This one album can talk volumes about the legends M.S.Viswanathan-T.K.Ramamurthy-Kannadhasan, a famous dominating trio in the Tamil film music industry for several years and they continue to do so through their music. Being in the south of India, Tamil music has hardly got the recognition it is supposed to get. That is the fate of Tamil Nadu, but unlucky are the people who have not listened much to Tamil music. Coming back, this trio has never gone without success in any of the movies. Every movie has been a challenge to them and they have given extraordinary stuff. But this particular movie Karnan, starring the legendary world-class actor Sivaji Ganesan, depicts the puranic story of Karnan with some alterations to the original Mahabarath version about Karnan. Given the commercial success criteria, this is not something unacceptable and it also not awkward. Every song has been set to beautiful apt classical ragams (either Carnatic or Hindustani), with some western traces in the orchestration. One more interesting thing is that KVM is very popular when it comes to composing for such movies and also using classical music. So many are under the impression that Karnan was composed by KVM as well! MSV and TKR has produced some amazing stuff, in my opinion surpassing KVM’s heights. This is just my opinion and is very subjective. Let us get into the song details now.
1 Ullathil nalla ullam: Obviously the pick of the songs. Until now, every tamilian knows about this song very well. It’s that popular. Sung by Lord Krishnan in the movie when Karnan is above to die. A grace pathos set in Ahir Bhairav, which will make anyone cry. It has got some tremendous expressions by the singer Dr.Seerkazhi Govindarajan.
2 Ennuyir thozhi: A superb Hamir Kalyani, great brihas by P.Suseela.
3 Mazhai kodukkum: A tough ragamalika; Hindolam by Seerkazhi, Kaanada by Trichy Loganathan, Mohanam by TMs and Panthuvarali by PBS. The highlight of this song is the last phrase by all the above 4 singers in Ahir Bhairav, with superb Parts singing.
4 Iravum nilavum: The first time, I heard Shanai sound so distinctly. Very melodious phrases. For sometime, I was thinking that this was in Hamsanadham. But I could sense Ni note as well. So it could be Saranga Tharangini, a janyam of Kalyani or Suddha saranga.
5 Kannukku kulamedhu: A slow melody by P.Suseela in Pahadi.
6 Maharajan ulagai: Variations in tune; Karaharapriya; beautiful anu-pallavi.
7 Manjal mugam: A group song (for Valai kaapu) starting slowly, suddenly changing to kanda chapu (Tks to murali for correcting me) thaalam (5/8 tempo) and the ragam also changing to Aarabhi. Very fresh.
8 Maranathai yenni: A masterpiece summarizing the Bhagavadgita; the most impressive phrases are the stunning start in naatai followed by ’the’ lullabying Sahana.
9 Kangal Engey: Again a nice usage of Shanai and chorus, set to Bhimplas.
There is a tenth song ’’Poi vaa magale’’ - Personally I am not too interested in this, as it’s quite an usual stuff in Anandha bhairavi! Throughout the movie (including the songs), there have been some splendid usage of Hindustani Instruments like Shanai, Tabla Tarang, Santhoor etc., giving new dimensions to TFM. Hindustani players like Bismilla Khan have added value to the movie. Note I haven’t touched the Sivaji & Kannadhasan materials yet, else this article would occupy the entire server! Altogether this is a great Musical stuff by MSV, TKR, Kannadhasan, TMS, P.Suseela. Enjoy listening to each gem, taking you to the Nostalgic Heights.