    Maruthakazi composed the songs and considered the contribution his all time privilege and achievement. This was the talk of those days and even this day. The film was is and would continue to be a feather in the cap for Mahadevan. All the lovers of carnatic music had nice things to say about KVM.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 28 00:12:16 EDT 2002


    PART 19

    THE BOND CONTINUED

    Although APN was using KVM all along it was after Samboorna Raamayanam that their bond became stronger to last for one full decade, and APN did not go for any other MD during this time. KVM and APN had already made their marks in Naalvar, Aasai Annaa Arumai Thambi, Maangalyam, Pennarasi, Town Bus and Samboorna Raamaayanam. Following Samboorna Ramaayanam, APN wrote dialogue for Neelavukku Nerainja Manasu and Nalla Idathu Sambantham, both released in 1958. In Neelavukku Nirainja Manasu was starred by Sriram, KA Thangavelu, Pandari Bai, MN Rajam, PS Veerappa, Ragini VK Ramasamy etc. The only good song here is “Otruaiye Namakku Uyir Naadi” by Jikki and Soolamangalam Raajalechumy. The other sons are not that popular.

    The next film of 1958 was Nalla Idathu Sambantham. MR Radha, Sowkar Janaki, Prem Nasir, MN Rajam, VK Ramasamy and K. Sarangapani were main stars. This is another good movie for KVM. It was in this film that Lurthumary Rajeswary (LR Eswary) became a full scale and independent singer. It was APN who changed her name to LR Eswary. This was not LR Eswary’s first attempt. She started off as a chorus singer in earlier films by other MDs. In the Sorgavasal song Aagum Neri Ethu Aagaa Neri Ethu, she sang chorus, where the MD was SV Vengatraman. Then she sang chorus for the song “Inbanaalithey” in Manohara, under the same MD. Following that she was used by MSV and TKR in the RR pictures Gulebagavali. There is a song by Jamunarani –Aasaiyum Nesamum Ratha Paasathinaal Enguvathai Paaraiyada” In between we here hiccups. The vickal is the voice of Eswary. Then in 1958 KVM used her fully and independently.


    Sachu is a comedy actress. Her sister is Maadilechumy. LRE sang for her a song called Ivarethaan Avaru” As the song came out fairly well, she was commissioned to sing three more songs. One was “Puthu Penney Puthu Penney Nimunthu Paaru” with Kasthoori, Uduthaa and Kejalechumy. The other famous song is “Ponnu Maappillai Onnagum Pothu” which she sang with Kasthoori. The other solo of Eswary is :

    Thukkathilum Sirikkanum Thunivudaney Irukkanum
    Thathuvam ithai Unarnthu Neenga Nadakkanum-Mana
    Sanchalathai Adiyodu Marakkanum!

    Another famous song of Nalla Idathu Sambantham is by Soolamangalam Jayalechumy, with dialogue in between by MR Radha.

    SR :Kuzhanthai Pol Oru Kanam
    Kobithu Chelvathum
    Kunam Maari Maru Kanam
    Kurumbaaka Chirippathum…Sagajamaa?
    Jaalam Seivathum Nyiayamaa?

    MR Ratha:.. Aah Ivvalavu Nalla Paaduviya nee?
    Yen stop pannitte? Continue pannu.

    SR: Jalam Seivathum Nyayamaa-Neengal
    Jalam Seivathum Niayamaa
    Sagasam Ankalukku Aagumaa?
    Jaalam Seivathum Niayamaa?

    MRR: Sweet voice. Ivvalavu Nallaa Paada Therinja Unakku Aadavum Theriyumnu Ninaikkiren.

    SR: Aadavum Paadavum Therinthirunthaalum-Penkal
    Avaravar Kanavar Munney Naanamillamale
    Aadippaadavume Mudiyuma? Ithai Maranthu
    Modi Seivathu Aaguma?

    (Jaalam)

    Ullak Koyililey Ulavum Yen Deivame!
    Ungal Sevai Onre Mangai Yen Bagiyame!
    Ulakin Yen Vaazhkvin Inbamey!
    Oru Kanamum Piriyen Ummai Yendrume
    (Jaalam)



    The other famous song by Soolamangalam Rajalechumy in this film is

    Sonnaalum Ketpathillai-Suyamaai
    Chinthitum Paarpathillai
    Pennaga Piranathavalai-Aankal
    Ennaalum Mathippathillai….


    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Permit Me To Mention A Related Digression
    As Eswary’s songs became very popular especially Puthu Penney and Thukkathilum Sirikkanum, many other MDS started to use Eswary as an independent singer- no more chorus or hiccups. KVM encouraged her to sing with other MDs as well. She sang many songs. Kannadasan has once said that in all family functions of the Tamil world his songs would be used. In Paasa Malar of 1961 release she sang “Vaaraai En Thozhi Vaaraiyo” I dobut there is a wedding where this song is not played, or at the least remembered. When KVM listened to this song for the first time, phoned up LRE and congratulated her and predicated that she had a good future. But then KVM had equal hold on the fame of LRE. In Panamaa Pasamaa where KVM composed she sang a song that Kannadasan had composed in typical Madras Tamil.

    Elanthapayam Elanthappayam.
    Ethanaiyo Peru Kitta Elanthapayam Parthiye
    Eduthu Paartha Palangalile
    Immam Persiu parthiya
    Kaikku Adakkamaa-
    Nee Kadichi Paarkka Vaattamma…..


    This song was an instant hit and in 1968 the vinyl record was sold off and was only available in black market for Rs30. Kannadasan wrote and regretted writing the song, saying that the taste of fans had become very cheap. This film saw silver jubilee and was screened in Russia.

    But later LRE sang more with MSV. MSV lifted her in many ways. There is also a lift song in Nilave Nee Saatchi:

    Nee Ninaithaal Innerathiley Ethotho Nadakkum
    Nanariven Un Aasai Ellaam Nee Kettalthaan Kidaikkum Oho Ho….

    LRE’s car registration number was MSV 7749. When she came to Malaysia we asked her why she was still not married. She pointed to MSV and said she was already married to music.

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    In short Nalla Idathu Sambantham was an important film for KVM and LRE. Of course Soolamangalam Rajalechumy also made clear marks for herself.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 28 19:51:12 EDT 2002




    Sri Ram Lakshman,

    Thank you so much. This is what I term as a healthy and rich discussion. Good you are able to throw more light. You are truly examplery to many. The TFM page neends more people of your calibre.


    While it is true that KVM does not insist on changing the lyrics, there had been rare and isolated instances where he did ask the lyricists to change in order to suit the "santham".

    KVM somehow did not use Valee very much in the beginning days. It was after the film P{esum Deivam that KVM started to use Valee more than before. Pugazhendhi expected some poetic flow in songs, which to him was not to be found in Valee. It was Pugazhendhi who insisted on some of the lines written by other lyricists, and not KVM. On a few occassions Valee got crossed with Pugazhendhi and KVM and went off. KVM had even advised Valee that Lyricists and MDS should mix with each other like husband and wife to come out with good production. MGR too had advised Valee that he had to accommodate in the cine field given the situation where Valee had a long way to go.

    In Adimai Penn Valee had written
    Yemaatrathey Yemaarathey
    Yemaatrathey Yemaarathey

    But KVM told MGR that this pallavi does not suit the santham. So he himself changed it to:


    Yemaatrathey Yemaatrathey
    Yemarathey Yemarathey
    MGR liked the cahnged pallavi. Knowing that Valee would be crossed, KVM himself phoned Valee and got the approval. When KVM informed that MGR liked the change, Valee had to consent.

    (My friendly chat with Valee, Gangai Amaran and Pandiarajan in Prasad Studio, Kodambakkam in December 1986. Some indications of Valee and KVM undercurrent has been also mentioned Naanum Intha Nootraandum)

    But KVM had all the ability to compose music to any pre-written lyrics- a capacity acknowledged by all in the cine field. I have something nice things to mention should I be able to cover Thiruvarut Chelvar song-Mannavan Vanthaanadi Thozhi.

    Thanks again.

    Manisegaran


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jun 28 23:30:28 EDT 2002


    PART 20
    CONTRIBUTION OF APN AND KVM IN THE 1960s
    I am still on APN and KVM combination.In order to keep going on APN and KVM combination I have to jump and go on to 1962 when the famous Vadivukku Valaikkappu was produced by Sri Lakshmi Pictures of APN, where VK Ramasamy had a share.APN wrote the story and dialogue, with Sivaji Ganesan and Savithiri as the main stars supported by VK Ramasamy, SV Subbiah, MN Rajam, TK Ramachandran, S Varalechumy etc. This was a very important movie for KVM. For close to a decade APN had seen the composing ability of KVM, who had built many films to his credit.

    Why is this film said to be important for KVM? A look at the credit or title would reveal it. In the title of Vadivukku Valaikkappu we see KVM being introduced as “Thirai Isai Thilakam.”

    MSV and KVM were already involved in some form of healthy competition by this time. The real start off of the competition was from SAmboorna Ramayanam of KVM and Malayitta Mangai of MSV/TKR- both of 1958. While KVM gave excellent carnatic songs in Samboorna Ramayanam, MSV/TKR gave wonderful light music in Malayitta Mangai. This continued throughut the 1960s. MSV/TKR team was used by many, but more notably by Bhim Singh while KVM was used mainly by Devar, along with others (Hope to cover Devar films too if time permits)


    It is from 1962- from Vadivukku Valaikkappu that KVM became popularly known as Thirai Isai Thilagam and later Thamizh Thirai Isai Thilakam. This was a promotion of KVM by APN against MSV/TKR. This is certainly a well deserved recognition as well. There is a song in the film by Maruthakazi which starts as

    Thilagame! Ulagin Thilagamey!
    Tamilnaattin Kalai Ulagin Thilagame!
    Senthamizhnaattin Kalai Ulakin Thilagamey

    The song was by Maruthakazi, and sung by TMS. It was certainly referring to KVM though picturised on a veena. Other songs are:

    There is a song by PS and LRE:

    Saalaiyiley Puliamaram
    Jameentharu Vacha Maram
    Ezhaigalai Kaakkum Maram
    Ellorkkum Uthavum Maram

    There is great song by S. Varalechumy:

    Thaamatham Seiyaathe Thozhi
    Nalla Tharunathgai Izhakkathey Sonnathai Marakkaathey

    One more good song of P.Suseela:

    Nilladiyo Nilladiyo
    Ninaichi paarthu Solladio
    Solladio Solladio
    Jodi Porutham Eppadio

    There is yet one more wonderful song by TMS in which TMS sings with great feelings that would easily move listeners:

    Pillai Manam Kalanguthendraal
    Petra Manam Urugatho.

    Yet one more wonderful melody of P.Suseela:
    Sillendru Poothu Sirikkinra Pennukku
    Thirunaal valaikkaapu –vaazhvil
    Thirunaal valaikkappu

    One of the best songs of TMS and P. Suseela is in this film:

    TMS-Seerulavum Inba Naatham Jeeva Sangeetham
    PS-Sevi Naadum Then Suvai Andro Thiruve Unathu Kaanam
    TMS-Aaviye Iyal Isaai Pole naamey
    Anbinaal kalanthey Magizhvom
    PS-Ezhai Enadhu Thaazhvai Agatri
    Vaazhvu Thantheer, Ellaam En Bagyam
    Naathathaal Manam Vasamaagumpothu Petham paaraathu
    TMS-Kathal alaikal Mothum Manathil Thaazahu vaazhethu
    PS-Aasai Mozhiye Pesi Enaiye
    Aalum Arase Ellaam En Bagyam
    TMS-Seerulaavum Inbanaatham


    This is truly a heart lifting song!

    NAVARATHIRI
    The film Navarathiri of 1964 is another important film for KVM. By this time APN started his own Sri Vijalachumy Pictures. The first film produced under this banner was the immortal Navarathiri- 100th film of Sivaji Ganesan where Sivagi Ganesan successfully portrayed the nine different emotions in a man. Here APN had stopped using Maruthakazi and went for Kanndasan alone. This film has many nice songs to boast of :


    A song that is widely appreciated even today is one by P Suseela:

    Navarathiri Subarathiri

    There is one song of Knnadasan which Kannadasan says has been written to reflect his own days of felicity, and that is sung by TMS as follows:

    Iravinil Aattam Pagalinil Thookkam
    Ithuthaan Engal Ulakam Engal Ulakam


    There is a mental hospital scene where many ladies from the "world of fantasy" sing as they like. While Kannadasan has written this comedy song, KVM has composed music, lifting tunes from other MDs.

    The song tunes are such as Vantha Naal Muthal, Javatheu Medayittu, Kaattukkuley Thiruvizhaa, Vanga Machan Vanga, Yaradi Nee Mohin (part tune) etc, This was very much enjoyed by the fans. At the tail end of the song, KVM gives a marvellous western orchestration. LRE, Jamunarani, P Suseela and Soolamangalam Raajalechumy sing this comedy song.

    There is also a village-based song by TMS:

    Pottathu Mulaichathadi Kannamma
    Kettathu Kidaichathadi Kannamma
    Kai Niraiya Kettathu Kidaithathadi Kannamma

    The highlight of the movie is of course a Therukkoothu scene on Sathiawan Savithri, which TMS and P Suseela sung very well. Sivaji and Savithri excelled in this scene. This was a great gift of KVM to the village folks in Tamilnadu who had for generation after generation been accustomed to such form of entertainment.

    KVM’s own training of the earlier days in the boys company drama troupe in 1930s had been an asset to him in composing the music for this wonderful masterpiece. Old habits die hard they say, in the case of KVM the old talents resurfaced to manifest in the fuller glory.


    Up to the production of Navarathiri this time APN had seen the talent of KVM and now Sivaji Ganesan has also proved time and again his talent. Sivaji Ganesan was at the height of glory when Navarathiri was released. Once APN was more than fully convinced that he could count on the music of KVM and the acting talent of Sivaji Ganesan, he took a big bold leap to add one more taste for the cine goers. What he had started off as simple village stories and some social themes turned out to be big banner productions, with a variety of tastes. He wanted to go for dialogues where the Tamil language could be exploited to cheer up the audience. That he felt couyld be best done by reverting to Puarana stories. This was the second risk following his 1958 risk taken in Samboorna Ramayanam at a time when he was discouraged. He cleared the hurdle.

    But in 1965 he took a longer shot and by once again going for purana based story. Many discouraged him saying that people are moving away from puranas to modern social themes and new technologies. But APN was not willing to give in. The advisers and foes alike then went and discouraged Sivaji Ganesan himself. However APN forged and surged ahead with vigour. He was of the firm conviction that his dialogue, Kannadasan’s songs, KVM’s music, and Sivaji’s talent could be counted upon. So did APN go for big banner productions, involving many big stars, costume, settings and also made his first colour movie, which was a new craze those days.

    His first purana film in colour was Thiruvilayaadal (1965) that became a great hit. Again this film saw a great challenge by Enga Veetu Pillai of Vijaya Combines. This triggered off further challenges and pushed the running of the movie. The film was expected to run 25 weeks, but owing to the severe storm that year Thiruvilayadal had to stop after 20 weeks, short of five more weeks for silver jubilee hit. But it earned the best box office collection in 1966(a Cinema Express issue). This film had some of the best songs written by the one and the only greatest Kannadasan, composed by KVM and sung by some of the most sought after singers. Dr. Balamurali Krishna was brought in, KB Sundrambal was also brought in together with TR Mahalingam, not forgetting the ever talented TMS, PB Seenivos, S. Janaki, and P Suseela. Some of the songs are:

    A song by KBS underambaal that remains immortal is

    Pazham Neeyappa
    Gnana Pazham Neeyappa
    Thamizh Gnana Pazham Neeyappaa

    Another song of KBS is
    Onraanavan Uruvil Irandaanavan
    Uruvaana Senthamizhil Moonraanavan
    Nanraana vethathil Naankanavan
    Namasivaya Ena Ainthaanavan
    Inba Chuvaikalukkul Aaraanavan……

    Yet one more song by her is Gnana Pazhathai Pizhunthu a song of Sangaradass Swamikal

    Pothigai Malai Uchiyiley Purappadum Thendaral is yet a gem by PBS and S. Janaki.

    There is a sithar type of philosophical song by TMS

    Paartha Pasu Maram
    Paduthuvittaaal Nedumaram

    The song that caught Tamilnadu by storm was by Dr. Balamurali Krishna:

    Oru Naaal Pothuma
    Inroru Naal Pothuma
    Naan Paada Inroru Naal Pothuma
    Nathama Geethama
    Athai Naan paada
    Indroru Naal Pothuma…

    Raagama Sugaragama
    Ganama Devaganama
    En Kalaikkintha Thirunaadu Samamaaaguma
    En Kalaikkintha Thirunaadu Samamaaaguma


    Kuzhal Enrum Yazhendrum Silar Kooruvar
    Yen Kural Ketta Pinnaley Avar Maaruvar
    Azhiyatha Kalai Enru Enai Paaduvar
    Enai Ariyamal Ethirporkal Ezhunthoduvar
    Enai Ariyaamal Ethirporkal Ezhunthoduvar!

    Isai Kettu Ezhunthodi varuvaranro-Thodi..
    Odi Varuvaranro
    Enakkinaiyaaga Dharbaaril Evarumundo
    Azhiyathaa Mohana chuvai Naananro- Mohanam
    Yen Paattu Kaanada
    ISAI DEIVAM NAANADA!

    Appa! What a contribution by KVM, Kannadasan and Dr. Balamurali Krishna! T.S. Palaiya did very well too and gave life to the screen. (He was a professional stage singer before he came to cine field. He sang for the first marriage of the late V.N. Janagi to Ganapathy Butt.)


    P Suseela has a fishing village song to entertain us :

    Neela Chelai Katti Vantha Samuthira Ponnu

    TRMahalingam too came back after some abeyance and sang a song of high pitch, full of feelings:

    Isaithamizh Nee Seitha Arunsaathanai
    Nee Irukkayile Enakku Perum Sothanai

    TMS comes with another great song:
    Paattum Naaney Baavamum Naaney
    Padum Unai naan Padavaitheney

    It is mind boggling to put to a vote, which is the best song as each has it own taste, mood and flow. All the songs were excellent. KB Sundrambaal was able to sing at very high pitch even at this age. TMS was at his best in Paatum Naaney Baavamum Naaney. Balamurali Krishna who had made his debut in Kalaikoyil (Thanga Ratham Vanthathu Veeythiyiley) but became very popular in the song Oru Naal Pothuma, picturised on TS Palaiya who did very well. TR Mahalingam had sung very well with high pitch after so many years. Kannadasan’s contribution to enrich the lyrics could not be overlooked, along with Sivaji’s acting ability. KVM once again made a crowning glory for himself in Thiruvilayadal. The songs were regular requests in request programs of radio stations wherever Tamils lived.

    Volumes could be written of this immortalised film and songs.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Sun Jun 30 19:50:21 EDT 2002



    PART 21
    SARASWATHY SABATHAM AND THIRUVARUT CHELVAR

    Once Thuruvilayaadal ran well, APN got inspired and went ahead with another great movie based on Navab Rajamanickam’s stage drama-Saraswathy Sabatham (1966). This film had very good songs as well. The songs are:

    1. Komaatha Engal Kulamaatha by P Suseela. This song is being played by radio stations on pongal days.
    2. Kalviya Selvama Veerama is a philosophical song that TMS sings.
    3. Thaai Thantha Pichayile Piranthenamma by P. Suseela
    4. Mugathai Kaattidum Kannadi- P. Suseela
    5. Deivam Iruppathu Enge by TMS.

