Heavy Rotation: Vidyasagar (Part IV)
Who has sung the most songs for Vidyasagar? Sujatha? Madhu Balakrishnan? Balram? K. J. Yesudas? P. Jayachandran? Or is it Chithra? I feel it's Sujatha, but I could be wrong!
Kaadhal Vandhadhum, Thalaattum Kaatre, Pudhu Malar Thottu (Poovellam Un Vasam) - Beautiful melodies from the melody master Vidyasagar with pitch-perfect vocal backing from K. J. Yesudas, Sadhana Sargam, Shankar Mahadevan and Sriram Parthasarathy.
Nilavile Nilavile (Aahaa Ethanai Azhagu), Ithanundu Muthathile (Dhool), Pathinettu Vayathil (Villain) - I'm addicted to the three songs, and will always be. It's the tune, but it's also Madhushree — Nilavile... marks her Tamil debut as well — and Udit Narayan's singing that's doing the trick.
Naan Varaindhu Vaitha (Jayamkondaan) - Hariharan and Madhushree effortlessly glide through with their soulful rendition of this lovely melody.
Ding Dong (Ji) - Madhushree at it again, this time joining hands with Madhu Balakrishnan for an absolutely delightful romantic duet.
Enna Enna (Joot) - Very Vidyasagar and very Ilaiyaraaja! And Vijay Yesudas is in top form.
Raa Raa/ Vaarai Naan Unnai Thedi (Chandramukhi) - Even though the original sung by Binny Krishnakumar is phenomenal, Nithyasree's version in Telugu is altogether on a whole new level. It's also one of the very few songs she has sung for Vidyasagar, the other being Thoongum Puli from the movie Puratchikkaaran.
Thajam Thajam (Mahesh, Saranya Matrum Palar) - Binny Krishnakumar aces this Carnatic-leaning composition spectacularly well, but props to Vidyasagar for crafting such an inventive tune.
Aalanguyil Koovum Rayyil, Kanaa Kandaenadi (Parthiban Kanavu) - The lilting tunes notwithstanding, how can you not fall in love with Madhu Balakrishnan's voice!
Kandaen Kandaen, Iru Vizhiyo, Nenjathilae, Medhuva Medhuva (Pirivom Santhippom) - A fantastic soundtrack abound with Carnatic-leaning melodies and a must listen.
Vaarthinkal Thellalle (Dreams) - That flute in the second interlude, damn!
Thanka Thinkal (Indraprastham) - It's not just Vellinila Thullikalo that features M. G. Sreekumar and Chithra in fabulous form, this song, from Vidyasagar's third film in Malayalam, is equally splendorous.
Chingamaasam (Meesa Madhavan), Pakkaala Paadan Vaa (Dreams), Chi Chi Chi, Thai Maasam (Majaa), Machan Peru Madhurey (Madhurey), Hey Meenalochani (Vedham), Vaadi Vaadi Nattukkattai (Alli Thandha Vaanam), Thappu Thanda (Villain) - Absurdly foot-tapping and so peppy, with impeccable, buoyant purchase from Shankar Mahadevan.
Mazhayil Kulitha, Oru Nila, Imai Thoothane, Thozha Vaanam (Ilaignan) - One of the most outstanding efforts by Vidyasagar, so grandiose and opulent in terms of composition and arrangement.
Anujudai Lakshmanudu, Kasthuri Thilakam, Adhi Needhani Idhi Naadhani, Ramaa Vinodhi Vallabha, Okka Kshanam (Swarabhishekam) - Vidyasagar hails from Vizianagaram, and so it's perhaps fitting that he got his much deserved National Award for a Telugu film. You can listen to the whole soundtrack here.
Raappothu (Nethaji), Hello Hello (Villain), Thai Maasam (Majaa), Appadi Podu (Ghilli) - Thai Maasam deserves a second mention just for Anuradha Sriram, who flexes her vocals to fantastic effect! Ghilli, featuring songs like Appadi Podu, Soora Thenga, Sha La La, Arjunaru Villu and Kokkarakko, might as well be one of those few four-quadrant soundtracks that's catchy as much as it's incredibly appealing.
