Sound of Music

Anticipation about upcoming soundtracks like Mumbai Express and Anniyan and the discussion on Chandramukhi songs led me to think about song sequences in Tamil cinema in general.

There are so many elements that go into making a single song sequence. The most important among these elements are ofcourse the song itself (i.e its tune), its lyrics, the singers, the way the song has been picturized(in other words, the combination of cinematography, art direction and set design), the choreography and the performance of the participants(which could be either dancing or just 'simple' acting). Ofcourse, some of these are more important than the others and excellence in some of the aspects can overcome deficiencies in others. There have probably been as many good songs let down by poor picturization(Senorita... from Poovellaam Kaettuppaar) as there have been average songs made better by good picturization(Annamalai Annamalai... from Annamalai). But IMO, only when all the elements come together does a song sequence become truly timeless and and a delight that can be seen and savored over and over again.

Selecting a single favorite from the 1000s of Tamil cinema song sequences over the years is definitely a daunting task. But keeping in mind the aforementioned components of a song sequence, I think I have my favorite. And the winner is... (drumroll please!)

Andhi Mazhai Pozhigiradhu... from Raajapaarvai

This one of those magical song sequences that has it all - a melodious and instantly hummable tune,wonderfully meaningful and clever lyrics(like the play on the word/phrase Ilamaiyile and Ila Mayile),involved singing by SPB, natural picturization with bright cinematography and interesting pieces(like the transparent umbrella) and great acting(just see the way Kamal looks for Madhavi when she plays behind him and his completely blank stare when he catches her). This is a song sequence that always mesmerizes me each time I see it.

But its never fun having just one favorite and Top 5 just sounds better than Top 1. So here are 4 other song sequences that have managed to bring together all the elements successfully. These are in no particular order and without thinking a lot more, I couldn't even claim that these are my top 4 favorites after Andhi Mazhai.... But if I ever burn a DVD of my favorite song sequences to watch over and over, these 4 would definitely find a place on it.

- Chinna Chinna Vanna Kuyil... (Mouna Raagam) - The immensely catchy tune here is supported by wonderful picturization. A very pretty Revathi gracefully makes the steps look easy and the group of women dancing the steps in unison is a delight to watch. The Rajasthani dresses have been selected with an eye on brigh colors and many of the shots(like shooting Revathi through a caravan moving sideways) are testimony to the cinematographer's innovative ideas. Even split-second shots(like Revathi letting go of her veil which she had caught in her mouth) are perfectly in sync with the tune.

- Pachai Nirame... (Alaipaayudhe) - Color has always been an important part of Manirathnam's films and this song is all about color. In both lyrics and on screen, one color is predominant during each segment of the song. What makes it great is that the color is not overdone as to be gaudy but simply stands out. The lyrics that find color in the not always obvious places(red of a child's hand, for instance) reveal Vairamuthu's wonderful imagination and the casual but uninhibited dancing and gorgeous cinematography are simply classy.

- Valaiyosai... (Satya) - Choreography is usually considered only for dancing but this song proves that it is just as important when there is absolutely no dancing too. Starting off rather passionately with Kamal's impulsive kiss on Amala's saree-covered lips, the song manages to be both fast and melodious with SPB and Lata Mangeshkar in their elements with their soothing voices. The entire song is picturized in a youthful and playful manner with Kamal and Amala perfectly playing two young people in love. The ends of both paragraphs(Amala's 'shaky' reaction to Kamal's tickling and their united swaying as their bus comes to a stop) are my favorite parts and are choreographed such that they match with the tune perfectly.

- Satham Illaadha... (Amarkkalam) - This is one of the few song sequences that blends seamlessly with the film. In fact, one could say the song is indispensable since Ajith's feelings could not have been expressed so passionately and clearly with any amount of dialog. The barren location fits the mood of the song very well and Vairamuthu's lyrics bring out Ajith's yearnings wonderfully through simple things that we've all yearned for at one time or the other. Ofcourse, SPB's breathless singing, ending in a very high pitch, always raises goosebumps even after knowing that its the result of some musical manipulation.