    Deivam Irupathu Engey
    Athu Ingey VErengey
    Thelintha Ninaivum Niraintha Nenjum
    Nirainthathu engey…

    Aadai Anigalan Abaranangal
    Aandaan Virumbuvathillai
    Angoru Kannum Ingoru Kannum
    Aalaiya Valipaadillai


    TMS sings another great song called Agara Muthala Ezhuthellam. This song was so popular that it puzzled the cine fans. They were not able to say who was the best- Kannadasan’s lyrics, KVM’s music, the voice of TMS or the camera work. It was really an all rounded song. What a high pitch song with so lovely lyrics. It is Kannadasan’s masterpiece with every line starting with the Uyirezhuthu in Tamil.

    Agara Muthala Ezhuthellaam ariyavaithai Devi
    Aathi Bagawan Muthalendru Unara Vaiuthai
    Iyal Isai Nadaga theebam Etri Vaithaai
    Eendravar Nenjindru Kulira Vaithai…..
    Uyir Mei Ezhuthellaam Theriyavaithaai
    OomayinVaai Thiranthu Pesavaithaai
    Ennum Ezhuthendrum Kan Thiranthaai
    Etram Tharum Pulamai Aatral Thanthaai
    Oli Thanthu mozhi thanthu Kural Thanthaai
    Ongaara Isai Thanthu Uyaravaithaai..


    The music goes deeper and deeper with Kannadasan equally competing with KVM, and who else other than TMNS could have brought the song out so well, with Nadikar Thilakam as the life wire?

    There is a comedy song by TMS:

    Rani Maha Rani Rajyathil Rani
    Netru varai Veethiyile Ninru Iruntha Raani
    Nilaimakalai marnthuvittu Thalai Kanatha Rani
    Yanai Malai Pttathaaley aala Vantha Raani


    One of the best songs of Kannadasan, TMS and KVM composition is the following song:

    Kalviya Selvama Veerama
    Annaiya Thanthaiya Deivama
    Onrullamal Matronru Uruvaguma-Athil
    Uvarvendrum thaazhvenrum privaaguma?

    Padithavan Karuthellam Sabai Eruma
    Porul Padaithavan Karuthaanaal Sabai Meeruma
    padithavan, Padaithavan yaarayinum
    Balam padaithirunthaal Avanuk Kinaiyaaguma


    Onrukkul Onraaga karuvaanathu
    Aothu Onrinil Ondraga Porulaanathu
    Onrai Onru Pagaithaal Uyarvethu
    moonrum Oridathil Iruntaal Nigarethu
    moonrum Oridathil Iruntaal Nigarethu

    Moonru Thalaimuraikkum Porul Venduma
    Kalam Mutrum Pugazh Valarkkum Mathi VEbnduma
    Thondrum padai N\dungum Palam Venduma
    Ivai Moondrum Thunai Irukum Nalam Venduma?


    There is also a dance music for which Padmini performs super dance!
    In this film again KVM used the basic South Indian musical instruments to the best of his ability.

    THIRUVARUT CHELVAR

    Following the success of Saraswathy Sabatham APN ventured into his next movie- this time Thiruvarut Chelvar. This was not a real commercial hit, but had wonderful songs, filled with so many couplets from Periya Puranam, Sundarar’s Devaram, Naavukkarasar’s Devaram, as well as poetic works of the great Kannadasan. Trichy Loganathan’s son TL Mahalingam at that tender age sang:

    Kaathalaagi Kasinthu Kanner Malki

    The Devaram of Sundarar is Pitha Pirai Soodi sung by TMS.

    The Appar Devaram is Maasil veenayum Maalai Mathiyamum sung by TMS.

    Of course there are a few more. These songs were very much liked by the lovers of devotional songs.


    This song came as a pleasant treatment to Tamils. Noting his mature voice, everyone predicted that he would be a good singer in future.

    Kannadasan took an old Sithar song and composed this song sung by Seergazhi Govinderajan:

    Irukkum Idathai Vittu
    Illaatha Idam Thedi Engengo Aliakinraal
    Gnana Thangamey-avar
    Ethum Ariyaaradi Gnana Thangamey

    The other wonderful song of Kannadasan, sung by TMS was:

    Nathar Mudi Melirukkum Nalla Paambey-Unakku
    Nalla Per vaithathu Yaaar sollu Pambey
    Aathisivan Thalai Amarntha Aanavamaa? Avan
    Angamellaam Vilaiyaadum Thairiyamaa?


    PART 22
    THE ONE SONG THAT DESERVES SPECIAL MENTION
    But the greatest song was Mannavan Vanthaanadi Thozhi by P. Suseela. Now I shall elaborate. A song had to be composed for Padmini to dance in the presence of Sivaji Ganesan.

    I had stated earlier that out of the 1500 songs that Kannadasan has penned for KVM easily 800 were written and sent over to KVM which KVM composed on his own (Kanadasan’s Chinthithen Chanthithen)This was one of those. Kannadasan proved something here that he had indepth knowledge of ragas. We listen to some surangal in this song- They were written by Kannadasan, and KVM found it easy to compose it. KVM himself was astonished at Kavinyar’s depth. When the song became success, KVM had this to say, “Antha pugazh ellaaam Kannadasunukku thaan” (Thiraiyum Isayum program) Pugazhendi said in the same program that it is unusual for any lyrics writer to write lyrics in the absence of MD but Kannadasan not only did that, but also supplied wonderful surangal.

    Then came the challenge. There was a popular opinion that only P Leela or MLV could sing carnatic based dance songs. APN wanted P Leela to sing, but KVM said P. Suseeela could do it. There was a challenge. KVM took the challenge. When the recording was about to start, Sivaji Ganesan himself had encouraged Suseela to sing it well (P. Suseela’s interview in Singapore live show, in the presence of Sivaji) KVM made P Suseela sing and she did it well and KVM won. P Suseela also proved that she is a versatile singer who could even excel in heavily carnatic based dance songs.

    Then the picturisation. The song lsts for five minutes, but the shooting went on for 10 days.Sivaji came out of the make up room, and walked majestically like a king. The technical staff outside the make up room immediately stood up to welcome a king who had entered the studio, the realising that it was Sivaji Ganesan in make up.

    During the picturisation, we could see Sivaji walking very majestically, may be an overacting they say. But my question is could any other star do even this overacting? People had spent millions to make up their faces to look like old man. But Sivaji spent one rupee of arithaaram to look like an old man. The paper Kalki never publishes photos of Cinema people, but Appar Sivaji ganesan was the front cover for Kalki in that year. So popular was the movie. APN and KVM and Sivaji were giving treat after treat for Tamilnaadu

    The song, after the thogayara is:

    Mannavan Vanthaanadi Thozhi
    Manjathile Irunthu
    Nenjathile Puguntha
    Mannavan vanthaanadi Thozhi
    Maayavanoi thooyavano
    Naayagano naanariyen
    Mannnavan vanthaanadi thozhi

    Senthamizh Solleduthu Isai Thoduppen- Vanna
    Santhathile Kavithai Sarangkoduppen
    Moonru Thamizh Maalai Soottiduven- Ini
    Muppozhuthum Katpanayil Atputhamaii vaaznthirukkum…

    This song was so popular that KVM received all round appreciations from all MDs, including MSV himself who was his healthy competitor. Whenever there was a live show of KVM, MSV would ask this song to be played. MSV felt that the hall would liven itself when this song is sung.
    (Where are you KVM and Kannadasan?)

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Jul 1 19:36:20 EDT 2002


    CM,

    I have mentioned in passing the song Pitha Pirai Choodi - Sundarar Devaram.Unable to give all the lines, as it will carry this article too far and wide. But if you really need, I can provide the lyrics. Please let me know.

    AMUTHUM THENUM


    Amuthum Thenum Etharku-Nee
    Aruginil Irukkayile Enakku

    Aruvi Tharum Kulir Neer Anbey Inimel
    Athuvum Sudu Neer Aagum Namakku
    Athuvum Sudu Neer aagum Namakku

    (Amuthum Thenum)

    Nilavin Nizhalo Nin Vathanam
    Minnum Nilai Kannadiyo Unthan Kannam
    Malayil Piravaa Maamaniye Naan
    Koiyum Koiyaa Kaniye
    Vaan Amuthum Thenum Etharku


    Vizhiyale kaathal Kathai Pesu
    Malar Kaiyale Santhanam Veesu
    Thamizh Mozhi Pole Suvaiyoottum Senthene
    Udal Naan Uyir Nee Thaane
    Vaan Amuthum Thenum Etharku
    Nee Aruginili Irukkayile Enakku.

    (Hope the lines are correct)


    KVM himself told me of the many songs he had composed, this , Malarkal Nanainthana Paniyale (Idhaya Kamalam) and Kalai Magal Kai POrule (Vasantha Maligai) remain some of his best.

    When Suratha the lyricist for the above song was with me in Malaysia in November 1987, he said he won praises from thousands in appreciation of the Uvamaikal used in this song.

    Seergazhi Govidarajan and Dr. Siva Chidambaram came to my house in 1986 and took away (I gave away) the entire audio cassette collection of Sergazhi's songs after he listened to this song. He himself used to sing this song at carnatic song functions- during the second half in order to cater for people of all ranges.

    Thanks,

    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 2 01:22:22 EDT 2002


    PART 23
    THILLAANA MOHANAMBAAL
    Thillaana Mohanambaal released in 1968 deserves special mention in the musical journey of KVM. That was a movie that was delayed far too long. Before producing Thiruvilayaadal, Saraswathy Sabatham and Thiruvarut Chelvar, APN was already trying to make this novel into a movie, but he could not get the approval of the copyright owner. Gemini Studios was running Aananda Vikatan in which Kothamangalam Subbu wrote a series called “Thillaana Mohanambaal” APN felt that should this novel be made into a film it would be another sensational hit. APN approached Vasan, but Vasan first refused outright because Vasan himself wanted to make a picture of that. Days moved. Then APN took Thiruvilayaadal, Saraswathy Sabatham and Thiruvarut Chelvar. When these movies were very well taken, Vasan himself wanted to become a partner with APN in making Thillanaa Mohanambaal, but did not openly tell it to APN. When APN approached Vasan again, Vasan told his idea of joint production, but this time APN refused. Finally Vasan gave the full rights to APN.

    This was a difficult subject. There was a talk that movies made from novels would not run, as proven by earlier failures. But APN felt this could be overcome if properly treated. Again, Sivaji had no great role in the story. So the storyline had to be adapted accordingly to centre the film on Sivaji. This was done. But Sivaji was to act without moustache. Dangerous, as fans would reject such an appearance. But his acting talent and style would conquer it. Accepted! But there was to be no duet, at a time when Sivaji was appearing in many duet songs. APN felt that rich Nadaswaram music would rescue the situation. All adaptation and accommodation were done.

    Now this film was a challenge for Sivaji himself, as he was working against all odds. In order to make the film a success, Sivaji got the famous Rajaratnam Pillai to play nadaswaram for five hours and observed the style. He completely immersed himself in the ocean of music and was oblivious to his own self. As he was listening to the music, Sivaji put his head on Kannadasan’s lap and enjoying the tune.

    Speaking of nadaswaram we could think of Karukurichi Arunasalam, Sheikh Chinna Moulana, Thiruvaduthurai Rajaratnam Pillai and Madurai Sethuraman-Ponnusamy. In Konjum Salangai of 1958 Karukurichi Arunasalam composed Singara Veleney Deva based on a tune given by Sambamoorthy Aachariyar. SM Subbiah Naidu composed other songs. Nadaswaram music was there in that film but not to the extent used in Thillaana Mohanambaal. Here KVM himself composed the tune for Madurai Sethuraman and Ponnusamy. There were a few instrumentals, an English tune, Thillaana and instrumental of “Aayiram Kan Pothathu Vannakiliye” of Paavai Vilakku.

    There is a Therukkothu song
    “Pandiyan Naanirukka” by SC Krsihnan and LR Eswary.

    There is a song by P. Suseela:

    Maarainthirunthu Paarkkum Marmam Enna. When Pugazhendhi composed this song, Kannadasan asked him the situation and the name of the character in the film. Pugazhendhi said “Sikkal Shanmuga Sundaram” Then Kannadasan asked the raga in which the song was composed, to which Pugazhendhi replied “Shanmugapriya.” So Kannadasan added the word “Shanmuga” in a few places in the song. What a composition!

    There is one more great song by P. Suseela:

    Nalamthaanaa Udalum Ullamum Nalamthaana

    Kannadasan intended the song for CN Annadurai who was ill after returning from America. Everyone visited Anna, but Kannadasan could not go for political reasons. Therefore Kannadasan enquired about Anna’s health as follows:

    Nalamthana Udalum Ullamum Nalanthaana
    Nalam Pera Vendum Nee Endru
    Naalum En Nenjil Ninaivundu
    Ilai maraikkaai Pol Porul Kondu
    Evarum Ariyaamal Sol inru


    The film came out, and was a resounding success, so much so that after about 30 years there are other soft remakes like Karakaattakkaran and Sangamam. When the film came out Ki Va Jagannathan, Seergazhi Govindarajan, Sagasranaamam, Aringar Anna and many others appreciated Sivaji for a good job done. Anna was very astonished at the lip movement of Sivaji when he played nadaswaram. AVM Rajan was somewhere in the film with Sivaji, but was easily overshadowed in the presence of Sivaji’s majestic personality. MGR himself went to see the movie-not once but twice, as he himself was a lover of Nadaswaram music. Whenever MGR used to travel in his van or was lonely, he used to listen to nadaswaram music.

    This film was about to be sent for an award competition in Tokyo, but the ruling DMK sent Enga Veetu Pillai. Came back with no award.

    It is also said that the 20th Century Fox of the USA had acquired the TV rights for this movie.

    In short Thillaana Mohanambaal was, is and would always be remmebered for the rich nadaswaram music. The credit goes to KVM again.


  • From: raj (@ 198.151.230.253) on: Wed Jul 3 00:14:16 EDT 2002


    one More Point to be Added is PS Sang one Solo "Neela Selai " & One duet "Sambo Mahadeva"
    with Seerkazhi Govindharajan in Thiruvilayadal

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jul 3 01:37:02 EDT 2002



    PART 24
    THE LAST OF APN AND KVM

    The APN-KVM combination had to break off after Thirumaal Perumai, a commercial fiasco. Vengadachalam who was the financier for many films produced this movie under the banner of Thiruvengadeswara Movies. Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini, Nambiyaar, ER Sahadeven, Nagesh TR Ramachandran, Sivakumar KR Vijaya, Rajasulochana, Sowkar Janaki G.Sakuntala and Manorama were among the leading stars. There were some Divya Pirapantha Pasurangal, Bharathi’s song and Kannadasan’s songs.

    The prapantha songs are:
    Kathiravan Kunathisai sigaram by Seergazhi Govindarajan

    Maargashi Thingal Mathi Niraintha Nannaal by P Suseela

    Pachaimamalai pol meni by TMS


    A Bharathiyar song sung by Soolamangalam Rajalechumy is:

    Kaakkai Chiraghiniley Nanda Laala-Undan
    Kariya Niram Thyonuithaye Nanda Laala

    The song of Kannadasan sung by TMS is:
    Malargaliley pala Niram Kanden


    Again, P.Suseela and TMS sing this song by Kannadasan:

    Sri Hari Hari Hari Gokula Ramana
    Unthan Thiruvadi Saranam Kanna

    P. Suseela sings another song by Kannadasan:

    Kannanukkum Kalvanukkum
    Pethamillai Thoizhi

    P. Suseela and Soolamangalam Rajalechumy sing this song by Kannadasan:

    Karai Eri Meen Vilayaadum Kaviri Naadu


    TMS sings this song of Kannadasan:

    Kopiyar Konjum Ramana
    Gopalakrishna

    The famous song of Kannadasan sung by TMS is:

    Thirumaal Perumaiku Nigar Ethu

    This is a wonderful song where KVM uses many ragas such as Mathiyamaavathy, Thanyaasi, Mohanam, Kaanada, Saranga, Kamas, Savery, Saarumathy, Surutti, Piyakadai and Sreeragam.



    Somehow the film did not do well, and brought heavy losses. The unfortunate thing is that KVM was told to pay the debts. KVM and APN were business partners. KVM was busy composing music and so preferred to be a silent partner. APN used to rush into the recording room and ask KVM to sign in blank cheques. In trust he signed, and regretted after Thirumaal Perumai.

    Following the split APN went over to Kunnakkudi Vaithiyanathan and did Vaa Raja Vaa, Thirumalai Thenkumari, Agathiyar and Kankaatchi. This new combination came out quite well initially, but started to decline over the years. Finally APN went to MGR to do Navarathinam, and that pulled APN six feet underground.

    But the APN-KVM combined contribution to the Tamil Devotional movies and devotional songs as well as carnatic songs could never be blotted from our hearts. Their problem is theirs, but looking from distance their contribution would be remembered well in the annals of Tamil cinema.


    LIMELIGHT OF APN AND KVM
    They say films of the season. When APN was successfully coming out with good purana movies others also took interest in producing the likes. AL Seenivasan took Kanthan Karunai, and retained APN to do direction. This was another star value film produced with untold difficulties. There were very good songs.

    1. Kurinjiyiley Poo Malarnthu Kulunguthadi Thannaley was by P Suseela. A folk song for kurathi Jayalalitha.

    2. A great song by Seergazhiyar who appears for the first time and sings here
    Arubapadi Veedu Konda Thirumurugaa
    Thirumurugaatru Padaithanile Vel Murugaa


    3. Another good song by P. Suseela

    Solla Solla Inikkuthadaa Muruga
    Ullamellam UN peyarai
    Solla Solla Inikkuthada Muruga

    4. Velli Malai Mannavaa Vetham Nee Allavaa by S. Varalechumy is a wonderful song with a golden voice even that age. AL Seenivasan took her away from TR Mahalingam when TRM was declining and used her here.

    5. Manam Padaithen Unnai Ninaippatharku-Naan
    Vadiveduthen Unnai Manappatharku by P. Suseela was a novelty altogether. Mathalam was heavily and most beautifully used. How beautifully P. Suseela sang it, with so much feeling. Heavy settings were put up for this song scene. This song received heavy criticism as it depicted first night situation, they said. This should not have been for Murugan, was their argument.

