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.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 36 – Rajathi Raja un Thanthirangal

In a recent interview (a month or two old now), Superstar Rajnikant mentioned that Illayaraja composed more superhit songs for his counterpart and friend Kamal than for him. While Rajnikant might be right, it irked me a bit. I thought I should highlight some of the superhit and hidden gems from Thalaivar’s movie albums.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 35 – Oru Kaadhal Devathai

Saindhadamma Saaindhaadu is the 5th movie of Devaraj – Mohan and Illayaraja combo and Sivakumar played the lead in this movie as well. Oru Kaadhal Devathai stars with melodious music and then pivot to a different genre altogether.