Yes “Solla Solla inikkudhada” can anyone forget this mind blowing devotional on Lord muruga penned by KAviyarasar and sung by the sweetest voice on the earth smt P.Susheela from the tamil film Kandhan Karunai tuned by Thirai isai thilagam K.V.Mahadevan fondly called as “Mama” by the Tamil film music fraternity. While talking about Tamil film music Krishnankoil Venkatachalam Mahadevan is a name which comes to Music lovers’s mind at once on par with MSV-TKR & G.Ramanathan. KVM was one of the Trinity of Tamil film music. When G.Ramanathan brought in the fusion of Classical and western music followed by KVM & Mellisai mannargal taking the Tamil film music to greater heights. When MSV-TKR were trying out new experiments, new sounds to prove their existence MAMA was sticking to his chords yes classical & folk which was his strong forte and churned out tune after tune which lingers in the ears of old songs lovers even today.
KVM was born in Krishnan kovil in Nagerkovil district and was interested in music from childhood. Learnt classical music from Poothapandi Arunachala Kavirayar. After his classical training he joined a music troupe run by angarai viswanatha bhagavathar and did music shows all around India. He started singing and donning female roles in stage plays followed by joining HMV Company (he was the one who encouraged AMRaja in HMV which lead to Raja’s career break in Samsaram) and finally he joined as music assistant to T.A.KAlyanam and S.V.Venkatraman.
Salem Modern Theatre which was the nest for all aspiring artist accommodated KVM too at the age of 20.
He started his Music career with 1942’s MAnonmani along with T.A.Kalyanam and sang a song with P.Leela as well.
Tamil film scene was witnessing a drasting change slowly shifting focus from historical movies to social drama and thus music also changed from being pure classical to the music style which everyone can understand. So it was right time for KVM’s career as well.
Slowly his career took off with Burma rani (one of my fav movie of T.R.Sundaram), rajambal, kumaari, naalvar , Mangalyam (I liked the movie and songs where in A.P.Nagarajan played the hero with nambiar , B.S.Saroja & Rajasulochana)and there he was composing for one of the iconic film of Tamil cinema yes , the Movie which had Sivaji ganesan and M.G.R together for first and last “Koondukkili” . All songs were memorable ones and loved by fans even today. Raathiri buvaaku lottery was a Colloquial and funny song sung by himself along with TMS & V.N.Sundaram, Radha jayalakshmi’s paar en magale paar is another fantastic song from the same movie. KVM’s name as composer started to float alongside of stalwarts like S.Dakshimurthy, G.Ramanathan,C.N.Pandurangan,T.G.Lingappa,S.Rajeswara rao, V.Dakshinamurthy ,Ghantasala,S.M.Subbiah naidu, S.V.Venkatraman, C.Ashwathama & Sudharsanam master. Thus KVM slowly started to create an impact of his own. During the same time MSV who also worked with KVM in modern theatres as chorus singer was made to join with T.K.Ramamurthy by NSK as the duo MSV-TKR was slowly climbing up the ladder. So both KVM and MSV-TKR slowly were redefining the film music on their own ways. MAhadevan as I mentiond earlier stuck to his basics Classical and Folk and started composing fantastic songs
In 1954 when KVM was composing for the film Madhana Mohini, M.P.Sivam introduced Velappan nair aka T.K.Pughazendhi and thus Pugazhendhi became a loyal assistant to KVM till his death.
After Koondukili KVM’s instant hit was 1955’s Town bus which had Anjali devi as the bus conductor which was quite a revolution at that time. Songs like Chittukuruvi Chittukuruvi sethi theriyuma(MSR), Ponnana vaazhve mannagi (MSR) were sensational hits . Ka mu sherrif’s lines sung by MSR the chittu kuruvi chittu kuruvi song is popular even today (those days it was as good as Mere piya gaye Rangoon).
Mahadevan slowly started to carve a name for himself in the TAMIL film arena. 2 people played important role in shaping up Mama’s career. Devar and A.P.Nagarajan
Devar - Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar started as stunt actor developed friendship with the then upcoming actor Ramachandran finally persuaded Ramachandran to act in his film which he was about to produce and thus the blockbuster “Thaaikku pin tharam”was conceived and the Devar – KVM association kicked off and lasted long as well.
Thaaikku pin tharam had MGR,P.Bhanumathi,KAnnamba,T.S.Baliah and songs tuned by KVM are pleasant to ears even today
P.Banumathi crooning Asainthadum thendrale thoodhu sellayo is an evergreen song
TMS joins PB to render “AAha nam aasai niraiveruma”
And thalaivar’s message song “Manushana manushan saapiduranda” was instant hit as well.