    Manam Padaithen Unnai
    Ninaippatharku
    Vadiveduthen Unnai manappatharku

    Mathala Melam Murasolikka (Beautiful drumming here)
    Vari Sangam Nindraangey Oli Isaikka
    Kaithalam Naan patra Kanavu Kanden
    Antha Kanavukal nanavaaka Uravu thanthaai

    Palliyarayil naan Thanithirunthen
    Pakkathil Vanthu Nee Kan Maraithaai
    Thulli Ezhunthu Naan Thedi Ninren
    Thozhi, Thookkathil Kanavu Enruthaan Uraithaal


    Thiruparam Kundrathil Nee Sirithaal- Muruga
    Thiruthani Malai Meethu Ethirolikkum

    was another song by Soolamangalam Raajalechumy and P. Suseela. This was by Poovai Chenguttuvan written for Soolamangalam Raajalechumy to be performed at stage singing. APN heard it once and sounded to KVM to use it. KVM got the approval of Kunnakkudi to use it, and it was improvised for film situation. What was sung by Soolamangalam Raajalechumy as a solo was sung by her and P. Suseela in the film. (It is also said that the original stage song was sung by two persons)

    Thriupparamkunrathil Nee sirithaal-Muruga
    Thiruthani Malai Meethu Ethirolikkum
    Tiruchendoorile Velaadum-Un
    Thriuppugazh Paadiye Kadalaadum

    Pazhaniyile Irukkum Kanthap Pazham- Nee
    Paarvayile Kodukkum Anbu Pazham
    Pazhamuthir Solayil Muthirntha pazham
    Bakthi Pasiyodu Varuvorku Nyanapazham
    (Thirupparam)

    Sirappudane Kanthak Kottamundu- Un
    Singara Mayilaada Thottamundu
    Unakkaka Manakkoyil Konjamillai-angu
    Uruvaagum Anbukkor Panchamillai

    (Thirupparam)

    When this film came, Kirubanantha Vaariyaar asked Kannadasan how could the sound of laughter of child Murugan echo from other hills? It is only possible for the sound produced by Asuras to create this effect, he argued. Kannadasan replied that it is also possible when a child of divine capacity laughs. Kannadasan also told Vaariyaar that it is their duty to support tottering infants (referring to Poovai Chenguttuvan) to walk well.


    It was for Kanthan Karunai that KVM received national award as the best MD. He as the first MD from the south to have received such an award. When I asked KVM how he had the inspiration to compose such lovely songs, he just pointed to the heaven and smiled, a sign of real humility that carried has carried him thus far in the hearts of his fans.


    PART 25

    THE TWO GREAT MOVIES WITH PURANA TOUCH
    I can think of three movies that were directly or indirectly influenced by movies produced by the combination of APN and KVM. Two were earlier and the third was later.

    VEERA ABHIMANYU (1965)
    This is an excellent movie where songs are concerned. This film would be remembered as one of the best contributions to the cine music. The Director Madhu Soothanan did his best while Gemini Ganesan, AVM Rajan and Kanchana did their best. The movie was a flop, leaving behind some of the best songs.

    A song by PB Seenivas and P. Suseela that would keep ringing in our soul for ages is


    Neeyum Oru Pennanaal
    Nilavey Maraiyaathe
    Un Nenjil eeram Undendraal
    Irave Vidiyaathe

    Muthamidum Pothinmile
    Intha Mookkuthi Thadaiyaagum-Athai
    Sathamindri Kazhatrivitaal Nam
    Santhosham Migavaagum

    Paayum Thendral kaatre –Nee
    Paranthu Sellaathey-Intha
    Palliyarai Ullavarai
    Sange Muzhangathey
    Katti Thazhuvum Velayile intha
    kaivalai Thadaiyaagum-athai
    Kazhatri vittu Mella Anaithukondaal-Nam
    Kaathal Suvaiyaagum


    Another great song by PBS and PS that would be rejuvenated in our hearts forever is:

    PBS-Velum Villum Vilayaada Vellai Thamarai Kathai Solla

    Kovilil Irunthu OorvalamPogumn Kunguma Chilaye Ivalthaana

    PS- Kannil veeram Vilayaada Kanintha Punnagai Kathai Solla
    Kanniyar Nejil kanaikal veesum Kaviyathalaivan Ivanthaanaa

    PBS- Kankal Enna paarvai Enna
    Kanni malarai kaanamal

    PS- Menmai Enna Meni Enna
    Vanna kaikalil Seramal

    PBS – Onril Onraai valaralaama
    Oruvar Kannum Kaanaamal

    PS-Kankal Moodi mayangalaama
    Thendral Naduvey Pogamal

    The above is unusually a different song by KVM as both PS and PBS start their first lines whispering and then bring out their voice in the next lines. This is truly an enchanting song that lifts one' soul along with the lifting music.

    Then comes a song where KVM uses Veena to the maximum benefit of the listeners. This is a masterpiece of KVM:

    P.B S-Parthen Sirithen Pakkathil Azhaithen-anru
    Unnai Then Ena Naan Ninaithen-Antha Malaithen Ithuvena Malaithen

    PS- Partyhen SIrithen Pakkam vara Thudithen-Anru
    Unnai Then Ena Naan Ninaithen-Antha
    Malaithen Ivarena Malaithen

    PBS- Kodithen Ini Engal Kudithen-Ena
    Oru Padi Then Paarvayil Kudithen-oru
    Thulithen Sinthaamal Kalithen-Kaikalil
    Anaithen Azhaginai Rasithen!

    PS- Malarthen Pol Naanum Malarnthen-Unakkena
    Valarnthen Paruvathil mananthen
    Eduthen Koduthen Suvaithen- Inithen
    Illathapadi Kathai Mudithen

    (PURIGIRATHAA?) That is ilaimaraikaai in ilakkiyam that adds strength to our language. Kannadasan is greatest at that.


    There is a song that would make you traverse the universe. This song has echo effect, which makes you float in the airspace. Flute, violin and piano are well used.

    PBS-Povom Puthuvulagam
    Kaanbom Mathu mayakkam

    PBS-Kaatrilerum Therileri Pogalaam
    PS- Angey Kan Simuttum Meenkalodu Aadalaam

    PBS- Palingu Vanna Mandapangal Kaanalaam
    PS- Angu Paarijaatha Pooppadukkai Podalaam

    PBS- Engey Sugam Irukkum
    PS-Engey Kalai Irukkum
    Both-Angey Naam Iruppomaa?

    PBS- Venpuraavin Siragugalai Vaangalaam
    PS-Vaanameethiyile Kathal Seithu Paadalaam

    PBS-Kaamadevan Maaligaikku Pogalaam
    PS- Karumbu Villil Kanai Thoduthu Aadalaam
    PBS-Engey Payamillaiyo
    PS- Engey Thadayillaiyo
    Both –Angu Naamiruppomaa?


    P. Suseela has a solo in this film:

    Thotta Idam Kuliruthu Kuliruththayo
    Matra Idam Kothikkuthu Kothikkuthaiyo

    In this film KVM had used PBS and P Suseela and the same combination is repeated in Idhaya Kamalam.

    MAHAKAVI KALIDASS (1966)
    Seeing all these there was another effort to use KVM for another purana form picture. That was Mahakavi Kalidass, starred by Sivaji Ganesan, ER Sahadevan, Sagasranamam, Muthurman, G. Sakuntala and Sowkar Janaki. This move has wonderful songs too, but commercially a big flop. This was a production of Kalpana Kalamandhir pictures, produced by RR Chandran who was a cameraman and make up man in those days. He took Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali in 1959 and it was an utter flop. After burning his pocket, he burnt it again in Mahakavi Kalidas. TMS, P Suseela and KB Sundrambaal did their very best to give life to KVM’s music. This is one of the rare films where Ku Ma Balasubramaniam composed lyrics under KVM’s music direction.
    The songs were:

    1.Malarum Vaan Nilavum Sinthum Azhagellam Un Ezhil Vannamey by TMS
    2.Same song repeated by P. Suseela.
    3.Kallai Vanthathu Kadavullamma-athil Kaniyai Kaninjaval Deviyamma by TMS
    4.Yaar Tharuvaar Intha Ariyasanam Puvi Arasodu Enakku oru Sariyasanam by TMS
    5.Kaalathil Azhiyaatha Kaaviyam Thara Vantha maberum Kavi Mannaney -Unakku Thaai Oru Varam Kooruvaal was a song of Kannadsan, which refers to his own self. KB S sang very well.
    6.One more song of KBS is Senru Vaa Maganey Sendru Vaa.

    A film with excellent songs, but somehow disappoint the cine industry as a whole.


    AATHI PARASAKTHY (1971)

    The film released in the year 1971 was a risk taken by KSG. His Rani Pictures produced this movie, with KSG penning the lyrics. Following he failure of Thirumaal Perumai and the split between KVM and APN, there was no courage for an attempt on producing movies of Purana nature. Aathi Parasakthy was taken and more than anything else it was KVM who gave life to the movie.

    Some of the famous songs in this movie are:

    TMS sang a wonderful title song:
    Om Sakthy Sakthy-Aathi Parasakthy

    TMS gives another great song with great tune:

    Maniye Maniyin Olie
    Olirum Ani Punaintha Vaniye
    Aniyum Anikkalagey
    Anugathavarku Piniye
    Pinikku Marunthe
    Amarar Peruvirunthe
    Paniyen Oruvarai Nin
    Padmapaatham Panintha Pinne

    Solladi Abhirami
    Vaanil Sudar Varumo
    Enakku Idar Varumnmo
    Nilladi Munnaley
    Muzhu Nilavinai Kaattu Un Kannaley…..


    A great all time gem of S Janaki is:

    Azhagaaga Kannukku Azhagaga
    Katpaga Cholayil Kaanni Vanthaal
    Kannukku Azhagaaga

    Ninaivaaga Pennin Ninaivaaga-Ingey
    Kankal Naankum Mayanguthamma
    Pennin Ninaivaaga! Pennin Ninaivaaga

    (what a song by Kannadasan with play of words..)

    PS gives a wonderful song:
    Varugavey varuugavey
    Iraivaa En Thalaivaa
    Varugavey Varugavey

    P.Suseela also gives one more gem:
    Maayi Maga maayi Manamanthira Segariye-Ena
    Aayi Umaiyaanavale Asthana maarmuthe

    Another one song with Kannadasan’s play of words sung by P.Suseela is:

    Naanaatchi Seithuvarum Naanmaada Kodaliley
    Meenachi Enra Peyar Enakku
    Gangai Neeraatchi Seithu Varum Vadakasi thannil
    Visalaachy Enra Peyar Enakku…
    Aarendrum Nathiyendrum Odai Enraalum athu
    Neerodum Pathai Thannai Kurikkum
    Nitkum Oor Maari Per Maari
    Onre Kulam Enre Om Om Sakthi Ena Uraikkum

    Seergazhi Govindarajan sings a folk tuned devotional song:

    Athadi Mariamma-Soru
    Aakki Vachen Vaayadiyamma

    Radha Jayalechumy sings two songs. One is:

    Vandat Kuzhal Kanni Malayathu Vasan Petra

    The other song is

    Thaippaal Koduthaal Parasakthy
    Thanikkarunai Thamizhpaal Koduthaan
    Thamizh Murugan Vaaippal


    Aathi Parasakthy was about the last purana film where KVM gave his best music.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jul 3 01:48:53 EDT 2002


    TAKING A BREAK

    Dear readers,

    This is to notify that I am taking a temporary break for an indefinite period of time, owing to work pressure. When I come back I should be able to continue on the following sub-topics:

    1. Famous films of KVM in the 1950s
    2. KVM in Devar Movies
    3. KVM in MGR movies
    4. KVM in Movies for Sivaji Ganesan
    5. Famous movies of KVM in the 1960s

    I welcome others to continue, as I have found out that there are many who are very knowledgeable.

    This was a very tiring job, and I believe I have paid some form of tribute to KVM, though the series has not been completed.

    I wish to thank all the readers who contributed their postings to enrich the discussions. Again thank you for pointing out some mistakes I had made.

    Lastly, I wish to say sorry if I have hurt anyone in the course of my contribution. I was under tremendous pressure to organise my thoughts and type out the articles. Somewhow I have kept my promise of a minimum of 25 parts. I have to acknowledge that there is going to be no end to discussion on KVM.

    Thank you agian,
    Sincerely,

    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 16 22:31:44 EDT 2002


    PART 26

    FAMOUS MOVIES OF THE 1950s

    In this section I am discussing some of the best films and songs of the 1950s. Not all songs of the films of the 1950s were great hits. KVM had lesser films in the 1950s and it was only in he 1960s that he had more chances knocking at his door. Therefore I am picking only films and songs that created some impact on the fans.



    MUDALAI (1957)

    This is a M.A. Venu Pictures directed by Mukta Seenivasan. Mukta R. Seenivasan himself has said in an interview that the film was a low budget movie taken with a budding actress Devika and an upcoming actor S.S. Rajendran. But the movie was completely salvaged by KVM’s music. According to Mukta Seenivasan this movie was a great success in those days:

    There is a solo by Jikki

    YAVVANNA RAANITHAAN
    ISAI PAADUM VAANITHAAN
    EN MELE AASAI KOLLUM
    ILAINYARUM KODITHAAN


    M.S. Rajeswary gives this solo:

    ENGIRUNTHO VANTHAAR EN
    ITHAYAM KAVARNTHAAR-
    EN VAAZHVIL NAAN KANDA MIGA NALLAVAR


    There is a duet by T.M.S and M.S. Rajeswary

    KUNGUMA POTTUKKAARA
    KONA KIRAPPUKKAARA
    UNNAIYE NAAN MARAVENE

    MATHAPPU SELAIKKARI
    MAGHIZHAMBOO RAVIKKAIKAARI
    UNNAIYE NAAN MARAVENE

    Rathnamala and G. Kasthuri sing this song:

    SIKKANAMA VAAZHANUM
    SERTHU VAIKKA PAZHAGANUM


    The all time popular song of TMS is:

    ERIKKARAYIN MELE
    PORAVALE PON MAYILE
    ENNARUMAI KAATHALIYE
    ENNAI KONJAM PAARU NEEYE
    ANNAM POLA NADAI NADANTHU
    SENDRIDUM MAYILE
    AASAI THEERA NILLU KONJAM
    PESUVOM KUYILE

    THENNAI MARACHOLAIYILE
    CHITTU POLE PORA PENNE
    CHITTU POLE PORA PENNE
    NILLU KONJAM NAANUM VAAREN
    SERNTHU PESI POVOM KANNE
    ANNAM POLE NADAI NADANTHU SENDRIDUM MAYILE
    AASAI THEERA NILLU KNOJAM PESUVOM KUYILE


    MAAMARA THOPPINILE
    MACHAAN VARUM VELAYILE
    KOBAM KONDA MAANAI POLE
    ODALAMO PEN MAYILE
    ANNAM POLE NADAI NADANTHU SENDRIDUM MAYILE
    AASAI THEERA NILLU KNOJAM PESUVOM KUYILE



    M.S. Rajeswary sings another song:

    AASAI KALYANAM-NALLA
    ANBU KALYANAM
    ATHI VIRAIVIL AVARKKUM ENAKKUM
    NADAKKUM KALYANAM


    Seergazhi Govindarajan comes with a solo:

    KAALAMADI KAALAM KALI
    KAALAMADI KAALAM

    There is a group song by Sundram, Ponnusamy, Ratnamala, and Kasthuri:

    ENGA MUTHALALI
    THANGA MUTHALI
    EZHAIGALIN THUYARAI NEEKUM
    NALLA MUDALAALI


    This is a simple film that became a hit on account of the good songs and the storyline of an employer supporting the working society.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 16 22:48:27 EDT 2002


    SECTION 27

    THAI PIRANTHAAL VAZHI PIRAKKUM (1958)

    This is a film starred by S.S. Rajendran, Prem Nasir, MN Rajam and Rajasulochana with some of the very best songs by KVM. This was certainly a milestone in the musical legacy of KVM, but did not do very well in the box office. This film boasts of many good songs sung by a variety of singers.


    A famous song by Jikki goes:

    THAI PIRANTHAAL VAZHI PIRAKKUM
    THANGAMEY THANGAM
    THANGACHAMBA NEL VILAYUM
    THANGAME THANGAM

    T.M.S sings a comedy song:

    NINAICHATHU ONNU
    NADANTHATHU ONNU
    ATHANALE THAVIKKUTHU AMMAKKANNU


    Seergazhi and Jamunarani give this wonderful song:

    SOLLATTUMA SOLLATTUMA
    RAGASIYATHAI SOLLATTUMA
    THULLI ODUM KAALAIGALA
    ULLAKKATHAI SOLLATTUMA

    T. M. S. and R. Balasaraswathy Devi give this sad duet, which is the only song they had sung together:


    EZHIYORAI THAAZHTHI
    VALIYORAI VAAZTHUM
    ULAGE UN SEYALTHAAN MAARATHO

    K. Jamunarani gives this most wonderful song:

    KAALAM SIRITHU
    KANAVUGAL PERITHU
    KAVALAI PADUVATHEN MANATHU
    SOLAI YAVVANAM KONJUM MOGANAM
    PIRIVU ENBATHE ARITHU



    M.S. Rajeswary sings this song penned by PK Krishnamurthy:

    MANNUKKU MARAM BARAMA
    MARATHUKKU KODI BAARAMA
    ILAIKKU KAAI BARAMA
    PETREDUTHA KUZHANTHAI
    THAAIKKU BAARAMAA


    There is a song that Kannadasan wrote while waiting in his car for the train to cross at a railway crossing. Trichy Loganathan took note of the song that Kannadasan wrote on a cigarette packet paper, and requested Kannadasan that he be given the chance to sing that song when the song is recorded later. Kannadasan allowed this, and that great song is:


    ASAIYE ALAIPOLE
    NAAMELLAM ATHAN MELE
    ODAM POLE AADIDUVOME
    VAAZHNAALILE


    We have already spoken of the great song by Seergazhi Govindarajan but it is still worth going through the beautiful poetic lines of Suratha:

    AMUTHUM THENUM ETHARKU-NEE
    ARUGINIL IRUKKAYILE ENAKKU

    ARUVI THARUM KULIR NEER ANBEY INIMEL
    ATHUVUM SUDU NEER AAGUM NAMAKKU
    ATHUVUM SUDU NEER AAGUM NAMAKKU

    (AMUTHUM THENUM)

    NILAVIN NIZHALO NIN VATHANAM
    PUTHU NILAI KANNADIYO UNTHAN KANNAM
    MALAYIL PIRAVAA MAAMANIYE NAAN
    KOIYUM KOIYAA KANIYE
    VAAN AMUTHUM THENUM ETHARKU


    VIZHIYALE KAATHAL KATHAI PESU
    MALAR KAIYALE SANTHANAM POOSU
    THAMIZH MOZHI POLE SUVAIYOOTTUM SENTHENE
    UDAL NAAN UYIR NEE THAANE
    VAAN AMUTHUM THENUM ETHARKU
    NEE ARUGINILI IRUKKAYILE ENAKKU.


    As mentioned earlier, Seergazhi Goivindarajan used to sing this cong after the interlude at carnatic song functions. KVM himself has a tremendous liking for this song. This song has brought so much name and fame to Suratha the lyricist, KVM the composer, and Seergazhi Govinderajan the singer, not leaving out Prem Nasir who gave lip movements in the film.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jul 17 20:56:10 EDT 2002



    PART 28

    PILLAI KANI AMUTHU (1958)

    Pillai Kani Amuthu is the first film of PS Veerappa, and he used KVM as the MD. His next movie was Veerakkanal where he had again used KVM. AS for the films made after that he used Visvanathan-Ramamurthy, and Veda.

    P.S.Veerappa, S.S.R. and E.V. Saroja are the main stars. This is a film based on village settings, and was a low budget production. It was an average movie that did not really burn the fingers of PSV. All the songs in this movie were composed to suit the village environment.


