Exploring the Enigma Called Illaiyaraja – Episode 10

Illaiyaraja’s first release for 1981 – Meendum Kokila – had an interesting history. It was to have been directed by Mahendran and was meant to mark the Tamil debut of actress Rekha, daughter of Gemini Ganesan. Mahendran and Rekha both dropped the project and Kamalhaasan then approached G.N. Rangarajan to direct the film, where the story was penned by Kamalhaasan and his brothers and the screenplay by K. Balachander’s former assistant, Anandhu. The film eventually starred Kamalhaasan and Sridevi, with Deepa (Unni Mary) replacing Rekha. Meendum Kokila was a commercial success and also won praise from critics. Illaiyaraja composed four greatly varied tracks, all of which found popularity among the masses. Like with his previous soundtracks, Illaiyaraja used Carnatic ragams in a fresh and exciting way.  His background score in this film was also memorable.

Illaiyaraja’s second release for the year was Kamalhaasan’s Raam Lakshman which was produced by Dhandayuthapani Films. Illaiyaraja tuned 5 chartbusters and created an equally impressive background score. The song Naanthaan Ungappanda was selected to be played at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in London.

Rajinikanth’s Kazhugu produced by Panju Arunachallam and directed by S.P. Muthuraman was an experimental film that did not set the box-office on fire, but the same cannot be said of Illaiyaraja’s contribution. From the four songs to the experimental piece called the thrill song to the title music, Kazhugu was an early showcase of Illaiyaraja’s mastery of multiple music genres.

K. Bhagyaraj’s fun romantic comedy, Indru Poi Naalai Vaa was scripted within two hours and had one of the lowest budgets for a K. Bhagyaraj film. Despite this, Illaiyaraja delivered another hit soundtrack.

Illaiyaraja’s many theme bits for Indru Poi Naalai Vaa ensured the film’s longevity. The example below gives an indication of the variety of pieces and corresponding moods.

The only song that P.B. Srinivas sang under Illaiyaraja’s music was Thendrale Nee Pesu from Kadavul Amaitha Medai, but he collaborated with him again in 1981 for the Ashwini starrer, Nandu directed by Mahendran. This time P.B. Srinivas penned two Hindi lyrics for Illaiyaraja – one sung by S. Janaki and the other a duet with S. Janaki and Bhupinder Singh. It was Bhupinder Singh’s only collaboration with Illaiyaraja. The film did not do well at the box-office, but the soundtrack was a huge hit and included the often forgotten title song, Kaatruthamma Kaatrin Alaigal sung by Suresh Chandran. This song is a masterful composition and deserves more recognition and praise.

Kamalhaasan’s 100^th film – and his first as film producer – was Raja Paarvai released on 20 April 1981. The film had Kamalhaasan in the lead role opposite Madhavi and also featured in the cast Kamalhaasan’s brothers, Chandrahaasan and Charuhaasan as well as the Late L.V. Prasad, YG Magendran and K.P.A.C. Lalitha. The film marked the first of many collaborations between Kamalhaasan and Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, a collaboration where Illaiyaraja was a fixed feature. Raja Paarvai was a box-office failure at the time of release, but has since taken on cult status. Illaiyaraja’s music, however, was greatly appreciated in the soundtrack and the background score.

 K. Bhagyaraj’s suspense thriller, Vidiyumvarai Kaathiru had Illaiyaraja’s name appear in the credits immediately after the title card. This was the first time in Indian cinema history where a music composer’s name replaced the lead actor, writer or director. Those who have seen this film would understand why, and for those who did not, a sample of the many brilliant pieces of music from the background score appears below.

The three songs from Vidiyumvarai Kaathiru also match the magnificence of the background score. Vidiyumvarai Kaathiru starred K. Bhagyaraj, Sathyakala, Karate Mani, Gokulnath and Sangili Murugan. Unfortunately, the film did not fare well – which was tragic, as it dissuaded K.Bhagyaraj from penning similar stories thereafter.

G.N. Rangarajan continued his association with Kamalhaasan in the film Kadal Meengal, their second collaboration to release in 1981. The film stars Kamalhaasan in dual roles opposite Sujatha and Swapna. Ambika, Suman, Nagesh, K.A. Thangavelu and Sangili Murugan form the supporting cast. Kadal Meengal failed at the box-office, but the songs continue to dominate playlists.

Illaiyaraja’s younger brother, Gangaiamaran was having a casual discussion with Somasundareswaran when the latter spoke about a story idea he had. Gangaiamaran promised to find a producer – and he did. Santhanabharathi and P. Vasu were both assistants to C.V. Sridhar and were well known to Illaiyaraja and Gangaiamaran. The brothers decided to give Santhanabharathi and Vasu the opportunity to co-direct the film, titled Panneer Pushpnagal, using the name Bharathi-Vasu. Suresh, who had earlier been rejected by C.V. Sridhar was cast in the lead role. Suresh simultaneously received an offer from Bharathiraja to play the lead role in Alaigal Oyvathillai. After much deliberation, he decided to take the offer from Bharathi-Vasu for Panneer Pushpangal. The film also marked the debut of Shanthi Krishna in the female lead. Prathap and Vennira Aadai Moorthy also played important roles. Illaiyaraja’s soundtrack was a huge hit among the masses and helped the film to enjoy moderate success at the box-office.

In Episode 11, a look at other hit soundtracks of 1981.