Thus Devar films –KVM association took off and how many movies and how many songs.
Especially Devar films-MGR-KVM a magical combo. Devar used to say that all he needed was MGR, KVM,Kannadasan,TMS & P.Susheela.
Thaaiku pin tharam also established MGR as a social hero, during the same time Mukta V.Srinivasan started his debut direction with Mudhalali and KVM’s music was the main reason for the film’s success . Ka mu sherrif’s Yerikkarayin mele is a musical wonder even today. This movie had SSR & devika and this was a milestone in SSR’s career and this particular song attributed to the success.
While MGR’s thaaikku pin tharam was huge success KVM’s songs in NAdigar thilagam’s “Makkalai Petra maharasi” were super hit as well. Thus KVM’s music became integral part for the film’s success.
Ondru serndha anbu maruma penned by A.Maruthakasi sung by PBS & Udutha sarojini is a fantastic duet for Nambiar and MNrajam
Folkish Manapparai madu katti by TMS penned by Maruthakasi is one of the best folk songs in TFM.
PB & TMS jointly render the classic Poravale poravale ponnurangam.
Thus KVM’s music magic irrespective of the actors was becoming the reason for the film’s success.
KVM composed strictly within the frame of the Raga if it’s classical and tried variety in Folk and he fared well in that.
Next to Devar the man who was instrumental in KVM’s career was A.P.Nagarajan.
A.P.NAgarajan knew KVM from MAngalyam days in which he played the main lead.
Being a story writer for some years for movies like Sampoorna ramayanam, nalla idathu sambandham he became closer to KVM. It was APN & KVM who gave L.R.Eswari a break with NAlla idathu sambandham.
KVM’s magic continued with Raja rajan,Thai pirandhal Vazhi pirakkum, pillai kani amudhu,Neelavukku neranja manasu, periya kovil
Especially Thai pirandhal vazhi pirakkum is another feather in his musical cap.
Aasaiye alai pole penned by Kannadasan sung by Trichy Loganathan created magic all over tamilnadu
Thai porandha vazhi porakkum thangame thangam sung by TMS, P.Leela was hummed by everyone
Amudhum thenum yedharku penned by Suradha sung by Seergazhi Govindarajan is a classic number picturised on Prem Nazir and Rajasulochana. KVM’s magic can be felt in this song.
Hits followed with films like SEngottai singam, nalu veli nilam, Manamulla marutharam,Vaazha veitha deivam, Abalai anjugam
Songs in Nalu veli nilam were impressive especially oorar urangayile was aired in Radio
Manamulla marutharam had fantastic songs – Thiruvilakku by Jikki and Inbam enge inbam enge endru thedu by Seergazhiyar is popular even today.
Vaazha veitha deivam firmed the DEVAR-KVM relationship with songs becoming a major hit. It was from this movie Gemini ganesan took Aroordas to meet Nadigar thilagam and bhimsingh and their association created a new wave from pasamalar
VAazha veitha deivam had lover boy Gemini with the cute Sarojadevi and songs like Kaaveri than singari singari than kaveri(TMS,PS), kolli malai saralile were hits. Not just songs but devar used lot of bull fight scenes for which KVM gave wonderful background score.
Vennila kudai pidikka from Abalai anjugam will make old song lovers go crazy for the excellent rendition by T.R.Mahalingam and Suseela and beautiful lyrics by A.Maruthakasi.
It was KVM who utilized A.Maruthakasi to the fullest and credit to him.
Modern theatres T.R.Sundaram who tend to work with different music directors was associated with KVM from Burma rani days.
So he summoned KVM to compose the Folklore subject directed by T.R.Ragunath
Yes “Vanna kili” which had some of the best songs of TFM all packaged into 1 film.
Nadaga kavalar R.S.MAnohar paired with B.S.Saroja while Prem naseer paired with MAinavathi.
A.Maruthakasi penned all the songs and all are classic
Maatukkara vela un maata konjam paathukkada by Seerkazhi was a fantastic folkish number
While Adikkira kai than anaikkum the only duet by Trichy loganathan & Suseela will make stone heart melt
Chinna papa endhan sella papa sung by P.Suseela was the lullaby in every household
Chithada kattikittu is the best kuthupattu ever created in TFM sung by S.C.Krishnan and P.Suseela
Vandi urundoda achani thevai by Seergazhiyar & Suseela was equally popular as well.