    Seergazhi Govindarajan and P. Suseela give a song that goes:

    ODUGIRA THANNIYILE
    ORASI VITTEN SANTHANATHAI

    This was based on an old folk song of Tamilnadu, and very aptly modified for this film.

    The same pair give this song:
    SEEVI MUDICHIKKITTU
    SINGARAM PANNIKKITTU
    THEROTTAM PAARKA POREN VARIYA?


    The same pair again sing this song:

    PILLA KANI AMUTHU ONNU PIANTHIDAVENDUM-ATHAI
    ALLI KAIYAAL ANAITHU INBAM ADAINTHIDA VENDUM

    There is also a sad version of this song

    TMS comes with a typical village song that pays glowing tribute to the agricultural occupation:

    YER MUNAIKKU NER
    INGU ETHUVUMEYILLAI
    ENDRUM NAMMA VAAZHVILEY
    THUNBAMEYILLAI



    BOMMAI KALYANAM (1958)
    In the 1950s there were only three movies starred by Sivaji Ganesan where KVM composed music- Koondukkili (1954-half MGR)-Samboorna Ramayanam (1958-Sivaji not main role)and Bommai Kalyanam (1958)

    Bommai Kalyanam is an average movie acted by Sivaji Ganesan and Jamuna. There are four famous songs:

    A song by AM Rajah and Jikki:

    ANBEY NEE ANGEY
    NAAN INGEY VAAZHNTHAAL
    INBAM KAANBATHU ENGEY

    The same pair sing this song:
    INBAMEY PONGUME
    INBAME PONGUME

    P. Suseela and chorus give this wonderful group song:


    NILLU NILLU MEGAMEY
    NILAVAI MOODI MARAIKKATHEY
    ULLAM MAGIZHUM MANGAYAR VARUNTHA
    ULAGIL IRULAI MARAIKKATHEY
    NILAVAI MOODI MARAIKKATHEY


    The above is about the best song in the film (a personal opinion.)


    Seergazhji Govindarajan sings:

    ENNAM POLE PENNUMN VAAITHAAL
    INBAM VERUNDO


    MANAMULLA MARUTHAARAM (1958)
    We have spoken in passing of Manamulla Marutharam that has some good songs. K.Balaji, Gemini Chandra and Saroja Devi act in this movie.

    Jikki sing this song:

    NELLUKKULLE ARISI
    IRUPPATHU AASIYAM AASIYAM AVASIYAM


    Jikki gives one more song that used to echo in many homes:

    THIRUVILAKKU VEETTUKKU
    ALANGARAM
    THIRUMANGALYAM PENGALUKKU
    JEEVATHARAM


    Seergazhi Govinderajan sings a song that would remain one of our favourites of all time. The music is simply enchanting:

    INBAM ENGE
    INBAM ENGEY ENRU THEDU-ATHU
    ENGIRUNTHA POTHUM ATHAI NADI ODU



    AM Raja and Jikki sing the last song under KVM in this movie:

    KAYILE INPIPPATHENNA
    KANIYAANAL KASAPPATHENNA
    VAYADI VAMBU PESUM MANEY
    BATHIL SOLLU


    There is also a song by Jikki and chorus:

    AASAI KANAVUGALE

    Jikki and Seegrgazhi Govindarajan sing this comedy song:

    AADATHA AATTAMELLAAM
    ADURANGA PAADURANGA
    ANIYAAYAM PANNURAANGA
    PANATHAI ALLI ALLI VEESURAANGA


    K. Jamunarani sings this song:

    THOONDIL MEENUM SIKKIDUCHI



    THIRUDARKAL JAAKIRATHAI (1958)
    This is a very bad movie for everybody. S.S. R and G. Varalaechumy are the main stars. G. Varalaechumy appears in mask as a thief. To my knowledge the film has only two good songs. One is Meiya Naina by SC Krishnan and the other is Kangal by Jikki

    PERIYA KOVIL (1958)

    This is an average movie starred by Prem Nasir, M.N. Rajam and Kannamba.

    P. Leela gives a happy and sad version of this song:

    KANNE KAMALAPPO
    KAATHIRANDUM VELLARIPPO

    There is a village dance song by Seergazhi Govindarajan and P. Suseela

    VALAI VEESAMMA VALAI VEESU
    VAARAI MEENUKKU VALAI VEESU

    There is a song by Seergazhi Govinderajan and P. Suseela picturised on Ramani Salam and Chandrakantha:

    KOLLAI KOLLUM AZHAGINILE


    NAALU VELI NILAM (1959)

    This is a movie based on T. Janaki Raman’s novel, which was first acted on stage by Seva stage of Sahasranamam and later made into a movie under the banner of Sevascreens. There are two MDs for this movie- KVM and Athmanathan. They have given songs with excellent tunes.


    First let us see the songs composed by KVM. There is one song by P. Suseela:

    IRUPPAVARKAL ANUBAVIKKA


    There is a song by SC Krishnan:

    NADAI PODU VEERA NADAI PODU
    NALLATHAYUM KETTATHAYUM EDAI PODU

    SC Krishnan sings a duet with Jamunarani:

    UNNAI THEDI VANTHEN

    SC Krishnan and Jamunarani have one more song to give us:

    KULIPPEN PANNERILEY

    Trichy Loganathan and LR Eswary have given this nice folk tuned song:

    OORAAR URANGAYILE
    UTRAARUM THOONGAYILE
    NALLA PAAMBU VEDAM KONDU
    NAAN VARUVEN SAAMATHILE


    Now we come to the songs composed by Athmanathan:


    A Bharathiyar song sung by Seergazhi Govindarajan:

    SEIYUM THOZHIL UN THGOZHILE KAAN


    Thillai R. Jayaraman and S. Janagi have given a very wonderful song with fast beat:

    INBA KAVITHAI PAADUTHU
    ANBU KATHAIKAL PESUTHU
    KONJUM PARUVA KILIKAL
    ARUVIK KARAYIL INIMAI THEDUTHU


    Soolamangalam Rajalechumy sings another Bharthi song- only a few lines:

    KANI NILAM VENDUM-PARASAKTHY
    KAANI NILAM VENDUM

    She also gives another excellent song of Vallalaar:

    UNAKKUM ENAKKUM ISAINTHA PORUTHAM
    ENNA PURUTHAMO
    INTHA PORUTHAM ULAKIL
    PIRARUK KEITHUM PORUTHAMO..


    AL Ragavan and Aandaal give a lovely song by Vallalaar:

    NAMBINAAR KEDUVATHILLAI
    NAANGU MARAI THEERPU
    AMBIGAIYAI SARAN PUGUNTHAAL
    ATHIGA VARAM PERALAAM



    ABALAI ANJUGAM (1959)

    This was a song that came to TR Mahalingam following his great success in Malayitta Mangai. KVM and MS Nyanamani had composed two very good songs respectively for TR Mahalingam


    T.R. Mahalingam and P. Suseela sing this song for us:

    VENNILA KUDAI PIDIKKA

    TR Mahalingam and S. Janaki sing this song composed by Nyanamani:

    ILAYA KANNIYIN AZHAGIYA VATHANAM
    MALARNTHATHEVVITHAMO-ATHU
    ILAI ILLAMAL KODI ILLAMAL
    VALARNTHATHEVITHAM0


    These are the two songs that are worth mentionng in Abalai Anjugam. There are other songs, but are not that popular.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Wed Jul 17 21:49:56 EDT 2002


    In 1950s there were four movies of Sivaji Ganesan in which KVM composed. Add makkalai Petra Maharasi.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jul 18 03:11:26 EDT 2002


    kik,

    You are absolutely right. Nambinar Keduvathillai is by Bharathiyar. Unakkum Enakkum is by Vallalaar.
    Good you queried. Overlooked again.

    The full song is:

    Nambinaar Kedvathillai Naangu Marai Theerpu
    Ambigaiyai Charan pugunthaal Athiga Varam peralaam

    Thunbamey Iyatkaiyennum Sollai maranthiduvom
    Inbamey Vendi Nitpom Yavumaval Tharuvaal
    Aathaaram Sakthy Ennum Arumaraikal Koorum

    Yaathaanum Thozhil Purivoam Yaathu maval Thozhilaam
    Paadiyunnai Charan Adainthen Pasamellam Kalaivaai
    Kodi Nalancheithiduvaai Kuraigalellaam Theerppai


    Nambinaar....


    The Vallalaar song in full:

    Enakkum Unakkum Isaintha Porutham Enna Poruthamo
    Intha Porutham Ulagil Pirarukkeithum poruthamo

    (ENAKKUM)

    Enathu Udalum Uyirum Porulum Ninathallavo
    Yenthaayithanai Peruga Ena Naan Indru Sollavo
    Chinna Vayathil Ennai Yaanda Thirathai Ninaikkuthey
    Chinthai Ninaikka Kanneer Perukki Udambai Nanaikkuthey

    (ENAKKUM)


    Regarding use of P. Suseela, she started to sing from Petra Thai of 1953 release, at atime when KVM himself was picking up. KVM, from my observation had no specific preference. He seemed to have used whoever was available with mature voice, and through recomendation from stronger personalities, as we have seen earlier in this series.


    KVM had started to use P. Suseela in Bommai Kalyanam (Nillu Nillu Megamey) and in Vannakkili (1959) Abalai Anjugam(1959) Panjali (1959) Sollu Thamby Sollu(1959) Alli Petra Pillai (1959)-some of which I will be mentioning later.

    Why was P. Suseela picked slowly by many MDs. While P.Suseela was singing at random here and there Athapulli Ramarao gave a good lift to P Suseela in the film Kanavane kankanda Deivam- a release of 1955. In this film the following songs made her fame shoot sky high overnight:

    1. Enthan Ullam Thulli Vilayaduvathue Eno

    2. Unnai KLan Theduthey

    3. Anbil Malarntha Nal Roja

    In 1956 P Suseela got a chance to sing under R. Sudarsanam (Kottu Potta Chinna Mchane Kobamaa- Kuladeivam)

    Then more MDs went for P. Suseela effective ThangaMalai Ragaisyam of 1957 where P Suseela stole everyone's heart through music direction of TG Lingappa, and the song is:

    Amuthai Pozhium Nilavey
    Nee Arugil Varathatheno.

    CHANCES IN THE LATE 1950s

    In 1957 she was given chance by S. Rajeswara Rao in ALAUDINUM ATPUTHA VILAKKUM
    Seladum neerodai Mele,
    Kanni Penne Vaa

    Master Venu in ENGA VEETTU MAHALECHUMY
    Aadi paadi Velai Senja Aluppirukkaathu

    Visvanathan Ramamurthi in PUDHAYAL
    Thanga Mohana Thamaraiye,
    Vinnodum Mugilodum
    Aadum oonjalai Pole

    MAHADEVI
    Kan Moodumn Velaiyilum Kalai Enna Kaliye

    Aathi Narayana Rao in MANALANE MANGAYIN BAGYAM

    Thesulaavcuthey Thena malaraale

    TR Paappa in MALLIKA
    varuven Naanunathu, Mangamal valarum, Neela Vanna Kannaney etc)

    G. Ramanathan in Vanangamudi
    Ennai Pol Pennallavo (PBSeenivas told me this is his favourite song by PSuseela)

    Mohana Punnagai Seithidum Nilavey megathile Nee Marayathey

    Vaazhvinlie Vaazhvinile Innaal Ini Varumaa

    So KVM too started to use PS at random, but following Thanga Malai ragasiyam many, including KVM started to use her more. The year 1960 brought more chances from almost all active MDs, including KVM of course.

    In so far as AM Rajah is converned he was completely written off by KVM after Manamulla Marutharam, but gave fewere chances to Jikki and finallay phased her off. She continued to sing in Sollu Thamby Sollu and Alli Petra Pillai in 1959.

    Dear Friends,

    This is only to give explanation to some very interesting and keen observations expressed by kik. These are random thoughts and I hope I am not kicked out of the playing field this time too.

    Thanks in advance.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jul 18 20:28:20 EDT 2002




    PART 29
    The year 1959 seem to be important for KVM had he was getting chances in a row.

    PANJALI (1959)

    R.S. Manohar acted in this movie. Panjali is a film that would always be remembered for good songs. AL Ragavan has this film to boat to his credit, as some of his best songs come from this film.

    P. Suseela sings a highly philosophical song seeking equal status for women:

    ANBU ULLAM VENUM
    ARIVAI VALARKKA VENUM
    INBAM SERKKUM KALVIYAAL
    PENGAL ETRAM KAANA VENDUM


    A.L. Ragavan has left a beautiful song that brought much fame to him. This was the song that made AL Ragavan popular overnight, and he did not fail to sing this song at all live shows. He became eternally thankful to KVM for giving him a chance to sing this most wonderful song. Let me see if I get the lyrics correct.

    ORU MURAI PAARTHALE POTHUM
    UN URUVAM MANATHAI VITTU NEENGATHU EPPOTHUM

    KARU VIZHI PAARVAYIL MINNAL VANTHAADUM
    KATPANAIKKETTATHA ATPUTHA KAVI PAADUM
    KANI ITHAZH VAAICHOLLIL INIMAI VAZHINTHODUM
    KALAI AZHAGEY UNNAI VAAZHNAALIL-
    (ORU MURAI)

    KANNANGALAI ROJA MALAR ENBATHA-ILLAI
    KANNADI ENDRE NAAN VARNIPPATHAA?
    KANNADI ENDRE NAN VARNIPPATHA?
    KANKALAI MEEN ENDRU SOLVATHAA?
    KANKALAI MEEN ENDRU SOLVATHAA?-ILLAI
    KADALUKKU UVAMNAIYAAI KOLVATHAA
    (ORU MURAI)

    MAANTHALIRAI KAANUMPOTHU
    MAANTHALIRAI KAANUM POTHU-UN
    VANNA MENI ATHIL KAANUTHEY
    VANN MENI ATHIL KAANUTHEY
    POONGKYUILE UNNAI ENNUM POTHU
    POONGKUYILE UNNAI ENNUM POTHU-ORU
    PUTHIYA ULAGAMUM THONUTHEY
    (ORU MURAI)




    There is a fast beat song of AL Ragavan and Jamunarani, which would always be admired by old timers:

    AHZAGU VILAYADA AMAIDHI URAVAADA
    ARUVI ISAI PAADI AZHAITHIDUTHEY


    MADHAVI (1959)

    This film is an average one starred by R.S. Manohar and Sowkar Janaki. There is nothing much to mention about this film other than that there is this very beautiful song by Seergazhi Govinderajan and M.S. Rajeswary

    THOTTAKKARA CHINNA MAAMA
    THOPPU KULLE PAREN MAAMA
    KAATTU MAADU MEYUTHU PAAR ANGEY
    EN AASAI MAAMA
    KAVAL AZHAGAI NADAKKUTHE ANGE
    EN AASAI MAAMA
    KAVAL AZHAGAI NADAKKUTHE ANGE


    THOPPIL MAADU MEINTHAAL ENNA
    THOTTAM VEENAA PONAA ENNA
    THOGAI MAYILE ENTHAN KITTE VAA
    EN AASAI MAANEY SUGAMUM PERUVOM
    SUMMA KITTE VAA


    SOLLU THAMBY SOLLU (1959)
    Prem Nasir is the main actor in this average movie with a few songs worth mentioning.

    Seergazhi Govindarajan and P. Suseela sing a song that has very good tune:

    PANBODU ENNALUMEY VAZHVINIL
    PADAGINIL ONRAGA CHELVOM- NAAMEY


    Jikki and Seergazhi Govinderajan give a wonderful song with fast beat:


    AASAI MOZHI PESUTHU
    PAASA VALAI VEESUTHU
    VAASAMULLA POOVAI KANDU
    ISAI PADUTHU VANDU


    P.Suseela sings a good solo song:

    SOLAVTHU ONNU
    SEIVATHU ONNU
    ULLATHIL IRUPPATHU VERONNU
    EIKKA PAARKATHEY EN KANNU
    ITHAI NEE ENDRUM ENNU


    R. Balasaraswathy Devi sings a song that goes
    SOODATHA MALARAI


    THAYAI POLA PILLAI NOOLAI POLA SELAI (1959)
    This is another average movie with fairly good songs.

    Soolamangalam Raajalechumy sings this song:

    SANTHEGAM THEERATHA VIYATHI - ATHU
    VANTHAALEY THADUMAARUM ARIVENNUM VIYATHY

    K. Jamunarani sings this good song:

    CHINNA MEENAI POTTAATHAAN
    PERIYA MEENAI PIDIKKALAAM
    SILLARAIAY VITTAATHAAN
    PERUNTHOGAIYAI EDUKKALAAM


    ALLI PETRA PILLAI (1959)

    Alli Petra Pillai was the combined production of KVM, Maruthakazi and Violin Mahalingam. The production house was called MMM pictures named after the three partners.


    There is a song sung by G. Ramanathan, and this is a rare treat indeed. THis is the only song G Ramanathan sang under KVM.

    EJAMAAN PETRA SELVAMEY EN
    CHINNA EJAMAANEY
    PASUM PONNEY EN KANNEY
    AZHAATHEY AZHAATHEY


    The other song that was a hit was sung by TMS and P. Suseela:

    NALLA NAALU ROMBA NALLA NAALU
    NALLA PALAN NAMAKKELLAM THARUM NAALU
    INBATH THIRUNAALU


    Seergazhi Govinderajan and Jikki sing a song of average taste :

    ONNUM ONNUM SERNTHAA

    SC Krishnan gives a solo, which was very popular among the children in those days:

    PAISAVAI POTTU NAISAGA VAANGI
    PAIYANGAL OOTHUM POTHU BALOON PADAR!

    Trichy Loganathgan and LR Eswary sing this comedy song:

    KATHIRUKEEN VELIYORAM UNAKKAKA
    ENNAI YEMATHA PAAKKURIYE ETHUKKAAGA
    INTHA VATHIYATHAI VASIKKIREN UNAKKAKA
    VANTHU EN MUNNEY NEE AADU KANAKKAAKA


    Seergazhi Govinderajan and Jikki sing this duet:

    ITHUKKU ATHU THEVALAI

    TMS sings this solo:

    ITHU THERIYUM ATHU THERIYATHU


    VANNAKILI (1959)
    Vannakkili of Modern Theatres was a big hit. Modern Theatres always made it a point to go for modern social themes. But they had also ventured into village-based film, with Vannakkili making a tremendous mark. R.S. Manohar, Prem Nasir, B.S. Saroja, Mynavathi, T.R. Ramachandran are the main actors. In the 1950s KVM was given a lot of chances in composing folk songs, as most of the films were village based. Vannakkili topped them all with very good songs. All songs were written by Maruthakazi.