Ippavae Ippavae (Raman Thediya Seethai), Kandaen Kandaen (Madhurey), Manjin Velli Thooval Chutti (Paappi Appacha), Manchadi Mazha, Ravereyayi (Rock 'n' Roll), Oru Kili, Thangakkili (Paramasivan), Thendral Ennum (Pasa Kiligal), Vizhiyum Vizhiyum (Sadhurangam), Pesa Marandhaayae (Mozhi), Konjam Neram (Chandramukhi), Sollitharavaa (Majaa) - More of Madhu Balakrishnan please. I simply cannot get enough of his voice! Vidyasagar would go on and reuse Sollitharavaa for Majaa's Kannada remake Kaamannana Makkalu as Nanna Kanase, with Hariharan and Chithra on the vocals.
Nizhalaadum Deepame, Virahini Raadhe, Muthaaram Muthundu, Raara Venu (Mister Butler) - Carefully constructed ear-pleasing pop that's not shy about its intense classical influences, and the blend can only be summed up as delectable.
Kaathiruppoo, Pinneyum Pinneyum (Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu) - K. J. Yesudas' voice is so perfect, I literally cannot imagine anyone else in his place.
Enthe Innum Vanneela, Ninakkente, Paikkurumbiye Meykkum (Gramophone) - One of Vidyasagar's enchanting experiments with Hindustani, ghazal and sufi music, not to mention a fabulous Balram Iyer, who made his Malayalam singing debut with Paikkurumbiye...
Otthhu Thanni Aathoda (Magizhchi), Moolipaattum Paadi (Makeup Man), Yaradu (Kaavalan), Engey Engey (Sadhurangam), Neenda Mounam (Alibhabha), Nee Vendum (Varnajalam), En Ragasiya Kanavukal (Alai), Thendralukku Nee (Arai En 305-il Kadavul), Thaamthakka Dheemthakka (Thirumalai), Iruvar Vazhvum (Aathi) - Karthik is so effortless a singer, I am not surprised he has aced every single kind of song thrown at him.
Kaalai Arumbi (Kana Kandaen) - Kana Kandaen and Chandrolsavam both released within weeks of each other in 2005, but what's more interesting is his reinterpretation of Aaraarum, giving it a slightly more contemporary spin in Srinivas and Kalyani's superlative rendition.
Ettu Muzha (Karmegham) - Unni Menon has had a steady presence in A. R. Rahman's discography right from Roja to Rhythm, but not so much in Vidyasagar's. Which is all the more surprising given the latter's amazing work in Malayalam. That said, Ettu Muzha is a delightful melody, its folky tilt beautifully complemented by noted composer Salil Chowdhury's daughter Antara.
Devuda Devuda, Athinthom (Chandramukhi) - S.P.B. did sing a lot of memorable tunes for Vidyasagar in the 90's, but the 2000's were far and few, the most prominent ones being Thirumalai (Azhagooril), Anbe Sivam (Mouname Paarvayai), Poi (La La La), Thavasi (Desing Raja Thaan), and of course, this insanely energetic folk fusion Devuda Devuda.
Orae Manam (Villain), Malai Kaatru (Vedham), Ennai Konja Konja (Aathi), Thavamindri Kidaitha Varame (Anbu), Sinthamani Sinthamani (Aahaa Enna Porutham), Maragatha Mazhaithuli Neeye, Malare Nee Vazhga (Power of Women), Poothirukkum Vaname (Pudhayal), Udaiyatha Vennila (Priyam), O Dilruba (Azhakiya Ravanan), Mayikayamam (Sidhartha), Kiss Lamhe Ki (Randam Bhavam) - I don't know if I would even survive without listening to Hariharan at least once a day. His heavenly voice is the ultimate bliss!