APNagarajan’s Vadivukku valaikappu had fantastic numbers tuned by Mama.
Seerulavum imba nadham by TMS& PS is the pick of the lot and Pugazhendhi used to talk at length about this song and how it was composed and how singers delivered it.
KVM’s success continued with Alli petra pilla, engal kula devi, thayai pola pillai noolai pola selai(vilaimadhippilladha arutperum kalaiye by PS & Soolamangalam) and we have a blockbuster in the form of “PAdikakdha Medhai” in 1960
In 1960 he had super hit songs from the films Padikkadha medhai, AAda vandha deivam, Yaanai pagan,Veerakkanal
PAdikkatha medhai directed by Bhimsingh had stellar performance by Nadigar thilagam, SVrangarao, Kannamaba and Songs like “Engirundho vandhan “ by Seergazhi, “ore oru oorile” b TMS,Soolamangalam
Aadavandha deivam was musically hit. Sottu sottu by TRM,PS
Kodi kodi inbam tharave- PS,PLeela
Nilayaga en nenjil –PS
Sangam muzhangi varum- TRM all were super duper hits
YAanai pagan on the other hand was Devar films which had Kannada superstar Udayakumar romancing Sarojadevi and had fantastic songs by KVM
Sengani vai thirandhu by PS,Seergazhiyar is ever lilting romantic duet
Padhinarum nirayadha by TMS is another evergreen beauty
Hits continued in 1960 in the form of Engal selvi, Kaithi kannayiram(konji konji pesi),Paavai vilakku(kaaviyama nenjin oviyama,vanna thamizh), ponni thirunal(who can forget yaar sirithal enna), Sivagami(vaanil muzhu madhiyai),thangam manasu thangam etc were few of his 1960 hits
Stepping into 1961 MSV-TKR arrived with their Paava mannippu while KVM rocked with Kumudham.
Kumudham was a complete package from Modern theatres and KVM gave splendid songs
By this time he was quite popular in telugu as well. Without knowing Telugu he was the only Music director at that time who was simultaneously popular in both Tamil and Telugu (Illayaraja and Rahman in later years)
Mama mama mama sung by TMS & K.Jamunarani Rocked the music arena and everyone went crazy with the song. Rocking Folk number by KVM and the telugu version sung by Ghantasala and KJR also was instant hit.
Kumudham had stunning numbers Meow meow poonaikkutti by MSRajeswari,
Kallile kalai vannam by TMS, Ennai vittu odi poga mudiyuma by PS & Seergazhi,
Kalyanam Aanavare sowkkiyama by PS
Hit songs continued in the form Ellam unakkaga(konji varum nenjil indru by PS), Kongunattu thangam,Panam pandhiyile,Panithirai(Varuga varuga, ore kelvi ore kelvi, yedho manidhan , april fool)
DEvar-MGR-KVM rocked with hit after hit with Thai sollai thattadhe, thayai katha thanayan, kudumba thalaivan, dharmam thalai kakkum, neethikku pin pasam,thozhilali, vettaikaran, vivasayee,mugarasi,thanipiravi etc
All songs from the above mentioned movies did enthrall the audience
He continued to mesmerize the audience with song from Azhagu nila (chinna chinna roja – PBS sang for NAggaya), Kavitha (this movie had excellent songs by PS),Maadappura(oorukum theriyadhu & many more),Muthu mandapam(SSR’s movie had excellent songs kodiyavale, sonnalum vetkamada),Rani samyukta(oh vennila vennila)
KSG’s Sharada had Fantastic numbers tuned by KVM
PBS-PS duet Oruthi oruvanai ninaithuvittal is among the top 10 PBS-PS duets
Seergazhi and LREswari’s Thattu thadumari nenjam is an unforgettable song
Kannananal naan imaiyaven by TMS & PS is another stunner from this film
KVM’s success formula was this .He believed “If we cater to Audience’s needs then it will be success”. That’s exactly he did with his music. He kept it simple relying on Classical and folk
His hits continued with Annai illam (MAdi meethu thalai veithu by TMS,PS),Aasai alaigal,
Ezhai pangalan,Irurvar ullam (idhaya veenai thoongumpodhu, nadhi enge pogiradhu were super hits),
Kalai arasi(P.Banumathi mentions his composition and the songs she sang in this movie),KAanchi thalaivan(all hit songs oru kodiyil iru malargal, mayangathar manam yavum mayangum), Kaatu roja(endha oor endravane by PBS is a stunner), Koduthu veithaval(neeyum naanum ondru)
Kulamagal radhai and Kungumam 2 Nadigar thilagam movies and songs were tremendous hit from these films. NAdigar thilagam’s career had best songs from KVM and MSV-TKR
Kulamagal radhai – Iravukku ayiram kangal, aaruyire mannavane, pagalile chanidranai, chandiranai kaanamal, radhe unakku kobam , unnai solli kutramillai all were super hit songs
Kungumam another movie with fantastic songs .. Thoongatha kann endru ondru, Chinnanjiriya vanna paravai,kungumam mangala,poonthotta kaval kara,mayakkam enadhu thayagam all are popular even now
During this time he was popular in telugu with movies like Aathma bandhuvu, MAnchi manasulu(kumudham remake),mohini rukamangadha
His telugu super hit came with 1964 Aatma balam starring ANR, B.Sarojadevi & JAggiah.