    Seergazhi Govindarajan sings:

    AATHULA THANNI VARA
    ATHIL ORUVAN MEEN PIDIKKA
    KAATHIRUNTHA KOKKU ATHAI
    KAVVIKONDU POVATHEU YEN
    KANNAMMA-ATHAI PAATHU AVAN ENGUVATHEN SOLLAMMA

    There is one more solo by Seergazhi Govinderajan:

    KAATTU MALLI POOTHIRUKKA
    KAVALKARAN PATHIRUKKA
    AATTAM POTTU MAYILLEK KAALAI
    THOTTAM MEYAP PAKKUTHADA…

    MAATTUKKARA VELA-ON
    MATTA KONJAM PATHUKKADA

    There is a duet by Seergazhi Govinderajan and P. Suseela:

    VANDI URUNDODA ACHANI THEVAI
    ENRUM ATHU POLE VAZKHAI ODAVE
    RENDU ANBULLAM THEVAI
    SONTAHM KONDADA VENDRU AASAI KONDU
    SHOCKU MAPPILLAI VVARAREY INDRU


    P. Suseela sings a solo:

    AASAI IRUKKUTHU MANASINILE-ATHU
    AZHAGAI THERIUTHU KANKALILE

    There is a comedy song by SC Krishnan and P. Suseela:

    CHITTAHADAI KATTIKKITTU
    SINGARAM PANNIKKITTU
    MATHAPPU SUNDARI ORUTHI
    MAYILAGA VANTHALAM
    ATHANAI PAARTHU ASANTHU POYI NINNAALAAM

    SC Krishnan and Ratnamala sing another comedy song:

    SATHUKKUDI SAARUTHAANA
    PAAATHUKUDI-UN
    THAAGAM THEERA
    ISHTAM POLE OOTHI KUDI
    Trichy Loganathan and P Suseela sing a song. This is the only song by this combination.

    ADIKKIRA KAITHAAN ANAIKKUM
    ANAIKKIRA KITHAAN ADIKKUM
    INIKKIRA VAAZHVEY KASAKKUM
    KASAKKIRA VAAZHVEY INIKKUM


    P. Suseela sing a song for children:

    CHINNA PAAPPA ENGAL
    CHELLA PAAPPA
    SONNA PECHAI KETTAATHAAN
    NALLA PAAPPPA


    P. Suseela also sings another song:

    Kuzhandayum Deivamum
    Kondadum Idathile
    Aikkiyam Aagividum
    Ithu Unmai Jegathiley


    UZHAVUKKUM THOZHILUKKUM VANTHANAI SEIVOM (1959)

    Uzhavukkum Thozhilukkum Vanthanai Seivom is another village based movie where KVM composed some good songs. When MKT went to prison, there was a tremendous vaccum. So they brought Honnappa Bhagavathger from Karnataka to fill the vaccum. Unfortunately he did not do well in the Tamil film industry. Uzhavukkum Thozhilukkum Vanthanai Seivom is a production of this Bahagavathar.

    SC Krishnan and Ratnamala sing this comedy duet:

    KOVIKKIRAPPULE KOVICHIKKATHE KANNU-IPPO
    KUTTI KARANAM PODANUMA OOM INNU


    Seergazhi Govinderajan and K. Jamunarani give this all time famous song:

    O….O….O…..SINGARA POONJOLAI
    SENBAGA MALARADUM PONNANA VELAI


    A.L. Ragavan and SC Krishnan sing a song written by Kannadasan, where Kannadasan plays with words.

    KAI KAI AVARAIKKAI
    KAVALAIGKAL ELLAAM ETTIKKAI
    KASHTAP PAADUPPATTU KADUMAIYAAI UZHAIKKUM
    KALAIYE UNNAI VAATTI VATHAIPPAVARAI
    KAI KAAI
    ATHIKKAAI NAM PORULKALAI ELLAAM
    ALLI KUVIKKUTHU ORU KOOTTAM
    ITHIKKAAI ATHIL KALVAASI
    ILLAAMAL SEIYUTHU MARUKOOTTAM

    (Kannadasan expands the play of words in Athikkai Kaai Kaai in Bale Pandiya)


    SC. Krishnan and MS Rajeswary sing a duet:

    UZHAVUKKUM THOZHILUKKUM VANTHANAI SEIVOM
    VEENIL UNDU KALITHIRUPPORAI NINTHANAI SEIVOM


    There are a few other songs in this film that are not that popular.


    These are about the films of KVM in the 1950s. Not included are films acted by MGR and Devar film productions, as they would be dealt with later.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jul 18 23:03:14 EDT 2002


    Dear Readers,
    We have seen KVM working for APN movies. I will now move to Devar films that boast of some of the best songs.

    Regards,

    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jul 19 03:10:50 EDT 2002


    kik,

    I have no information on your observation of Nambinaar Keduvathillai song. I have some song books, not all. I rely moe on what I hear and momorise from radio boradcast and my own recordings. So what comes out in movies may not be what we hear from vinyl records. Those who base on vinyl records, like me, are bound to make mistakes.

    For example:

    Kannanaal Naan Imayaven from Saratha has some charanam that is not in the record.

    Before Tharai Mel Pirakka vaithai in Padagotty, there is a thogayara which is not in reecords available here.

    Puthiya Vanam in Aneby Vaa starts off with echo effect, but missing in records available here.

    In Sri Valli there is a song by Seergazhi Govindarajan that starts off "Thagam Thaninthathu Annamey" followed by JB Chandrababu "Aiyo Machan Mannaru". For a long time Radio Malaysia had been announcing this song as sung by Seergazhi Govindarajan and Chandrababu. But these are two different songs of short duration, married together in one side of the 78 rpm record. Those who do not see the movie are taken for a ride by the announcers.

    Do you remember Ambigapathy?

    Masila Nilave Nam song. It is not one song, but three.

    1. Masila Nilave Nam

    2. Anbey Indam

    3. Vanamingey Boomi Inge Vaazhvu Thaazhvenge

    By and large what we see in movies may not be the same in records.

    So in the case of Naalu Veli Nilam, I remember seeing the movie when I was a child and I may be wrong, as I have posted from what I have in my cassette. If you have seen it in recent days, you may be right. I am sorry I cannot give any more details on that.


    Vannakkili is part of my own history as that was the first Tamil movie that I saw in Tamilnadu in January 1977. I saw an advertisement in a paper in Madras and went all the way to Chengalpattu to see the movie- all for the sake of the songs.

    The Chithadai kattikikittu is one of those dances by the friends of Poochi (RS Manohar) picturised on M. Saroja and Kallapart Nadarajan. What was most mesmerising was KVM using Nadaswaram for comedy song. I do not know any other song where Nadaswaram has been used this much for a comedy song. And again the wonderful picturising. It was so nice to see the thavil players and nadaswaram players dancing around, while playing these instruments.

    The Chinna Paappa song is the happy version that I saw. The same song comes later in a shorter form. Both are happy versions. I am not aware of the sad version.

    Again you may be right. Some scenes and even songs are sometimes removed when released in my country. Some are banned.

    Among the many banned film is Muhamad Bin Tugluk andrecently BOMBAY

    Among the many banned songs are-

    Allah-Allah
    Nee Illatha Idamey Illai

    Pavalan Padiya Pennai

    Ellorum Kondaduvom in Pava Mannippu.

    Ulakam Ithiley Adanguthu in Kulamagal Rathai.

    Many parts of the film Pava Mannnippu have been heavily censored.

    Raja Desing was delayed.


    This trend may be the reason my information may be twisted.

    kik,
    See how much interest you have created in me by your curious posting. You deserve all the credit for making the discussion very lively and meaningful. Sorry if I have digressed.

    Let us now come back to KVM.

    Going by your advice, I am going to see Vannakkili once again over this weekend.

    Thanks for the input.

    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.78.83) on: Sat Jul 20 07:23:47 EDT 2002


    kik,

    Maha Rajan Ulagai Aaaluvaan plus many others are not in the movies:

    Thendral Varum Thoothu Varum in Paazhum Pazhamum

    Theertha Karaithanile in Madurai Veeran

    Ulagam Sutrum valibanodu Payanam Vanthaval Naan in U.SU valiban

    Ninaiikum Pothe Thanakkul Sirikkum Maathey in U.SU Valiban.


    Songs in films have never come out in discs:

    Kalai Arasi by KVM

    Sithoor Raani Padmini by G. Ramanathan

    and many many more..

    Songs taken for one film used in another:

    Mayakkum Malai recorded by KVM for Koondukili but used in Kulebagavli

    Nerungi Nerungi recorded by KVM for some other movie but used by MSV in Netru Inru Nalai.

    Padinar Kavingar paadinaar recorded for Nichaya Thamboolam but nused in Thendral Veesum.


    and many many more which I have mentioned some time ago in some other thread.


    There are a few variations in cutting discs.

    1. Taking in toto all the entire song into 78rpm records if the songs do not exceed 3.5 minutes( a general rule). Should the song exceed, then the thogayara,charanams and interludeas may be removed to fit into the required time. So there is a differencee in what we see in the film and what we listen from records.

    2.Should the song be more than 7 mintues, then the song is cut into both sides of the 78rpm records, again with some edition. So there is a differencee in what we see in the film and what we listen from records.

    3.Recording the song all over again, and that comes different from the songs in the films. Will give details when I discuss on Thaikku Pin Tharam(have mentioned several times in some other threads) En Kelvikkenna Bathil song in Uyarntha Manithan has hno Ha aha Ah aha....in the film but hs this in the record.

    4. When 78rpm records are reproduced as LPs of 45 rpm or 16 rpm (no more available these days) they retain the song in full. But when the 78rpm records are cut again into EPs (Estended plays) which are about the size of aappam, there is fading at the end of the song where the pallavi is just lost. This is what you have mentioned.

    5. Re-recording a song for fear- mainly of censorship. Here the song does not syncronise with lip movements. Either the song is recorded first or the scene is re-shot with changes in wording. Just two examples:
    Vantha Naal Muthal Intha Naal varai in Pava Mannippu.

    In the film the song goes "Ethanai Kandaan Panamthanai Padaithaan" and Sivaji moves his lips accordingly, but in the record it is "Ethanai Kandan mathamthanai padaithaan"

    In Nalla Nalla Pilaigalai Nambi from Petralthaan Pillaya, the last line goes

    Medayil Muzhangu Aringar Annaa Pol, but MGR's lip movements go:
    Medayil Muzhangu Thiru Vi Kaa Pol..

    and many many more....


    There are far too many songs of this nature and there is no end to quoting such songs. There are many many more gaps which cannot be explained. Some matters documented BLACK and WHITE are not the truth too. Cine industry is utter confusion, conflict and inconsistency.

    In a radio interview in Malaysia KVM told us how songs are made and how they are edited.It was quite detailed, encompassing some of the trends mentioned here. Will elaborate later.

    Interesting, but let us avoid this path of no return and stick to issue at hand.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jul 25 04:53:51 EDT 2002



    SECTION III

    PART 30

    As we are discussing KVM’s music along various headings and tastes, it is just inevitable that we go back and forth in time. Let us now once again go back to 1956.

    Devar Films would remain an important part of KVM’s music. Sando MM Devar started his film career as a stunt actor and acted in small roles. In 1956 he produced Thaaikku Pin Thaaram and after that became a very successful producer. MGR was the main hero in most of Devar films. MGR had acted in 16 movies under Devar film banner and music of all MGR acted movies was composed by KVM. There were also some movies where Devar Films used other MDs like Divakar in Kaattu Rani (Asohan), Deivathrirumagal (Muthuraman), Deiva Cheyal (Muthuraman) and Ner Vazhi (Jaishankar). Maharasi was given to Shanker Ganesh under the recommendation of Kannadasan.


    The last of Devar film was Nalla Neram (1972) which happened to be the only colour movie. I am not bringing in the movies of the subsidiary company Dandayuthapani Films.


    But we are going to stick to Devar films where KVM composed music. Before that a few words have to be said about Devar films. Devar achieved something that no one else achieved in the cine movie industry. He would perform pooja for his films and start off his shooting his movie. As the movie is about to finish its 100 days run in any theatre, Devar would release his next movie. He was the only one who would determine and announce the date of release of his next movie as soon as the first movie is released. Again, Devar movies were mainly produced within studios and jungle settings with least budget. Most of Devar movies of were directed by Devar’s brother M.M. Thirumugam who did a good job. Devar made it a point to appear in small roles.

    The second aspect is the songs. Almost all songs from Devar movies were excellent, as KVM used a team that he managed to maintain so long as MGR was active in his movies. TMS was permanent all along but within his first few films, P.Suseela was added to TMS as a permanent pair. Starting initially with Maruthakazi, Devar retained Kannadasan as his permanent songwriter. When MGR and Kannadasan had misunderstanding, Devar used Maruthakazi, but quietly sent money to Kannadasan – an amount he would have given Kannadasan had Kannadasan agreed to write. The bond between Devar and Kannadasan had been that strong. Kannadasan called Devar his own “Sadayappa Vallal” as Devar had assisted Kannadasan in times of financial trouble. Devar felt that songs of his films became great hits because of the work of Kannadasan. Some of the best works of Kannadasan are found in Devar movies.

    Devar film in stages developed some form of a permanent formula:

    1. A song describing nature-mainly by female voice;
    2. A philosophical song, mainly by TMS;
    3. A few duets; and
    4. A comedy song

    Unlike APN movies there was no emphasis on strong carnatic music in Devar movies except some exceptions here and there. Most of them were light music.

    Where MGR acted, songs were written to boost him. Most of the films acted by MGR had no strong storylines. MGR movies had to compete with Sivaji Ganesan movies directed by Bhim Singh- movies which had titles starting with “PA” Devar produced MGR movies with titles starting with “THA” with a few exceptions. In the absence of strong storylines, MGR movies of Devar production had to rely heavily on other aspects- entertainment features with excellent songs, glamour features with Saroja Devi and late Jayalalitha, and majestic personality of MGR. Of all these songs were the greatest asset. Therefore the Devar movies where Makkal Thilakam acted became hits on account of the songs.


    THAIKKU PIN THAARAM (1956)
    Devar had no original intention of KVM to compose music in his first film. At that time both KVM and V.R. were more or less equally doing well, and it would have made no difference whoever was signed up. But Devar approached MSV and made it a point that he had to compose music within a given time. But MSV declined saying that he could not be subjected to any condition of that nature. Immediately Devar went to KVM and KVM agreed to compose on time. So the first movie went to KVM and many more followed. Devar never went to MSV at all after that. Likewise he never used Sivaji Ganesan.


    THAAIKKU PIN THAARAM was taken at a time when MGR was seeing a meteoric rise in the cine and political fields. MGR was undergoing a speedy growth under the DMK movement’s influence. This was also the time when Kannadasan was coming up as a great poet. Devar wanted Kanndasan to write the dialogues for THAAIKKU PIN THAARAM, and was publicised as such. However Kannadasan was too busy in politics and so the work went over to Aiyapillai. But many still feel that Kannadasan was the one who wrote the dialogue. Maruthakazi wrote songs. THAAIKKU PIN THAARAM was very simple village based story, depicting a typical fight among the same blood. This was one of the rare appearances of MGR in a social theme at a time when he was getting even more chances in movies set along historical themes. The film had some of the best songs. The songs of this move are:

    As excellent song by TMS:

    MANUSANAI MANUSAN SAAPPIDARANDA THAMBY PAYALE-ATHU
    MAARUVATHEPPO THEERUVATGHEPPO NAMMA KAVALAI

    This is a song that is so close to the voice of MGR. This song became a testimony to the ability of TMS to imitate for MGR.

    Originally the song was already written and picturised as above. But Devar was so interested in ending the pallavi with not “THAMBY PAYALE” but “ARUMAI THAMBY” This was because CN Annadurai was addressing people that way in his political meetings. In order to pacify Devar, TMS had to sing the same song on record and end up with “Arumai Thamby.” Then the song became:

    MANUSANAI MANUSAN SAAPPIDARANDA ARUMAI THAMBY -ATHU
    MAARUVATHEPPO THEERUVATHEPPO YEZHAI THAMBY


    So we can see there is a difference in what we hear in the film and what we hear in the record (Told to me by Maruthakazi when I visited him in his house in 1988)


    Another solo song by P. Banumathy:

    ASAINTHAADUM THENDRALEY THOOTHO SELLAIYO
    THEN AMUTHANA KAVI PAADI SEITHI SOLLAYO

    TMS and Banumathy give this wonderful duet:

    AAHA NAM AASAI NIRAIVERUMA?
    KADAL ALAIYAI POLE MARAINTHUPOGA LAAGUMA
    EN ANBEY SANTHEGAM KOLA LAAGUMA?
    KODI ASAINTHAADA PANTHAL INGU VENDUMA

    In the prelude to this song there is a beautiful music, but this is only in the record. In the film the song starts abruptly.

    There is a sad duet by AM Raja and P. Banumathy

    EN KAATHAL INBAM ITHUTHAANA
    SIRAI KAAVAL NILAITHAANA

    MLV and group sing this wonderful dance song:

    NAADU CHELITHIDA NAAMUM UYARNTHIDA
    NALLA MANAM VENDUM


    Jikki sings this solo:

    KATHAL VYATHI POLLATHATHU-ATHU
    KANNUM KAATHUM ILLATHATHU


    TMS sings a very touching song and MGR gives one of his best performances:

    THANTHAYAI POL ULAGILE DEIVAM UNDO-ORU
    MAGANUKKU DHARAMUM AVARNDRAAL VINDHAI UNDO...

    ANNAIYUM PITHAAVUMN MUNNERI DEIVAM
    AVVAIYIN PON MOZHI VEENA?
    AAANDAVAN POLE NEETHIYAI PUGANDRAAL
    ANUBAVAME ITHUTHAANA?

    There is also a comedy song by SC Krishnan and Ratnamala


    ERAVITTTU YENI EDUKKUM AMBALAI JATHI
    UNNAI EPPADITHAAN NAMBIDUVAL POMBALAJATHI

    DMK was standing for elections in that year against Congress. The symbol of Congress was bull, and the symbol of DMK was the rising sun. There is a bullfight scene in THAAIKKU PIN THAARAM. Posters of this film where MGR suppressing the bull was pinned up everywhere and that became a perfect election poster for DMK of which MGR was an ardent supporter. DMK swept well in the elections.

    This film became an instant hit with good songs and excellent star value. The film ran for so many days and was a money minter for Devar. But surprisingly MGR and Devar had a misunderstanding in the next movie and Devar dropped MGR and went for three other main actors. For the next 4 year MGR did not act in Devar movies. But Devar films continued to produce good movies with good songs even in the absence of MGR.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Thu Jul 25 20:42:48 EDT 2002


    PART 31

    Following the great success of THAAIKKU PIN THAARAM Devar immediately wanted to book MGR for his next movie- Neelamalai Thirudan of 1957. But MGR was under heavy booking. He had given call sheet for some other movies like Chakravarthi Thirumagal (1957), Pudumaipithan, Mahadevi (1957) and more importantly his own prestigious production Nadodi Mannan (1958). Therefore MGR requested Devar to hold on till these movies were completed, but Devar refused and went ahead to use Ranjan who was another Sakalakala Vallavan. MGR became furious. There was a cold war going on between MGR and Ranjan and so MGR completely objected to Devar using Ranjan. Accordint to Maruthakazi, MGR gave a lot of trouble to Devar to stop the production of Neelamalai Thirudan. But Devar went ahead, and the film came starred by Ranjan, PS Veeerappa, Anjali Devi and Kannamba. There were very good songs and the film became a good hit in those days.

    There is a philosophical song of TMS, which was written by Maruthakazi, as advised by Devar, attacking MGR. This was picturised on Ranjan riding a white horse.