Adi Thozhi (Thendral), Mazhai Nindra (Raman Thediya Seethai) - Kalyani delivering again, this time going solo for the captivating folk-laden melodies.
Kaadhal Vandhadhum, Thalaattum Kaatre, Pudhu Malar Thottu (Poovellam Un Vasam) - Beautiful melodies from the melody master Vidyasagar with pitch-perfect vocal backing from K. J. Yesudas, Sadhana Sargam, Shankar Mahadevan and Sriram Parthasarathy.
Nilavile Nilavile (Aahaa Ethanai Azhagu), Ithanundu Muthathile (Dhool), Pathinettu Vayathil (Villain) - I'm addicted to the three songs, and will always be. It's the tune, but it's also Madhushree — Nilavile... marks her Tamil debut as well — and Udit Narayan's singing that's doing the trick.
Naan Varaindhu Vaitha (Jayamkondaan) - Hariharan and Madhushree effortlessly glide through with their soulful rendition of this lovely melody.
Ding Dong (Ji) - Madhushree at it again, this time joining hands with Madhu Balakrishnan for an absolutely delightful romantic duet.
Enna Enna (Joot) - Very Vidyasagar and very Ilaiyaraaja! And Vijay Yesudas is in top form.
Raa Raa/ Vaarai Naan Unnai Thedi (Chandramukhi) - Even though the original sung by Binny Krishnakumar is phenomenal, Nithyasree's version in Telugu is altogether on a whole new level. It's also one of the very few songs she has sung for Vidyasagar, the other being Thoongum Puli from the movie Puratchikkaaran.
Thajam Thajam (Mahesh, Saranya Matrum Palar) - Binny Krishnakumar aces this Carnatic-leaning composition spectacularly well, but props to Vidyasagar for crafting such an inventive tune.
Aalanguyil Koovum Rayyil, Kanaa Kandaenadi (Parthiban Kanavu) - The lilting tunes notwithstanding, how can you not fall in love with Madhu Balakrishnan's voice!
Kandaen Kandaen, Iru Vizhiyo, Nenjathilae, Medhuva Medhuva (Pirivom Santhippom) - A fantastic soundtrack abound with Carnatic-leaning melodies and a must listen.
Vaarthinkal Thellalle (Dreams) - That flute in the second interlude, damn!
Thanka Thinkal (Indraprastham) - It's not just Vellinila Thullikalo that features M. G. Sreekumar and Chithra in fabulous form, this song, from Vidyasagar's third film in Malayalam, is equally splendorous.
Chingamaasam (Meesa Madhavan), Pakkaala Paadan Vaa (Dreams), Chi Chi Chi, Thai Maasam (Majaa), Machan Peru Madhurey (Madhurey), Hey Meenalochani (Vedham), Vaadi Vaadi Nattukkattai (Alli Thandha Vaanam), Thappu Thanda (Villain) - Absurdly foot-tapping and so peppy, with impeccable, buoyant purchase from Shankar Mahadevan.
Mazhayil Kulitha, Oru Nila, Imai Thoothane, Thozha Vaanam (Ilaignan) - One of the most outstanding efforts by Vidyasagar, so grandiose and opulent in terms of composition and arrangement.
Anujudai Lakshmanudu, Kasthuri Thilakam, Adhi Needhani Idhi Naadhani, Ramaa Vinodhi Vallabha, Okka Kshanam (Swarabhishekam) - Vidyasagar hails from Vizianagaram, and so it's perhaps fitting that he got his much deserved National Award for a Telugu film. You can listen to the whole soundtrack here.
Raappothu (Nethaji), Hello Hello (Villain), Thai Maasam (Majaa), Appadi Podu (Ghilli) - Thai Maasam deserves a second mention just for Anuradha Sriram, who flexes her vocals to fantastic effect! Ghilli, featuring songs like Appadi Podu, Soora Thenga, Sha La La, Arjunaru Villu and Kokkarakko, might as well be one of those few four-quadrant soundtracks that's catchy as much as it's incredibly appealing.
