Echoes of the Maestro – Song 75 – Nanna Neenu Gellalare

Nee Nanna Gellalare is the only film of Dr. Rajkumar that had music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Despite some of the songs becoming popular, the film was not successful and had only a 63-day theatrical run. I was surprised to find out that Dr. Rajkumar sang all the songs in this film and he really sounded good. High-time I watch his movies to know him better.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 67 – Unakkum Enakkum

Unakkum Enakkum was trending on Instagram last year and I thought it must be some old Illayaraja song but never in my wildest dreams I thought this song was from Sri Raghavendra movie. This song was reused by the American band Black Eyed Peas’s bonus track “The Elepmunk Theme” and this version was the one that got popular on Instagram

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 64 – Maanin Iru Kangal

Maanin Iru Kangal is one of those mellifluous Illayaraja songs that doesn’t come across as a song from a Rajnikanth film but it is. This song is composed in the Mayamalawagowla raga which is also called a Morning raga. This raga is said to evoke peace that creates a soothing effect hence can be sung anytime.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 56 – Vachukava Unna Mattum

Vachukava Unna Mattum was not only famous back in the day but it became widely popular after Chinna Bhai Yuvan remixed the song for Silambattam. It is a song that transcends time and is popular even today in both the Simbu andThalaivar versions. This song is set in the Sankarabaranam raga which is said to be mellifluous but also gives a majestic presentation of the songs.

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 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 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.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 34 – Aazhipalam Perukkan

This song is from one of India’s first 3D films and it came from Malayalam. If you’re a 90s kid, there is a high chance that you might have watched this film, if you haven’t then head straight to Disney+Hotstar and watch it. The movie is the product of its time so keep that in mind 🙂

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 32 – Pootukkal Potaalum

I’ve been rewatching some of the old Captain Vijayakanth movies for my Podcast and man what a ride. It’s like a Tamil saying “Oru Kallula Rendu Maanga” which allows me to revisit some of my childhood favorites and use them for the Newsletter and my Podcast.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 27 – Oru Naal Unnodu Oru Naal

Oru Naal Unnodu oru Naal is the song from Uravaadum Nenjam directed by Devaraj – Mohan. This movie is based on the stage play Vilimbu by Shanmugapiriyan. He also wrote the screenplay for this movie.