    SATHIYAME LACHIYAMAAI KOLLADA
    THALAI NIMIRNTHU UNAI UNARNTHU SELLADAA

    EHANAIYO MEDU PALLAM VAZHIYILE UNNAI
    IDARA VAITHU THALLA PAAKKUM KUZHIYILE – NEE
    ATHANAIYUM THAANDI KAALAI MUN VAIYADA- NEE
    ANJAAMAL KADAMAYILE KAN VAIYADAA

    KULLA NARI KOOTTAM VANTHU KURUKKIDUM
    NALLAVARKU THOLLAI THANTHU MADAKKIDUM- NEE
    ELLALAVUM BAYAM KONDU NADUNGATHEDAA- AVARAI
    EMANULAGU ANUPPIVAIKKA THAYANGATHUDAA

    (But following THAI SOILLAI THATTATHEY MGR and Devar became very thick friends, with Devar emerging as the producer with most MGR movies- 16 in all. Fights and patching up are always part and parcel of cine game.)

    There is an excellent solo by Jikki describing nature. This is one song where the instrument bulbulthar is very heavily and beautifully used. We seldom listen to this instrument (It was well used in few songs such as Enthan Ullam Thulli Vilayaduvathum Eno). And the song is:

    ULLAM KOLLAI POGUTHEY
    UNMAI INBAM KAANUTHEY
    THELLU THAMIZH THEMMANGU PAADIDUTHEY


    Jikki gives another philosophical solo:

    KONUM MOZHI PENGALUKKU
    ANJA NENJAM VENDUMADI
    VANJIYARAI ETHIRTHU NINNU
    VAAZHA THERIYA VENUMADI

    Jikki has one more solo for us:

    YENGI YENGI NIKKATHEY
    ETHILUM MANASU VAIKKATHEY
    INJI THINNA KURANGU POLE
    ENNAI PAARTHU SOKKATHEY


    Kasturi gives this solo:

    CHITHIRAI MAATHA NILVAU POLE
    KULIRUTHU PAARU

    TMS and Jikki sing this comedy duet:

    CHIRIKKIRAAN MURAIKKIRAAN
    THIRUDAN POLE MUZHIKKIRAAN


    SC Krishnan and Ratnamala sing this song:

    VETHALA PAAKKU SUNNAMBU


    SENGOTTAI SINGAM (1958)

    This film starred by Udhayakumar and Saroja Devi has some nice songs.

    Jikki sings a song describing the nature:

    IRU VIZHI PARUGUM VIRUNTHU
    IYARKAI ENNAALUM AUYARVAI
    NEEKKUM MARUNTHU

    TMS sings this solo:

    NADADA RAJAA NADADA-NEE
    NADADA RAJAA NADADA


    TMS and Jikki give this comedy song:

    THENARUVI PATHAYILE OH AASAI MAMMA

    TMS and Jikki give a song with a tune lifted from a Hindi song from Paying Guest:

    AHAHA AASAI THEERA ADDALAMME
    OONJAL MELE
    OHOHO PESUVOME KAATHAL GEETHAM NAAMUM KANNALE
    ENNAALUM OONJAL MELE


    Jikki sings

    SINGAKUTTY ANTHA THANGAKKATTI
    THINNA THIGATTIDATHA VELLAKKATI

    TMS gives a devotional form of solo:
    VEL VEL VELAVANEY

    The film did fairly at the box office. But the songs did very well in the hearts of the fans of old songs.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jul 26 02:37:34 EDT 2002


    PART 32

    VAAZHA VAITHA DEIVAM (1959)
    In 1959 Devar released VAZHA VAITHA DEIVAM, the only film where he used Gemini Ganesan. Saroja Devi was the partner. This movie did not do well. But there are two songs worth mentioning:

    A solo by P. Suseela:

    KATHAL KATHAI PESAVA
    KAVITHAIKAL PAADAVAA

    A wonderful solo by TMS and P. Suseela:

    KAVERITHAAN SINGARI
    SINGARITHAAN KAVERI
    KANNAL KANDAVA SINGARI
    KALANTHUKONDAVA KAVERI


    YANAI PAGAN (1960)
    Yanai Pagan starred by Udhayakumar and Saroja Devi has some of the best songs KVM has left behind.

    The evergreen solo by TMS is the following that has beautiful prelude and interlude. This song would be appreciated fore ages to come:

    PATHINAARUM NIRAIYAATHA PARUVA MANGAI
    KATHAL PASIYOOTTI VASAMAAKKUM RATHIYIN THANGAI

    KUTHITHAADI PARANTHODUM KALAIMANO
    ILAM KUMARIKALUM MAYANGUM SILAITHAANO- AVAL
    PATHINAARUM NIRAIYAATHA PARUVA MANGAI
    KATHAL PASIYOOTTI VASAMAAKKUM RATHIYIN THANGAI

    VANNA MUGA KANNIRANDUM NATCHATHIRAMO?
    AVAL VAVENDRU AZHAIPPATHENNA VICHITHIRAMO?
    MINNUGINDRA PAL VARISAI MUTHUCHARAMO?
    YARUM MECHUGINRA KUNGALEITHAAN
    SOTHU SUGAMO?

    VANDUKALE KANDIDATHA VASANTHA MULLAI
    AVAL VANTHATHUME PARANTHODUM KAATHAL THOLLAI
    ENNAM POLE VAAITHUVITTAAL EEDU ILLAI-EN
    ENNAM POLE VAAITHUVITTAAL EEDU ILLAI-INI
    INBATHUKKU ENRAIKKUME ETHU THOLLAI
    (hope the lines are correct)

    Then comes another great solo by P. Suseela describing nature:

    NENJINILE INBAM PONGIDUTHE


    Another philosophical solo by Suseela:

    UYARVU THAAZVU ILLAMALEY
    ULAGAI PAGAITHU KOLLAMALE
    OTRUMAYAGA UZHAITHEY
    NAAM VAAZHA VENUNGA


    There is a beautiful song by Seergazhi Govinderajan and P. Suseela which would always glorify the music of KVM:

    SENGANI VAAI THIRANTHU SIRITHUDUVAAI
    THITHIUKKUM THEN KUDAME
    CHENBAGA POOCHARAME


    There is another wonderful gem given by TMS and P.Suseela:

    P.S: THULLI VIZHUM ARUVIYAI POL
    KAN PAARVAI EN MEL VIZHUTHEY
    TMS: UNNAZHAGAI PARUGIDAVEY
    EN PAARVAI UN MEL VIZHUTHE

    TMS: VELLAM POL PERUGUTHU ANBU
    ULLATHIL UNNAI NINAIKKAYILE
    P.S: OH…SOLLAAMAL SOLLUTHE ATHAI UNGAL THOTRAME
    BOTH: ULLAASAMAGAVE
    (THULLI VIZHUM)

    TMS: AASAI UN VANATHIL ERI
    AADUTHU OONJAL EN MANAME
    PS: VEESATHA THENDRALUM
    ATHANAALE VEESUTHE
    VILAIVAAGUM INBAME
    (THULLI VIZHUM)

    TMS: KALLAMILLAA KATHALAR VAAZHVIL
    KAANBATHU YAAVUM AANANTHAME
    PS: OH.. KAN KAANUM KAATCHIYE
    UYAR KAATHAL AATCHIYE
    NAMAKKAGUM SAACTHIYE
    (THULLI VIZHUM)

    (believe the lines are correct)



    KONGU NAAATU THANGAM (1961)
    This is a movie starred in leading roles by Anandan, Pushpalatha and MR Ratha.

    There is a wonderful duet by Seergazhi and P. Suseela:

    KARUMBAGA INIKKINDRA PARUVAM
    ATHAI KATHAIYAGA SOLLUTHU
    UN KAATHAL URUVAM

    Seergazhi Govinderajan sings an enchanting solo:

    VIDIYUM VARAI KAATHIRUPPEN
    MARANTHUVIDATHEY
    VETHANAIKKOR ALAVU
    UNDU THAVIKKAVIDAATHEY


    MLV sings a solo written by Maruthakazi:

    IRUNTHUM ILLAATHAVARE

    Again Seergazhi Govindarajan sings a song that is always played in radio programs as a great philosophy. This song has at least three aspects to boast of. Firstly the philosophy contained therein would always be found to be useful for all times to come. Secondly the music itself is quite unique among the KVM beats. Thirdly one could see the excellent camerawork and picturisation where Andandan gives a modern form of dance.

    KANDATHAI KETTATHAI NAMBAATHEY
    NENJILE SANJALAM KOLLATHE
    SINTHANAI SEITHU PAARKKAMAL
    THEERA VISARANAI SEIYAAMAL
    ETHAYUM MUDIVU PANNATHEY
    IYANTHIRAM POLE AAGATHEY

    KAANALAI NEERENDRU
    MAAN KOOTTAM NAMBIDALAAM
    KANIYENDRU VILAKKAI ENNI
    VITTIL POOCHI NAMBIDALAAM
    AANDAVAN PADIAPPILE
    AINTHARIVU JENMAAM IVAI
    AANAALUM NAITHARUKKE
    EN THANTHAAN PAGUTHARIVAI

    SANTHARPPA KOLARRAL
    SANTHEGAM VANTHIDALAAM
    SATHIKAARAN SOOLCHIYAALE
    PATHAI MAARA CHEITHIDALAAM
    VANAJAGAR KOOTTURAVAI
    VAAZHKAYILE THALLIVIDU
    MAARATHA MATHI MAYAKKAM
    THANNALEY THEERNTHUVIDUM

    (KANDATHAI)

    This film would be one more that would always be remembered for the songs.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jul 26 05:12:18 EDT 2002


    bb,

    What I know is Pugazhendhi moved into assist KVM from 1954 onwards. But he made his name in Pennarasi of 1955 release. It is very difficult to say which was the first movie as many songs composed by him carried the name of KVM with the full consent of Pugazhendhi himself. But concersations and external sources do speak otherwise.

    Poet Vali in his book NAANUM INTHA NOOTRAANDUM (Page 504) says that Pugazhendi was an assistant to CN Pandurangan and was working with him in Boologa Rambai. But Boologa Rambai was a 1958 release. Vali writes that it was LATER that Pugazhendhi joined KVM. Total conflict from what we have been told all along.

    This is what I had been maintaining right from the very beginning. What is written black and white by the cinema JAAMBAVANs themselves may not actually reveal the real truth.

    There is only one body that could collect, collate and remedy the distorted versions and reconstruct a factual history - and that could be none other than the TFM Team.

    One of these days I am going to list the conflicts and contradictions made by the cinema TITANS themselves. And I promise and interesting reading. VANDAVALAM going to fly in the THANDAVALAM! :))

    Regards,

    Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Fri Jul 26 23:41:22 EDT 2002


    PART 33

    THAAI SOLLAI THATTATHE (1961)

    Some useful info
    Following Nadodi Mannan in particular, film titles, songs, tunes, dialogues and and were carefully scrutinised and approved by MGR. He was already a charismatic personality with temendous influence in the cine field.

    THAAI SOLLAI THATTATHEY is a turning point among Devar Films. Devar who made his debut by appearing in a small role in Kaithi (1951) never dreamt that he would make it as a highly successful producer. It is from this film onwards that Kannadasan was brought in quite permanently and some of his masterpieces came to be contributed. While THIRUDATHEY brought MGR back as a normal person following his leg fracture, it was THAAI SOLLAI THATTATHEY that proved that MGR could also play well in movies with modern and social themes. He comes as CID Raju here.

    Effective 1960 a new trend developed in the Tamil cine world. Prior to this year films were branded as success or failures. There was no clear detail of the number of days a particular film ran. We have details about HARIDASS of MKT, which had run for 768 days (from 16 October 1944 to 22 November 1946), and a few other movies. But we do not get details of how many days each film ran. But it was from around 1960 that the success of any movie was judged by the number of days a movie ran, either 100 days or 25 weeks. This was created to boost the ego and prestige of MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. But the spill over affected other stars and soon came to be regarded as a permanent yardstick to gauge the success of movies.

    Effective THAAI SOLLAI THATTATHEY, MGR trapped Devar. After THAAIKKU PIN THAARAM, Devar went for other stars. MGR did not want Devar to do the same after THAAI SOLLAI THATTATHEY. So he made sure that he took deposit for the forthcoming movie as well. That is to say while receiving deposit for one movie, he would take a deposit for the next Devar Film movie as well. This is one of MGR’s cunning and shrewd ways for survival. Of course MGR also did relax slightly when Devar used other actors with Thivagar as MD.

    Now we come to the songs. All songs are wonderful in this movie.

    A very popular and popularised solo by TMS:

    POYUM POYUM MANITHANUKKINTHA
    BUTHIYAI KODUTHAANEY-ATHIL
    POIYUM PURALUM THIRUTTUM KALANTHU
    BOOMIYAI KEDUTHAANEY-MANITHAN
    BOOMIYAI KEDUTHAANEY

    A solo describing nature:

    KAATTUKKULLE THIRUVIZHA
    KANNI PONNU MANAVIZHA
    SIRIKKUM MALARKAL THOOVI
    SINGAARIKKUM PONVIZHAA HOI OHOI


    A duet by TMS and P Suseela:

    TMS: SIRITHU SIRITHU ENNAI SIRAIYILITTAAI
    KANNAM SIVAKKA SIVAKKA VANTHU
    KATHAI PADITHAAI
    PS: NINAINTHU NINAITHU NENJIL
    ADAITHUVITTAAI
    PAKKAM NERUNGI NERUNGI
    INBACHUVAI KODUTHAAI


    Kannadasan has written a song based on Aandaal’s Thiruppavai and sung by P. Suseela. This was to boost the personality of MGR.

    ORUTHI MAGANAAI PIRANTHAVANAAM
    URUVIL AZHAGAAI VALARNTHAVANAAM
    ORUTHI MANATHIL NIRAINTHAVANAAM
    UYIRIL UYIRAAI KALANTHAVANAAM

    There is one more solo by P. Suseela that would remain an asset for the fame of P. Suseela, Kannadasan, Saroja Devi and KVM. The wording is really wonderful, and Kannadasan used to sing the song out whenever he quoted this. I remember Kannadasan singing this out in his trip to Malaysia at a community hall in a northern town called Butterworth. KVM has composed a tune that just cannot be explained. The music is simply heart lifting and chest soothing. P. Suseela has sung with so much feeling. Saroja Devi has just expressed with high-level emotion. Those lovers of Tamil literature would be able to appreciate the poetic lines here.

    POO URANGUTHU POZHUTHUM URANGUTHU
    NEE URANGAVILLAI NILAVE
    KAAN URANGUTHU KAATRUM URANGUTHU
    NAAN URANGAVILLAI- NAAN URANGAVILLAI

    MAAN URANGUTHU MAYILUM URANGUTHU
    MANAM URANGAVILLAI
    EN VAZHI URANGUTHU MOZHIYUM URANGUTHU
    VIZHI URANGAVILLAI
    (POO)

    THENDRALILE ENATHU UYIR THEINTHATHU PAATHI
    ATHU THINDRATHELLAAM POGA INGU
    IRUPPATHU MEETHI
    THINGAL NEEYUM PEN KULAMUM
    ORU VAGAI JAATHI
    THERINTHIRUNTHUM KOLLA VANTHAAI ENNADI NEETHI
    (POO)

    (Why had Kannadasan got to go so early? Many cine poets have today developed too much cholesterol in his absence. Thats alright, but where's the quality?)

    TMS and P. Suseela sing this duet:

    PAATTU ORU PAATTU
    PAATTU ORE ORU PAATTU

    Then comes another good duet of TMS and P. Suseela where MGR is again boosted:

    TMS:PATTU CHELAI KAATHAADA
    PARUVA MENI KOOTHAADA
    KATTUK KOONTHAL MUDITHAVALE-ENNAI
    KAATHAL VALAYIL ADAITHAVALE


    PS:ARUMBU MEESAI THULLI VARA
    AZHAGU PUNNAGAI ALLI VARA
    KURUMBU PARVAI PAARTHAVARE- ENNAI
    KOONDUK KILIYAAI ADAITHAVARE

    TMS: KAIYIL EDUTHAAL THUVANDUVIDUM
    KANNAM IRANDUM SIVANTHUVIDUM
    CHINNA IDAYE CHITHIRAME
    SIRIKKUM KATHAL NITHILAME

    PS: NIMIRNTHU NADAKKUM NADAI AZHAGU
    NERUNGI PAZHAGUM KALAI AZHAGU
    AMAITHI NIRAIYUM MUGATHAZHAGU
    YAAVUM UNGAL THANI AZHAGU

    TMS: URANGINAALUM VIZHITHAALUM
    OORGAL THORUM ALAINTHAALUM
    MAYANGA VAITHATHU ORU MUGAMEY
    MANGAI UNTHAN THIRUMUGAME

    PS:KAASU PANAGNHAL KETKAVILLAI
    JAATHI MATHANGAL PAARKKAVILLAI
    THAAVI VANTHATHU EN MANAMEY-INI
    THAAZVUM VAAZHVUM UN VASAMEY



    This film THAI SOLLAI THATTATHEY became a 100 days hit movie. The film ran on the strength of songs more than anything else. MR Ratha was made quite a permanent father of heroines in Devar movies, and he demanded high rate, as he played the role of heroine’s father, comedian as well as villain-three in one.

    Following this film there were other movies all in a row- and all with great hits by the talented KVM maama.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.78.83) on: Sun Jul 28 10:17:52 EDT 2002



    kik

    Managed to recollect the song we spoke of. Believe the lines are ok this time:


    PB: AAHAA NAM AASAI NIRAIVERUMAA
    KADAL ALAIYAI POLA MARAINTHU POGA NERUMA

    TMS: ANBE SANTHEGAM KOLLA LAAGUMAA
    KODI ASAINTHAADA PANTHAL INRI POGUMAA?

    PB: EEDILLA IRU PARAVAI JODIYAAI VAAZHAVE
    ENNIDUM MOTHIL PAGAI VALLOORAAGA THONRUME
    EEDILLA IRU PARAVAI JODIYAAI VAAZHAVE
    ENNIDUM MOTHIL PAGAI VALLOORAAGA THONRUME

    TMS: VALLOORAANATHAI VANATHIL VAAZHUM VEDANAAGI NAAN
    VELLUVENE UN IRU KAN AMBINAAL
    NAAN VELLUVENE UN IRU KAN ANBINAAL


    PB: ARUMAI MOZHI KAATHIL AMUTHAAGA PAAIVATHAAAL
    AGAME MAGIZHVEN ATHAANE

    TMS: UN AZHAGE NEERODAI ATHIL NEENTHUM MEENAI POL AANANTHAMANEN EN KANNE

    PB:UMATHU ANANTHAME AZHIYAA CHELVAME
    UMATHU ANANTHAME AZHIYAA CHELVAME

    TMS:AARUYIRE NAAN UNAKKE SONTHAME
    EN AARUYIRE NAAN UNAKKE SONTHAME

    BOTH: EERUDAL ORUYIRAAI VAAZHUVOM –SUGAM
    MAAARATHA INBA ULAKAI AALUVOM


  • From: ravi (@ 210.187.1.182) on: Sun Jul 28 12:15:19 EDT 2002


    correction:
    the last movie with apn-kvm-sivaji combination was vilayattu pillai (others:padmini,kanjana, sivakumar)


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Sun Jul 28 21:09:44 EDT 2002


    Ravi,

    Vilayaattu Pilla is not by APN. It is a Gemini production. It was not usual for Gemini to use KVM, but this is a rare one.