Ippavae Ippavae (Raman Thediya Seethai), Kandaen Kandaen (Madhurey), Manjin Velli Thooval Chutti (Paappi Appacha), Manchadi Mazha, Ravereyayi (Rock 'n' Roll), Oru Kili, Thangakkili (Paramasivan), Thendral Ennum (Pasa Kiligal), Vizhiyum Vizhiyum (Sadhurangam), Pesa Marandhaayae (Mozhi), Konjam Neram (Chandramukhi), Sollitharavaa (Majaa) - More of Madhu Balakrishnan please. I simply cannot get enough of his voice! Vidyasagar would go on and reuse Sollitharavaa for Majaa's Kannada remake Kaamannana Makkalu as Nanna Kanase, with Hariharan and Chithra on the vocals.
Nizhalaadum Deepame, Virahini Raadhe, Muthaaram Muthundu, Raara Venu (Mister Butler) - Carefully constructed ear-pleasing pop that's not shy about its intense classical influences, and the blend can only be summed up as delectable.
Kaathiruppoo, Pinneyum Pinneyum (Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu) - K. J. Yesudas' voice is so perfect, I literally cannot imagine anyone else in his place.
Enthe Innum Vanneela, Ninakkente, Paikkurumbiye Meykkum (Gramophone) - One of Vidyasagar's enchanting experiments with Hindustani, ghazal and sufi music, not to mention a fabulous Balram Iyer, who made his Malayalam singing debut with Paikkurumbiye...
Otthhu Thanni Aathoda (Magizhchi), Moolipaattum Paadi (Makeup Man), Yaradu (Kaavalan), Engey Engey (Sadhurangam), Neenda Mounam (Alibhabha), Nee Vendum (Varnajalam), En Ragasiya Kanavukal (Alai), Thendralukku Nee (Arai En 305-il Kadavul), Thaamthakka Dheemthakka (Thirumalai), Iruvar Vazhvum (Aathi) - Karthik is so effortless a singer, I am not surprised he has aced every single kind of song thrown at him.
Kaalai Arumbi (Kana Kandaen) - Kana Kandaen and Chandrolsavam both released within weeks of each other in 2005, but what's more interesting is his reinterpretation of Aaraarum, giving it a slightly more contemporary spin in Srinivas and Kalyani's superlative rendition.
Ettu Muzha (Karmegham) - Unni Menon has had a steady presence in A. R. Rahman's discography right from Roja to Rhythm, but not so much in Vidyasagar's. Which is all the more surprising given the latter's amazing work in Malayalam. That said, Ettu Muzha is a delightful melody, its folky tilt beautifully complemented by noted composer Salil Chowdhury's daughter Antara.
Devuda Devuda, Athinthom (Chandramukhi) - S.P.B. did sing a lot of memorable tunes for Vidyasagar in the 90's, but the 2000's were far and few, the most prominent ones being Thirumalai (Azhagooril), Anbe Sivam (Mouname Paarvayai), Poi (La La La), Thavasi (Desing Raja Thaan), and of course, this insanely energetic folk fusion Devuda Devuda.
Orae Manam (Villain), Malai Kaatru (Vedham), Ennai Konja Konja (Aathi), Thavamindri Kidaitha Varame (Anbu), Sinthamani Sinthamani (Aahaa Enna Porutham), Maragatha Mazhaithuli Neeye, Malare Nee Vazhga (Power of Women), Poothirukkum Vaname (Pudhayal), Udaiyatha Vennila (Priyam), O Dilruba (Azhakiya Ravanan), Mayikayamam (Sidhartha), Kiss Lamhe Ki (Randam Bhavam) - I don't know if I would even survive without listening to Hariharan at least once a day. His heavenly voice is the ultimate bliss!
Adi Thozhi (Thendral), Mazhai Nindra (Raman Thediya Seethai) - Kalyani delivering again, this time going solo for the captivating folk-laden melodies.
Comments
Post a Comment