Thilakan-End of an Era!

One of Indian cinema's supreme talents, actor Thilakan, breathed his last today. The man who breathed life into every role that he played (despite the multiple politics that he was in the middle of) leaves behind quite a number of memorable characters that will be etched in the minds of Malayali's and movie lovers for long.

One of those roles, that remains inimitable is that of Thampi, a retired lawyer and doting grandpa, who takes the ultimate decision when his grandson dies accidentally, in the critically and commercially acclaimed film, Moonaam Pakkam.

Written and directed by the legendary P.Padmarajan, this movie had some outstanding songs tuned by Maestro ILaiyaraaja.

'Thaamarakkili Paadunnu' is a famous track from this film.

But the song that is as legendary as Thilakan himself, "Unarum Ee Gaanam"-where the grandpa is shown, reminiscing the time he spent with his grandson, is my humble tribute to this genial actor.

Thilakan-during his early theatre days

Beautifully picturized, the song starts with Thilakan browsing thru a photo album, as the piano leads you to the flashback (notice how the piano resembles a toddler's walk!) and the memories come flooding.

G.Venugopal's voice is an apt choice as he glides through the song with utmost ease. Watch out for Thilakan's reaction when the assistant (played by another great talent Jagathy Sreekumar) puts his hand on the furniture being made. The doting, possessive grandpa stands tall!

The humming in the first interlude showers affection as the watchful grandpa oversees the 'apple of his eye' swim.

The second charanam shows the pain as the grandson is separated from the grandfather. Time passes by. His wife is no more now. 

The grandson is grown up (Jayaram) and the bespectacled grandpa is awaiting his return. As he glances thru the greeting cards and letters from his dear 'Pachu', written to his one and only 'Appooppan', tears roll down his cheeks..

An emotional avalanche accentuated by outstanding music and phenomenal acting!

Unarum Ee Gaanam

Unarpiccha Oru Nadan!

RIP Thilakan!

Kadha Thudarunnu-Music Review

Sathyan Anthikkad is back with his next and so is Maestro ILaiyaraaja. The film stars Sathyan's favorite Jayaram with Mamta Mohandas.

Much like 'Bhagyadevatha', their (Sathyan-Ilaiyaraaja) last outing, 'Kadha Thudarunnu' also has (only) 3 songs.

1. Aaro Paadunnu Doore in the voices of Hariharan and Chitra is mellifluous. The piano bit towards the end is beautiful. I am not sure of Hariharan's malayalam diction. Took me a couple of listens to get used to it. But its his voice that adds value to this song. If it were Madhu Balakrishna or Vijay Yesudas this song may not have had the impact it ends up delivering. The next track suffers precisely coz of this reason.

2. Mazhamekha Chelin Pooram sung by Vijay Yesudas and Swetha is the typical duet you have heard often in the Sathyan-IR combo in recent times. One for the music channels. The heavy synth doesn't help much either.

3. In his last outing for Bhagyadevatha, Karthik got the brilliant "Aazhi Thira Thannil". Here he gets the peppy "Kizhakkumala Kammalitta". He does a neat job. A decent listen this.

The quality of recording is poor and is quite obvious. Takes away a lot of sheen.

Despite that 'Aaro Paadunnu' is my pick of the album.

The audio cd also features karaoke versions of these tracks apart from some of Sathyan-IR hits from Bhagyadevatha (Allipoove, Thira Thannil), Innathe Chintha Vishayam (Kando Kando, Manassiloru), Rasathanthram (Thevaaram).

A routine fare from the Maestro.