    Manisegaran


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Sun Jul 28 21:23:52 EDT 2002


    PART 34

    THAYAI KAATHA THANAYAN (1962) 100 days

    This is yet another good movie in which KVM has revealed his great talent. This is a village-based story with almost the same characters of THAAI SOLLAI THATTATHEY. There is no strong storyline in this film. MGR comes as a hunter, Saroja Devi as village herbalist and MR Ratha as a tea stall owner. The whole film is taken within a studio and some jungle areas. It was another low budget movie of Devar, but turned our to be a great hit. The songs just turned out to be more than wonderful. Kannadasan was once again at his best.

    The trend of nature description in Devar films continues in this movie. P. Suseela sings a solo describing the nature:

    Kaattu Raani Kottayile
    Kathavukalillai-Ingu
    Kaaval Kaakka Kadavulai Indri
    Oruvaraumillai


    TMS comes with this most wonderful solo, with wonderful camerawork. Shades of darkness and light simply add life to the screen. Kannadasan is simply great in describing Saroja Devi, and KVM renders one of his best scores here:

    Katti Thangam Vetti Eduthu
    Kaathal Ennum Saaru Pizhinthu
    Thatti Thatti Chitpikal Seitha
    Uruvamada-Aval
    Thalathalavendru
    Thathumbi Nitkum Paruvamadaa

    Thottuththottu Ninrana Kaigal
    Chuttuchuttu Konrana Kangal-Naan
    Kitta Kitta Vanthathai Kandu
    Eetti Ettichendrathu Vandu
    Kitta Kitta Vanthathai Kandu
    Eetti Ettichendrathu Vandu


    Thangaratham Pol Varugiraal
    Allithandukal Pole Valaikiraal
    Kungumappoo Pol Chirikkiraal-Inba
    Kottaikku Ennai Azhaikkiraal
    Kungumappoo Pol Chirikkiraal-Inba
    Kottaikku Ennai Azhaikkiraal

    Kalayil Malarum Thamaraipoo
    Anthikkarukkalil Malarum Mallikaippoo
    Iravil Malarum Allippoo-aval
    Endrum Manakkum Mullaippoo
    Iravil Malarum Allippoo-aval
    Endrum Manakkum Mullaippoo
    (katti)

    There is a comedy solo by P. Suseela picturised on G Sakunthala and MRR Vasu:

    Chandik kuthirai nondi kuthirai-Nalla
    Savaari Kuthirai-Moonu Manushan
    Sangathiyellaam Ingey Irukku
    Sariyaa Therinjukka Venum Venum


    TMS gives a sad solo whih is an average song:

    Nadakkum Enbaar Nadakkathu
    Nadakkathenbaar Nadanthuvidum
    Kidaikum Enbaar Kidaikkathu
    Kidaikkathenbaar Kidaithuvidum


    TMS and P. Suseela give this enchanting duet:

    TMS: Moodi Thirantha Imayirendum vaa vaa Enrana
    Munthaanai Kaartril Aadi Vaa Vaa Endrathu
    PS: Aadikidantha Kaalirendum Nil Nil Enrana
    Aasai Mattum Vaai Thiranthu Sol Sol Enrathu

    TMS: Annakodi Nadai Munnum Pinnum Aiyo! Aiyo! Enrathu
    Vannakodi Idai Kannil Vizhunthu
    Meiyo Poiyo Endrathu

    PS: Kannipparuvam Unnaikkandu Kaathal Kaathal Endrathu
    Kaathal Endrathum Veror Ithayam Naanam Naanam Enrathu
    (Moodi)

    TMS:Kaattu Kuyilai Kootil Adaithu Paattu Paada Chonnathu

    PS:Athu Koottu Kuyilai Naattu Kuyilaai
    Kootti Poga Chonnathu

    TMS:Vettai Ullam Valai Virithu Vengai Varum Ena NInrathu

    PS:Vengaikkaka Viritha Valaiyil
    Velli Kalaimaan Vizhunthathu
    (Moodi)

    There is another nice duet presented by TMS and P Suseela:

    PS: Kaveri Karayirukku
    Karai Mele Poovirukku
    Poo Pole Pennirukku
    Purinthukondaal Uraviruku

    TMS:Panjavarnakkili Irukku
    Pazhuthu Vantha Pazhamirukku
    Nenjinile Ninaivirukku
    Nerungi Vanthaal Sugamirukku

    PS: Ennamo POlirukku
    Eppadiyo Manamirukku

    TMS: Aaha

    PS: Vellam Pol Ninaivirukku
    Vetkam Mattum Thaduthirukku

    TMS: Aasaikku Vetkamillai
    Arinthavarmun Achamillai
    Kaathaklukku Thookkamillai
    Kan Kalanthaal Vaarthayillai…
    Kaathaklukku Thookkamillai
    Kan Kalanthaal Vaarthayillai
    (Kaveri)

    PS: Melangal Muzhangivarum
    Medai Ennai Azhaikka Varum
    Maalai Manam Soodavarum
    Mangala Naalum Thedivarum

    TMS:Kathalan Enra Vaarthai
    Kanavan Enru Maarivarum
    Mangai Endru Sonnavarum
    Manaivie Enru Solla Varum
    Mangai Endru Sonnavarum
    Manaivie Enru Solla Varum

    (Kaveri)

    A solo by P. Suseela

    Perai chollalaama
    Kanavan perai chollalaama
    Oorai chonnalum uravai chonnalum
    Utravar idathil ethanai chonnaalum

    When one thinks of THAAYAAI KAATHA THANAYAN the songs retain supremacy in our minds more than anything else. They are all simple and yet soul lifting songs. The old timers would remember how these songs had topped in the request programs-Neyar Viruppam. Such had been the effect that KVM had created among the moviegoers.


  • From: kik (@ 207.0.105.138) on: Mon Jul 29 01:02:46 EDT 2002


    Manisegaran:

    aahaa nam aasai -
    ENNIDUM MOTHIL PAGAI VALLOORAAGA THONRUME
    ----
    ENNIDUM pOthil PAGAI VALLOORAAGA THONRUME

    I have pallaaNdu vaazhga playing on tape and realize that KVM has switched to Vani Jairam almost completely (maasi maasa kadaisiyilE, sorgaththin thirappu vizha, chinna paappaa, puthiyathOr ulagam seivOm) - I wonder if this was driven by MGR vs. KVM's own preference since she was also singing nearly all the female songs in his films by 75/6 (meenava nanban, maduraiyai meetta sundarapaandian). When you eventually get to KVM-MGR films (the non-devar ones), it will be interesting to see changes in the choice of singers.


  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Jul 29 21:10:23 EDT 2002


    PART 35
    KUDUMBA THALAIVAN (1962)

    No words would adequately describe the most wonderful composing KVM had done in KUDUMBA THALAIVAN. All were super songs! One easily becomes baffled if requested to choose the best among these songs. All were equally good. This is a movie that would keep the name of KVM flying high for generations to come. Again Kannadasan was another asset in the production of these quality songs. Except for Rajamma, the other main stars in Devar’s previous two movies were retained in KUDUMBA THALAIVAN.


    There is a very beautiful song written by Kannadasan, by liftingthe ideas and some lines form Thirunavukkarasar. This is well sung by P. Suseela:


    Anroru Naal Avanudaya Perai Ketten
    Adutha Naalil Avanirukkum Oorai Ketten
    Indru Varai Avar Mugathai Naanum Kaanen
    Avan Ennai Thedi Varum Varaikkum Vidavum Maatten
    Androru Naal avanudaiya Perai Ketten Oorai Ketten


    In this film too the nature description continues. P.Suseela sings a solo well written by Kannadasan, with play of words.

    Kuruvikoottam Pola Nikkira Poovamma
    Unnnai Kondu Poga Purushaninge Yaaramma
    Aruvadaikku Kaathu Nikkira Nellamma
    Un Aasai Konda Purushan Perai Chollammaa

    Sala salavena Nadanamaadum
    Thanneeril Unnai Kandaanaam
    Salakku Salakku Nadai Yadanthu
    Kaiyaal unnai thottanaam
    Malamalavena Alli Eduthau
    Madiyil Unai Vaithaanaam
    Vandaada Varum Chendaka Unnai
    Maarbil Anaikthu Kondaanaam

    (Kuruvikkoottam)

    Aarodum Ilaneerodum
    Vanna Therodum Inthak Kaattile
    Yarodu Indru Porada Enni Thedukindraai kaatrile
    Pulladi Thalai Nellaada Nadai
    Thallaada Varum Ponnamma
    Puthaadai Tharum Athanai Kandu
    Paditha paadam Ennammma
    (Kuruvikkoottam)

    Aadi Odi Unnai Pola Alainthavalthaan Naanamma
    Anroru Naal avanai Kandu adangivitten Meenamma
    Thedikidantha Aasai Mugathai Therinthukkondathu Kannamma
    Antha Theril Intha Chilaiyai Vaikka
    Naalai Paarthu Sollamma
    (Kuruvikkoottam)


    There is a song shot completely in a pond. The duet is by TMS and PS. This is another great song to the credit of KVM.

    PS: Etho Etho Etho Oru Mayakkam
    Athu Eppadi Eppadi Eppadi vanthathu Enakkum

    TMS: Intha Intha Ingey Peru Theriyum
    Kannai Izhuthu Valaichu Ennai Paru Theriyum Hei!

    PS: Nilavai Pole Palappalanguthu
    Ninaikka Ninaikka Kirukirunguthu
    Malarai Pole Kulukukunguthu
    Manasukulle Jilujilunguthu

    TMS: Palappalanguthu, Kirikirujnguthu, Kulukkulunguthu Jilujilunguthu
    Intha Intha..


    Sivatha Ponnu Sirukki Vanthathu
    Sethai Poosi Kulikka Vanthathu
    Kulikkumpothu Pazhakkam Vanthathgu
    Pazhakkam Vanthathum Mayakkam vanthathu

    PS: Sirukki Vanthathu, Kulikka Vanthathu, Pazhakkam Vanthathgu, Mayakkam vanthathu.
    Etho Etho…

    Kankal Pattathum Ninaippu Vanthathu
    Kaikal Thottathum Kaninthuvittathu
    Penmai Enbathu Ennai Venrathu
    Pesi Ninrathu Vetkam vanthathu

    TMS: Penmai Enbathu Unnai Venrathu
    Pesi Ninrathu Vetkam vanthathu

    Etho Etho.

    Kannum Kannum Kalanthuvittathu
    Kaathal Kathavu Thiranthuvittathu
    Onnum Onnum Irandu Enbathu
    Onruppattathu Vendruvittathu

    PS: Onnum Onnum Irandu Enbathu
    Onruppattathu Vendruvittathu


    There is a duet by TMS and PS, just to boost the personality of MGR. MGR’s appearance is highly projected and praised by Kannadasan. In this song scene so much lighting is given to boost the face of MGR,so much so he himself looks like a tube light.

    PS:Katatana Kattazhagu Kanna
    Unnai Kaanaatha Pennum Oru Pennaa?
    TMS: Pattaadai Kattivantha Maina
    Unnai paarkkatha Kannum Oru Kannaa?
    Nadaippodu Nee Nadaippodu
    Nadaippodu Nadaippodu Manamenra Theril
    Nadamaadum Mayil Polave
    Un Idaiyodu Idaiyodu Kodi Pola Ullam
    Vilayada Vantha Nilave
    PS: Vilayadu Nee Vilayaadu
    Vilayaadu Vilayaadu Vidikindra Varayil
    Azhagodu Vantha Thunaiye-Pon
    Valaiyodu Valaiyodu Isaipaadum Kaiyil
    Valainthaada Vantha Kaliye

    TMS: Paalendra Paruvame
    Pazhamendra Uruvame
    Selendra Kankale Vaa
    Siru Noolendra Idayile kaal ennum Nadayile
    Noi Thantha Penmaiye Vaa-Kathal
    Noi Thantha Penmaiye Vaa

    PS: Matha Yaanai Vadivame Nadamaadu Veerane
    Malar Ponra Ullame Vaa-Naam
    Ariyaatha Boomiyil Theriyaatha paathayil
    Iruvarum Pogalaam Vaa-Naam
    Iruvarum Pogalaam Vaa

    (Kattaana Kattazhagu)


    There is a solo by P. Suseela that has been very well composed by KVM. Kannadasan has given his best lyrics in describing the desire and yearnings of a girl trapped in love. He simply uses the most appropriate words in this song. The music is truly amazing and astonishing and unbelievable. KVM brings out the roaring sound of rain and thunder and mesmerises the audience. It is so natural. Saroja Devi is seen getting soaked in a heavy downpour. Camerawork is again at its best. ( In Onru Pattaal Undu Vazhvu there is a song Sala Sala Ragathile where the sound of water splashing is well composed. Here it is the sound of thunder and rain which are well orchestrated.) P. Suseela changes her voice so much so that there were people who used to think that it was the voice of S. Janaki. P. Suseela really sings with high and emotional feelings.

    Mazhai Pozhinthukonde Irukkum
    Udal Nanainthu Konde Irukkum
    Manam Nirainthu Nirainthu
    Ennam Vazhinthu Vazhinthu
    Uyir Mithanthukkonde Irukkum

    (Mazhai)


    Ullam Thudithukonde Irukkum
    Kankal Vizhithukkonde Irukkum
    Thendral Thazhuvikkonde varum Iravaikkande
    Penmai Thavithukkonde Irukkum
    (Mazhai)

    Aayirasm Yaanai Balamirukkum
    Allik Kodi pol Manamirukkum
    Thaayin Paasam Nirainthirukkum
    Thaayin Paasam Nirainthirukkum
    Thaaavi aniathaal Mei Silirkkum
    (Mazhai)

    Indru Koottukkulle Irukkum
    Naalai Veettukkulee Irukkum
    Engal Koottukkural Inba Kottaikulle
    Enrum Kettukonde Irukkum
    (Mazhai)


    There is a philosophical solo by TMS:

    Maaraathaiya Maaraathu
    Manamum Kunamum Maaraathu
    Thuraviyin Vaazhvil Thuyaram vanthaalum
    Thooya Thangam Theeyil Venthaalum
    (Maarathaiya)

    Kaatu Puliyai Veetil Vachaalum
    Kariyum Sorum Kalanthu Vachaalum
    Kurangu Kaiyil Maalaiyai KOduthu
    Koburathin Mele Nikka Vaithaalum

    Varavariyaamal Selavalichaalum Nilaikkathu
    Manasariyaamal Kaathalichaalum Palikkathu
    Kaalamillamal Vithai Vithaichaalum Mulaikkathu
    Kaathula Vilakkai Ethivachaalum Eriyaathu
    Thittum Vaaiyaai Pootti Vachaalum
    Thirudum Kaathai Katti Vahchaalum
    Thedum Kaathai Thirugi Vachaalum
    Aadum Kankalai Adakki Vachaalum


    There is a solo by TMS that has play of words by Kannadasan:

    Thirumanamaam Thirumanamaam
    Thruvengum Oorvalamaam
    Oorvalathin Naduvinile
    Oruthi Varuvaalaam

    Koorai Naattu Pudavai katti Kuninthiruppalaam
    Oru koodai Niraiym Poovai Thalayil Sumanthiruppaalaam
    Sera Naattu Yaanai Thantham Poliruppaalaam
    Nalla Chiraga Chamba Arisi Pola Sirichiruppalaam
    Sirichiruppalaam ohOhho Hohoi

    Semparuthi Poovai Pola Sivanthiruppalaam
    Naisu Silukku Thuniyai Pola Kaatril Asainthiruppalaam
    Seppu Chilai Pola Urundu Thirandiruppalaam
    Nalla Selam Jillaa Mambazham Pol Kaninthiruppaalaam

    Oorvalathil Vanthaval Yaar Kooradiyamma
    Aval Udaniruntha Maapillaithaan yaradiyamma
    Maalai Soodum Manamagalum Neethandiyamma
    Intha Manamaganai Kan Thiranthu paaradiyammaa
    Paaradiyamma Ohoho Hohoi


    The above is a song that Thindukkal Leoni never misses to praise when describing some of the best descriptive songs of Kannadasan.


    This was another film that was taken within the studio with low budget. KUDUMBA THALAIVAN became one more film that made KVM proud of his achievement.




    DHARMAM THALAI KAAKKUM (1963)
    This is a film that has a title to boost and promote MGR as a philanthropist. MGR appears as a doctor for the first time.

    P. Suseela and group sing a song in praise of the fairer sex.


    Azhagana vazhaimarathottam
    Athil Aadivarum Thanga Mayilaattam



    Again the nature description continues in the golden voice of P. Suseela:

    Paravaikale Paravaikale Enge Vantheenga
    Inge Pazhutha Pazham KIdakkuthunaa Paarkka Vantheenga


    A solo by TMS:

    Dharmam Thalai Kaakum
    Thakka Samayathil Uyir Kaakum
    Kooda Irunthe Kuzhi Parithaalum
    Koduthathu Kaathu Nikkum


    There is nice a duet by TMS and P. Suseela. (This was banned by AIR for some time. Readers would know the reason. The other song that was banned is Ithuvarai Neengal Paartha Paarvai frompanakkara Kudumbam)

    Thottu Vida Thottu Vida Thodarum
    Kai Pattuvida Patuvida Valarum

    Another wonderful gem by TMS and PS:


    Mood Pani Kulireduthu
    Mullai Malar Theneduthu
    Manathil Valar Mogamathai Theerthidavaa
    Inbam Serthidavaa


    One more Duet by TMS and PS:

    Hello Hello Sugmaa
    Aamaam Neenga Nalamaa

    TMS gives a philosophical solo that was very well received by the fans:


    Oruvar Manathu Onbathadaa- Athil
    Olinthukkidappathu Enbathada


    NEETHIKKU PIN PAASAM (1963) 100 days
    This is another film of Devar that brought good songs.


    Again, P. Suseelaa cxomes with a solo describing nature:

    Kadu Kodutha Kani Irukku
    Kazhani Velanja Nellirukku
    Odu Thirantha Panjirukku
    Unna Udutha vagai Irukku.


    TMS and PS come with aduet, picturised on MGR teaching Saro how to ride a bicycle:

    Akkam Pakkam Paakkathey
    Aalai Kandu Miralaathey
    Iduppai Iduppai Valaikkathey
    Handle baaarai Odikkathey


    One more duet by TMS and P.S:


    Maanallavo Kankal Thanthathu
    Mayilallavo Sayal Thanthathu
    Thenallavo Ithazhai thanthathu
    Silai Allavo Azhagai Thanthahu

    Another duet by TMS and PS:

    Idi Idichi Mazhai Pozhinthu Ellam Ninnachu
    Nenjil Iruntha vaasal Thiranthu Vachu
    Irandum Onnaachu


    A solo by P.S:

    Vaanga Vaanga Gopalaiya
    Vazhakku Enna Kelungaiya


    A sad solo by TMS;

    Ponaale Ponale
    Oru poovumillaamal
    Pottumillamal Ponale


    A duet by TMS and P.S:

    Sirthaalum Pothume Sevvanam Thonume
    Paarthaale Pothume
    Pazhachaaru Oorume Ahahahahaha

    Neethikku Pin Pasam is one more film that carried the good name of KVM for a fine job done.


