Dheepam (1977) was initially supposed to be Ilaiyaraaja’s debut movie before Annakili. However, due to delays, Annakili ended up being released first, and it became a huge success, making Ilaiyaraaja a household name with its banger of an album.

The song “Poovizhi Vaasalil” is believed to be set in the Yamunakalyani raga and features Ilaiyaraaja’s folksy touch. Although I don’t know much about Carnatic music, I came across Dr. Charulatha Mani’s “A Journey of Raaga Yamuna Kalyani” YouTube video. She describes this raga as a happy and pleasant one. I completely agree because that’s what the emotion this song brings out.

Also, during the preludes of the song, there’s a moment where the shruti descends, and the actress also descends the stairs in a well-coordinated manner. It’s the first time I noticed such sync and it’s what I’d call “my Takku” moment.

Song – 5

Song: Poovizhi Vaasalil
Movie: Dheepam
Singer: K.J.Yesudas, S. Janaki
Lyricist: Pulamaipithan
Actors: Sivaji Ganesan, Vijayakumar, Sujatha, Sangeetha, K. Balaji, Nagesh, Major Sundarrajan, and many others.
Director: K. Vijayan