He did create the sensational rain duet “Chitapata chinukulu “ by Ghantasala & Suseela which is still a popular one. He re used the same tune years later in engal thanga raja “Iravukkum pagalukkum ini enna velai”
Hits followed with Neengatha ninaivu(oh chinnanjiru malarai), thulasi madam and then APnagarajan started his bakthi series and who better than MAMA to compose ..APN-KVM bhakti series rocked TFM with Thiruvilayadal(not just songs just listen to the intro music he gives in the beginning in KAilayam. It’s out of the world stuff),saraswathi sabatham,Thiruvarutselvar,Kandhan karunai,Thillana mohanambal,Thirumal perumai
The above said APN films had classic songs.
Can we forget Paatum nane bhavamum nane.. Oru naal podhuma(BMK),Neela selai katti konda(PS)
Podhigai malai (PBS,SJ), Sambo mahadeva (PS,SG), pazhan nee appa(KBS)
Saraswathi sabatham—Komadha engal kula madha (what a composition & what a rendition by PS)
Kalviya selvama veeram(TMS), Rani maha rani(TMS), uruvathai kaatidum kannadi(PS)
Agaramuthala(TMS). All were hit and popular even today.
Thiruvarutselvar.. WOW the ever famous Mannavan vandhanadi .. what a composition , excellent lyrics by KAviyarsar awesome rendition by our own melody queen PS and ofcourse well portrayed dance by Naatiya peroli PAdmini.
Nadhar mudi mel irukkum by TMS, Kadhalagi kasindhu by TMS, T.LMaharajan (debut) and aadhi sivan .
All are very popular numbers.
Then there was “KAndhan KArunai” which fetched him the 1’st National award
Solla solla inikkudhada is no less than a private devotional number. Mama’s soulful music accompanied by the best female voice PS and apt lyrics by Kannadasan made this song “IMMORTAL”
Uyirinangal ondrai ondru vaazhthidumbodhu adhan ullirundhu vaazhthuvadhu un arul andro kandha un arul andro” what a lyric .. hats off to Kaviyarasar
Kurunjiyile, Velli malai mannava, manam padaithen(my favourite number), velli malai podhigai malai all were popular numbers
Speaking of Nattiya peroli and NAdigar thilagam this film is synonymous to their names. Yes it’s Kothamangalam subbu’s story made into film by APN –Thillana mohanambal which was a milestone in everyone’s career
PAdmini excelled in the role of Mohanambal while NT lived the role of Sikkal shanmuga sundaram
Ably supported by manorama and others. This movie is a landmark film in tamil which exhibited our cultural arts like bharatha natyam & NAdhaswaram to perfection. Music played an important role for this film’s success. Can anyone forget P.Susheela’s excellent rendition of “MAraindhirundhu paarkkum marmam enna or NAlamthana udalum ullamum nalandhthana. This was purely KVM’s magic and the fusion art of western and nadhaswaram was just out of the world.
KVM continued the hits with Vanampadi .(Gangai karai thottam, oomai pen oru kanavu, aan kaviyai vella, kadavul manithanai & thookananguruvi koodu)
PArisu(Aalai paarthu azhagai paarthu is a stunner by PS, enna enna inikkudhu, koondhal karuppu and many more hits)
Ratha thilagam though movie was not successful songs were super hits.
Pasumai niraindha ninaivugale is an evergreen college song by TMS,PS
And Kannadasan himself appeared in the movie Oru koppaiyile en kudiruppu sung by TMS was very popular as well.
Like this KVM hits continued in the 60’s. It was MSV-TKR and KVM all the way and from Mid 60’s it was MSV and KVM ruling the TFM with occasional hits from Veda, V kumar and others.