  • From: A. Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 30 01:06:24 EDT 2002



    PART 36

    VETTAIKKARAN (1964) 100 days
    Vettaikkaran has some of the best songs of KVM. Kannadasan has again done much justice in giving good lyrics. TMS and PS are to be equally credited for singing with lively feelings.


    There is a motivation song that is always played in many motivation gatherings.

    Unnai Arinthaal-Nee
    Unnai Arinthaal
    Ulakathil Poradalaam
    Uyarnthaalum Thaazhnthaalum
    Thalai Vanagaamal nee Vaazhalaam




    P. Suseela sings this solo:

    Kannanukkethanai Kovilo

    Then comes a controversial duet by TMS and PS:

    Methuva Methuva Thodalaama-En
    Meniyile Kai padalaama
    Vetkam Ippothu Varalaama
    Nee Vilaki Chelvathum Sarithaanaa


    Another solo by TMS and PS:


    KathanayaganKathai Sonnaan-Antha
    Kannukkullum Intha Pennukkullum
    Kathanaayagi Kathai SOnnaal-Anthak
    Kannukkullum Intha Nenjukkullum



    One more duet by TMS and PS:

    Manjal Mugame Varuga
    Mangala Vilakke Varuga
    Konjum Thamizhe Varuga
    Kodana Kodi tharuga


    AL Ragavan and LR Eswary sing this song:

    Seettukkattu Raaja

    TMS gives this solo:

    Velli Nilaa Mutrathile
    Vilakkeriya Vilakkeriya
    Ullam Enum Thamarayil Unai Eduthu
    Konduvanthen Konduvanthen Oh


    KVM was once again at his best. But Devar feared that this movie might become a flop, as Karnan- a big banner movie of Bantulu was released and competing at the same time. Devar did one thing. He advertised that the leopards that acted in Vettaikaran would be placed in the cinema hall where Vettaikkaran was screened. So the crowd rushed to the theatre. Vettaikkaran is one of the only three films that Savithiri acted with MGR. There was a generally held view that only Saroja Devi could move and act very closely with MGR. To prove her wrong, Savithri acted extremely closely with MGR. Families avoided seeing this movie. (Extremely close- by the standard set in those days) Somehow the songs became instant hits.


    THOZHILAALI (1964)

    THOZHILAALI was a different type of Devar movie. Here Kannadasan was not used for writing lyrics. Again most of the songs were very slow moving. Among the Devar movies, THOZHILALI has a modern hit song.


    P.Suseela gives a song written by K. Sundram. This happens to be a great dance number picturised on Ratna and KR Vijaya.

    Kalai Vantha Vitham Kelu Kanne

    S. Janaki and P Suseela give this song in praise of MGR:

    Azhagan Ashagan Perazhagan
    Kanni Malaraddum aanazhagan


    Seergazhi Govinderajan sings this song written by Aalangudi Somu:

    Aazham Theriyaamal Kaalai Vittu


    There is a modern hit by TMS and P.S:

    Valarvathu Kannukku Theriyale
    Sugam valaruthu


    The most famous song in this film is a solo by TMS written by Aalangudi Somu:

    Aandavan Ulagathil Mudalaali
    Avanukku Naan Oru Thozhilaali
    Annai Ulakin Madiyin Meethu
    Anaivarum Enathu Koottaali


    There is a duet by TMS and PS written by Mayavanathan:

    Enna Koduppai Enna Koduppai

    Another duet by the same pair:

    Varuga Varuga Thirumagalin Muthal magale


    While Savithri was close to MGR in Vettaikkaran, Ratna was trying to be even closer than that. These were write ups of those days. The film somehow did not run as expected.

    KANNITHAAI (1965)


    Kannithaai was an average movie for Devar.

    The songs are:

    Enrum Pathinaaru by TMS and PS


    Vaayara Mutham Thanthu Vanna Pennuk Konjuthu by PS

    Maanaa Poranthaa kaattukku Raani by TMS and PS

    Ammadi Thookkamaa by TMS and PS.


    Kelamma Chinna Ponnu Kelu by TMS


    This film has created history. There was a theatre near Anna Membaalam called Saffire. It is now the property of ADMK I think. This theatre used to screen only English movies. But Kannithaai was the first film to be screened here.


    MUGARASI (1966)
    This was another average movie. But noe one knows how it made to 100 days. The songs in this movie are;


    A solo by TMS:
    UNdaakki Vittavarkal Rendu Peru
    Inge Konduvanthu Pottavarkal naaalu Peru
    Kondaadum Pothu Oru Nooru Peru
    Uyir Koodu Vittu Pona Pinee Kooda Yaaru?


    A solo by PS:
    Thannerennum Kannadi
    Thazhuvuthu Munnadi


    Mugathai Kaatti Kaatti
    Moodikolvathu Nyayamaa by TMS and PS

    Unakkum Enakkumthaan Porutham
    Ithu Ethanai Knkalukku Varutham by TMS and PS.

    This film was produced within 13 days and became a 100 days hit.


    THANIPPIRAVI (1966)

    Thanippiravi is a famous movie as not only it contained good songs, but also stirred controversies.

    The controversial duet by TMS and PS that had been quoted in Jayakanthan’s Cinemavukku Pona Chithaalu is this song:

    PS: Orey Muraithaan Unnodu Pesi Paarthen
    Neeyoru Thanippiravi Ore Mayakkam
    Ammamma Pothum Pothum Yenini Maruppiravi
    Vanam Paartha Poomiyin Mele
    Mazhai Ena Vanthaaye

    TMS: Neelam Pootha Vizhigalinaale Nee nenai Azhaithgaye
    PS: Vasanthak Kaala Pookalin mele Vandena Amarnthaaye
    TMS: Amarntha Vandu Paranthuvidaamal Aasayil Anaithaaye

    PS: Kaalaiyar Tholai Thedi Mahizhnthaal Kaathal Suvaiyaagum
    TMS: Kanni Pennin kannadi Vizhunthaal Kallum Malaraagum
    PS: Pollaa Manathil Aasai Pugunthaal Pozhuthum Pagaiyaagum
    TMS: Pullanguzhalil Kaatru Nuzhanithaal
    Puthu Puthu Isaiyaagum


    This is a famous duet by TMS and PS:


    Kannathil Ennadi Kaayam
    Ithu Vannakkili S\eitha Maayam
    Kani Uthattil Ennadi Thadippu
    Panikkatrinile Vantha VEdippu


    The famous solo by TMS is:
    Uzhaikkum Kaikale
    Uruvaakkum Kaikale
    Ulakai Puthumurayil
    Undaakkum Kaikale

    Another average duet by TMS and PS:

    Neram Nalla Neram

    A modern hit by PS:

    Sirippena Sirippenna Sinnamma

    The solo by PS that has many implications is:

    Ethirpaaramal nadanthathadi
    Mugam Kannnukkul Vizhunthathadi

    In the above song, MGR appears as Lord Murugan and this invited heavy shelling from the DMK supporters. Earlier Sivaji Ganesan was hit for going to Thirupathy. But here MGR daringly appeared as Murugan. MGR was cornered to give explanation. He said that Devar was a Murugan Bakthan and he wanted to see MGR in the form of Murugan and so he appeared so. In the 1990 elections, Jayalalitha used this Murugan-Valli poster for election campaign, and she won! Whatever said and done, the song is indeed extremely wonderful with KVM at his best again.







    THAAIKKU THALAIMAGAN (1967)

    This is an average movie with average songs.

    Anthikku Mele Antha Nilavai Santhikkalaama is a modern hit by LRE

    Vazha Vendum Sugam Valaravendum is a duet by TMS and PS.


    Paarthukondathu Kannukku Kannu is a duet by TMS and PS

    Annai Endru Aagum Munne Aaraaro padavanthen is a solo by PS.




    VIVASAYYEE (1967)
    VIVASAYEE is historical for MGR. After Petralthaan Pillaiya MGR Was shot on 12 January 1967-Pongal eve. After he recovered MGR completed small portions in Kavalkaaran. But the full film that he acted following the shooting incident was VIVASAYYEE. Many rushed to see the reborn MGR with his new voice. But the film had wonderful songs:



    Vivasayee Vivasaayee, a high-pitched song by TMS

    TMS gives this solo:

    EWnnamma Singara kannamma
    Pakkam Vantha Pinne VEtkam Varalaama
    Paarkaponaal Neeyum naanum Onnamma


    TMS and PS give this duet:
    Kaathal enthan Meethil Enraal Kaathil INikiirathu
    Thaali kattikolla Thatti Kalithaal
    Kavalaipdaukirathu-Manasu Kavalai Padukirathu

    TMS gives this solo:

    Ippadithaan Irukka Vendum Pombalai


    Evaridathum Thavaru Illai, a sad solo by PS


    Nalla nalla Nilam Paarthu Naamum Vithai Vithaikkanum by TMS


    THERTHIRUVIZHA (1968)
    This was an average film with good songs.

    Thanjavoor Semayile by PS and TMS. This is a good song

    Mazhai Muthu Muthu Panthalittu – a duet by TMS and PS

    Adikkattuma Murasu Adikkattuma –a good duet by TMS and PS


    There is a good duet by TMS and PS.

    Sithaadai Katti Irukkum Chittu-China Chittu
    Un Paarvai Minvettu
    Singaara Kaikalil Ennai Kattu
    Nenjai Thottu Un anbai Nee KOttu



    KAATHAL VAAGANAM

    “Aanaikkum Adi Sarukkum” This was a blow to MGR , KVM and Devar. It is not worth even commenting on this movie.



    Enna Men Ponnu Naan is a solo by LR Eswary. This is the second movie where MGR appears as a female in his cinema career. Here he looks, unfortunately really horrid!

    Adakku Manathai Adakku by TMS


    Vanakkam En Vanakkam by PS.

    Inge Va Inge Vaa or Ragasiyam by PB Seenivas and PS.

    Vaa Ponnukku Pottu Vaikka Vaa by TMS and PS

    Attangal Onna Rendaa is by LR Eswary.


    No further comment!


    NALLA NERAM (1972) 100 days

    This is the only colour film of Devar where MGR acted. This is the remake of Hathi Mere Saathi.

    The songs here are above average:

    A duet by TMS and PS:

    Tik Tik Tik Tik
    Ithu Manasukku Thaalam

    Another duet by TMS and PS:

    Nee Thottal Engum Ponnagumne
    En Meni Ennagumo





    Another solo by TMS:

    Aagattumdaa Thamby Raja Nadaraja
    Methuvaa Thallaiyaa Pathamaa Sellaiyaa
    Karukulle Pennirukku Pathukko
    Kannirendum Ponnu Mele Pottukko


    A solo by TMS:

    Odi Odi Ulaikkanum
    Oorukkellam Kodukkanuim
    Aadippadi Nadakkanum
    Anbai Naalum Valarkkanum


    END OF KVM in DEVAR FILMS ACTED BY MGR
    In short, some of the best gems of KVM come from Devar films. Most of the Devar films did not have very good storylines, but they never failed to carry great songs. When listing some of the best songs of KVM one would never miss the songs from Devar films.

    MGR was so much indebted to Devar. When he was the CM he did pay the due respect to the Devar family. MGR felt that Devar films had helped very much in boosting him. While that may be true from the political front, it is equally true that the songs too had been highly instrumental in pushing the needed image of MGR.



    QUITTING

    Dear readers,
    Owing to work pressure, I have posted the last part of Devar Film movies in brevity. I am sorry that I have to now quit to concentrate on some important office matters.

    I wish to thank all those who had participated in the discussions with open frankness, without which my own mistakes would have been accepted as absolute truth. The credit rightfully ought to be shared by those who had corrected me.

    I hope the many other knowledgeable persons found in abundance here would continue the discussions on KVM. He is an ocean indeed, and I think I have just touched the shore alone.

    Thank you.
    Anbudan,

    A. Manisegaran

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 30 02:41:27 EDT 2002



    Dear Saravanan,

    Thanks for this interesting question. I may want to expand further.

    The vinly records indicate that in Kannithaai

    Kelamma Chinna Ponnu is by Panju Arunasalam, and another song catalogue (not song book) says it is Kannadasan.

    Yendrum Pathinaaru is by kannadasan

    Ammadi Thookkamma is by Kannadasan

    Vaayara Mutham Thanthu is by by Kannadasan


    I dont trust the song vinly records in full because they too do not give the exact truth. We should by now know the story of URIMAIKKURAL. The record says Vizhiye Kathai Ezhuthu is by Vali. But it is by Kannadasan. Likewise the record says Malligai EN Mannan mayangum is by Kannadasan. But it is by vali.

    The record says Kan Mai Enthum Vizhiyaada in Poojaikku Vantha Malaris by Vali. But actually by Kannadasan.

    Next, do we believe what those directly involved inthe cinema industry say? I dont.
    For example Mukta Seenivasan who had been involved in Tamil cinema from 1947 ( 55 years now) has written a book on history of Tamil cinema, in which he makes grievious mistakes.
    Mukta Seenivasan says Haridass ran for slightly more than one year. (Actually more than two years)

    Mukta seenivasan says Ulage Maayam was by CR Subbaraman. (Actually my MSV)

    Vali who had been invoilved from 1956 also makes mistakes in his book "Naanum Intha Nootraandum"

    I posted saying that Thai Piranthaal vazhi Pirakkum song was by Jikki and you rightly pointed out that Jikki has no song in the film. You are right. I was taaken for a ride by the compilation of Maruthakazi songs.

    MDs too make mistake after mistakes. MSV had once said that Antha Naal Nyabagam Nenjile Vanthathe Nanbane in Uyarntha Manithan was written by kanadasan. Vali has denied this and established that he was the one who wrote it.

    I have enough material for a long article on this.

    So it depends what is our source. Different sources may give different details. This is what I had feared all along. And that is the very reason why I dare not or wish not "correct" some opposing views. Sometimes the cine personalities are to be blamed.


    Coming back to sum up, Panju was with Kannadasan for along time, and had written many snongs and they came under the name of Kannadasan- a fact!. Panju wanted to be independednt but had no guts. When Kannadasan was a bit late for composing song for Sarada, Panju composed the full song and Kannadasan came on time and corrected one line- Kunamirukkum Kulamirukkum Engal Vasalil"

    But he wanted to be independent. Kannadasan was touring Malaysia, and the film Gowravam was delayed as the songs were not written at all. Panju asked the producers to give him the chance to write for the entire film. The producers were grat fans of Kannadasan and refused. As Kannadasan returned, he was told of the scheming by Panju. Kannadsan go so wild, and immediately he found a way of hitting Panju and a situation was already there in the film The song is "Palootti Valartha Kili" If only someone could give teh full lyrics we can enjoy reading the lines in full.

    Therafter, Panju had to beon his own.

    Likewise, please allow me to say one more piece. Pugazhendhi compose many songs and they came out under the name of KVM with the full consent and approval of Pugazhendhi. he wanted it that way. Do you remember Ponni THirunaal? What great songs we have there? WOW! All were by Pugazhendhi, but came out under the name of KVM.

    So, I still maintain that we are all quoting diferent details depending on where we pick up the news.

    I need about a few hours to do one posting andthis affects my job. I cannot go on like this. However, from my psoting you can see how mush my soul is immersed in the subject matter. Just cannot go on. It nis too deep a subject that needs much reference. KINARU VETTA BOOTHAM has emerged.

    Sorry, long winded, but I believe this is relevant to some extent.

    Could someone give the full song -Palootti Valartha Kili please?

    Thank you,

    Manisegaran.

  • From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 30 20:35:36 EDT 2002


    Saravanan,

    You are right. Thayaga Maarava and Oor Azhutha Velayile in Ezhai Pangalan is by Panju. The most wonderful song "Manathil Enna Mayakkan" by TMS and P.Suseela picturised on Gemini Ganesan and Rahini is also by Panju. Veettukku Vantha Machan by P.S. is by Vali.

    In Kaattu Roja of Modern Theatres, the songs of Kanadasan are:

    Vandondru Vanthathu by TMS and PS

    Chinna Chinna Kannanukku Enna VEndum by TMS and PS

    Chinna Chinna Kanni Enakku (Sad) by PS.

    Entha Oor Enravane by PBS

    Kathavu Thiranthathaa by PS

    Enadi Roja Ennadi Ninaippu by PS .

    TO expand:This song was written in favour of Padmini, and hitting at Saroja Devi in real life. The early 1960s was the time when Saroja Devi was at the height of her glory. Almost all her movies were great hits. She was said to be the only one who had acted with all the active male stars and made successful movies. Padmini married and went off to USA and there was a rumour that she would be settling there for good. But she returned soon, and was booked for Kaattu Roja with SSR (the only film of this pair next to Raja Desing) Kannadsan wrote this song to sound as though she was addressing Saroja Devi

    Enadi Roja (SarojaDevi)

    Ennadi Sirippu Ethanai Kandaiyo
    Andru (USA)Ponaval Inru Vanthuvittaaal
    Enru Punnagai Seithayo

    Im not sure of other lines, but it goes on to say that

    Naan Chinthira Pennmaiyadi (Deiva Kuzhandaiyadi)
    Ethanai Kaalangal Marinapothilum
    Enrum Ilamayadi
    Enakku Enrum Ilamaiyadi


    The song is written as though Padmini sings to a rose flower, but allegorically refers to Saroja Devi.
    .....

    There is one song by Panju and that is "Ennai Paaru" by Jamunarani.

    Naanum Manithan Thaan is by GK Venkadesh. The song by Panju is "Kaatru Varum Kalamithu" by PBS and S.Janaki- a wonderful song and would remain one of my favourites

    The other songs are:

    Intha Intha Nillu by TMS and LRE-lyrics by Trichy Thiagarajan

    Vaa Vaa Vaa En thalaiva by S.Janaki-Lyrics by Trichy Thiagarajan

    Naanum manithan Thanadaa by TMS-lyrics by Kannadasan.

    I think this is Anandan's own picture, acted by him and Sheela (one time wife of Malaysia Ravichandran)



    In Kalangarai Vilakkam the song Ponnezhil Poothathu, as your rightly pointed out is by Panju Arunasalam. In a radio interview he had mentioned that it was this song that gave him actual recognition as an independent song writer. Just look at the wordings, one could think of two things- the training under Kannadasan and the poetic strength of Panju himself.

    I wanted to fetch Rajinikanth, Sri Devi and SP Muthuraman for the shooting of Priya in 1978, and wanted to get first hand info fromPanju, but when they landed in Kuala Lumpur airport, Panju was already fully "loaded" So I had to satisfy with his radio interviews.


    Are you from Viruthunagar? Sivakasi is not very far. If you happen to go to Avani Nadar Theru in SIvakasi, there is a shop having thousands of old records-78 RPM. Im not sure of the door number. You can get more details from the records.

    Thank you for the lyrics on Palootti Valartha kili. Kannadasan was coming to Malaysia very often in the 1970s and in one of his visits he mentioned this to a few of us.

    Once again thanks for so much input.

    manisegaran

  • 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: 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: 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!