Exploring the Enigma Called Illaiyaraja – Episode 4

In the previous episode, we looked at some of Illaiyaraja’s popular and notable soundtracks of 1978 – the year that saw 24 of his films being released. Even at that stage a monthly average of 2 complete soundtracks with background scores was a formidable feat, but this was only the beginning of the wonder called Illaiyaraja.

10 August 1978 saw the release of Bharathiraja’s second film, following the runaway success of Pathinaaru Vayathiniley. Titled Kizhakke Pogum Rayil, the film was a box-office hit which also won many awards – including the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Male Playback singer for Malaysia Vasudevan for the songs Kovil Maniyosai and Malargale. The song that attracted the most praise from music critics, however, was P. Jayachandran’s rendition of Maanjolai Killithano.

Five days after the release of Kizhakke Pogum Rayil was the release of Mullum Malarum which starred Rajinikanth, Shoba and Sarath Babu.

The film marked the directorial debut of Mahendran, who was to have a rock solid relationship with Illaiyaraja. Mahendran had begun his career as a story writer with the 1966 film Naam Moovar and his many story credits include Sabaash Thambi, Panakaara Pillai, Nirai Kudam, Ganga and Thirudi. He then became a scriptwriter through Sivaji Ganesan’s Thanga Pathakkam, continuing as a scriptwriter until the Kamalhaasan- Rajinikanth starrer, Aadu Puli Aattam.

For Mullum Malarum, Mahendran engaged the assistance of Balu Mahendra who also handled the cinematography. The film had a slow start at the box-office but ended up being a hit. More importantly, it won widespread critical praise for its unusual approach to filmmaking and won multiple awards. The film is now a reference point for many directors and aspirant directors. The film earned Rajinikanth praise for his maturation as an actor, earning also the praise of his mentor, K. Balachander. MG Ramachandran also praised the film as a trend-setter for Indian cinema, exploring film as a dominantly visual medium. Illaiyaraja’s music played a pivotal role in the film’s success and the varied soundtrack included the hit song Senthazhum Poovil penned by Kannadasan and sung by K.J. Yesudas. The relationship formed between Mahendran and Illaiyaraja for this film would remain until Mahendran’s death on 02 April 2019.

Three days before Deepavali 1978, on 28 October 1978, was the release of Bharathiraja’s third directorial, Sigappu Rojakkal. The film proved to everyone that Bharathiraja was not confined to the rural milieu and could make modern films as well as anyone else. The film was a box-office hit and won many awards. Taking his cue from Bharathiraja, Illaiyaraja ensured that the film’s two songs expanded his creativity. The soundtrack also introduced Kamalhaasan to playback singing with the song Ninaivo oru Parravai. Illaiyaraja’s background score once again ignited the film’s script, which was penned by K. Bhagyaraj. Bhagyaraj also played a small cameo in the film.

Two days after the release of Sigappu Rojakkal came another landmark movie – Avall Apadithaan, the first film made by a graduate of the MGR Government Film and Television Training Institute. Directed by newcomer, C Rudraiah, the film was a brave deviation in theme, scripting and handling and had an international feel. Although it did not do well at the box-office, it has since taken on cult status because of its freshness of screenplay, characterization and scripting. Illaiyaraja tuned only three songs for the film, and they have all found a permanent place in the list of his hit songs: Uravugall Thodarkathai, Panneer Pushpangale and Vaazhkai Odum Sella. Illaiyaraja recorded Panneer Pushpangale with Kamalhaasan on the same day that he recorded Ninaivo oru Parravai from Sigappu Rojakkal.

Illaiyaraja’s penultimate release for 1978 was a little known film titled Sonnathu Neethana but the film made its mark in history because of Illaiyaraja’s soundtrack, which included the beautifully composed Velli Nilaavinile sung by P. Jayachandran.

Illaiyaraja’s last release for 1978 was Panju Arunachalam’s Priya based on a novel by novelist Sujatha. The film starred Rajinikanth and Sri Priya and was a lavish venture shot mainly on location in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong KJong. This was the first Indian album to utilise stereophonic recording. The equipment had been purchased by K.J,Yesudas and he readily allowed Illaiyaraja its use. This was another hit soundtrack for Illaiyaraja, rich with modern instrumentation, percussions and rhythms.

To be continued in Episode 5