Echoes of the Maestro – Song 46 – Kaathodu Poovurasa

R. Thiyagarajan directed Anbukku Naan Adimai which was simultaneously directed in Telugu with slightly different cast members. This film was also remade in Hindi in 1990 as Thanedaar which had the big names playing pivotal roles

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 45 – Akkarai Cheemai Azhaginiley

If Sorgame Endralum is about a man going outside his country and praising the Motherland this song is about a man astronishing about the advancements in the foreign land. Sorgame Endralum is an anti-thesis to Akkarai Cheemai Azhaginiley.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 44 – Kanmaniye Kaadhal Enbadhu

“Kanmaniye Kaadhal Enbadhui” is a beautiful song set in the Mohanam raaga. The Veena portion at the beginning sets the mood for the romance in this song. It’s one of my all-time favorites of the Rajni – Illayaraja combo and a surprising film from the Rajni – S.P. Muthuraman combo.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 43 – Appane Appane Pullayar Appane

Annai oru Aalayam was released I was not even born but I clearly remember watching the movie in bits and pieces, especially this song. It was not only catchy when I was a kid, but it also had cute visuals where the baby elephant dances, plays musical instruments, and whatnot

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 42 – Oru Thanga Radhathil

I have listened to this beautiful sister song several times sung by the mellifluous Malaysia Vasudevan, sir. Oru Thanga Radhadhil is composed in the Raaga Moganam, a happy raga that is said to give courage and confidence.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 41 – Aagayam Mele

Aagayam Mele is such a fun song set at the beach. The music aptly puts us in the mood. Unlike other beach songs, this one has a tinge of message. You can call it a message or just another song people sing when they’re high. K.J. Yesudas’s voice makes it even more funky! Interestingly, this film is an official remake of the Hindi Film Majboor, directed by

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 40 – Oru Maina Maina Kuruvi

While the Uzhaipaali album is itself wholesome and all the songs from this album are my absolute favorites, this song is special, especially for the absolute dance value this song has. Eventhough, though this song can be termed the cabret type of song the sheer difference in Music Illayaraja shows while a new song lead lady shows up is brilliant.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 39 – Vizhiyiley

Some time ago, I shared a song from the movie “Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri”. Unlike earlier movies where Thalaivar (Rajnikanth) often played villain roles and actor Sivakumar played the lead, this movie was a complete turnaround. “Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri” also received two Filmfare awards, one for Best Tamil Film and the other for Best Tamil Director.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 38 – Aasai Nooru vagai

Talking about the Rajni – Illayaraja combo and not talking about Aasai Nooru Vagai is a grave injustice to both. For my Generation, that is 90’s kids Kutty bhai Yuvan Shankar Raaja was the one who introduced this song through his remix in the “Kurumbu” movie.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 37 – Katta Pulla Kutta pulla

This song is featured in Bairavi, directed by M. Baskar. If you’ve heard Themmangu Songs, then I think we can also add this song to the list. If you Google “Themmangu Songs”, most of them are from the late 80s or completely in the 90s, but this one came out in the late 70s.