His hit list continued with Ayiram roobai (Paarthalum paarthen,nilavukkum nizhalundu,aanaka andha madam), Navarathiri another APN movie which had great songs by KVM
The folkish stage show song “Thanga jariga selai” by TMS,PS, NT & Savithiri is considered as one of the best stage song till date.
Navarathiri suba rathiri, sollava kadhai sollava, iravinil aattam all are popular even today.
MGR was encouraging both KVM and MSV side by side.
MGR’s Vettaikaran with KVM had one of the very popular MGR song “Unnai arindhal nee unnai arindhal” with apt lyrics by Kannadasan
Meanwhile AVM also invited KVM to compose songs for their KAkkum Karangal. The only AVM film KVM composed but nevertheless it stands out for the absolute melody “Gnayiru enbadhu kanga” written by Vaali sung by TMS,PS . Thiru naal vandhadhu another PS number from the same movie
Hits continued with Thazhampoo(thazhampoovin narumanathil),Veera abhimanyu.
Veera abhimanyu is another KVM wonder just for the song “Paarthen sirithen” what a composition and what a rendition by PS & PBS
K.Balaji’s debut production had KVM as the composer. Yes “Annavin asai” and all songs are popular even now. Paatezhutattum paruvam is lilting melody by PBS & PS
Chinnanjiru ulagam, Mahakavi kalidas(yaar tharuvar , malarum vaan nilavum),Selvam(enakkagava naan)
Thali bhagyam(kan pattadhu konjam) all were hits as well.
MGR’s Arasakattalai which marked the last movie of MGR-Sarojadevi combo had KVM’s fascinating music. Vettaiyadu vilayadu viruppam pola (TMS,PS lyrics Alangudi somu), Putham puthiya puthagame(PS,TMS lyrics vaali), ennai pada veithavan oruvan
Like MGR, Sivaji ganesan movies also had KVM and MSV side by side. IF MSV created magic with movies like paar magale paar, aandavan kattalai etc KVM had annai illam, selvam etc. Pesum deivam is one such film of KSG which had stellar performances by NT, Padmini, S.V.Rangarao. Songs by Vaali were unforgettable. Azhagu deivam mella mella ,Naan anuppuvadhu kaditham all,noorandu kalam vaazhga, pathu madham sumakkavillai
He continued his magic with Panama pasama(mariyadhu nenjam, mella mella, elandha pazham),ther thiruvizha, jeevanamsam etc
He continued his magic in 69-70’s and biggest hit was MGR’s Adimai penn.
Thayillamal naanillai,Aayiram nilave vaa(SPB’s first song), Amma enral anbu,kaalathai vendravan all are quite popular
By this time KVM was very popular in Telugu industry. He was composing for lot of films in telugu and slowly a rapport between K.Vishwanath and KVM developed and that led to lot of great movies from their combination.
In tamil he was continuing hits with Anandhai anandhan, En annan , Maatukkara velan(all songs super hit),Thabalkaran thangai (KArikalan katti veithan kallanai),Vilayattu pillai.
Vietnam veedu which made sundram to be called as Vietnam veedu sundaram was the stage play made as movie and KVM’s music was a strong point for the movie. Paalakkattu pakkathile, un kannil neer vazhindhal will make music lovers go crazy even today.
LV Prasad’s Idhaya kamalam need special mention. He made everyone mad with “Unnai kaanadha kannum , malargal nanaidhana,thol kanden thole kanden,ennathan ragasiyamo.
Hits continued with Athiparasakthi(naan aatchi seidhu, aayi mahamaye),Arunodayam,irulum oliyum(thirumagal thedi vandhal), kulama gunama,Annamitta kai,
Devar’s last production while he was alive was “NAlla neram” which had fantastic songs by KVM.Can we forget Odi odi uzhaikkanum, thottal engum
At the same time KVM composed classics for K.Vishwanath in Telugu for films like Siri siri muvva which fetched Susheelamma her 3’rd national award for Jummandhi nadham , Their association continued with Shankarabharanam, shubodhayam,Sapthapadhi, Sirivennila,shruthilayalu,swathi kiranam and all had fanstastic numbers. Ofcourse Shankarabaranam is a classic cult and it’s songs are talked about even now and also established SPB as great singer.
Mama continued his work with Engal thanga raja, Vani rani, Satyam,pallandu vaazhga,uthaman,Enippadigal(poonthenil kalandhu).
Late 70’s saw only few films in Tamil but he was extremely busy in Telugu and he composed telugu films till 1994(Srinatha kavi sarvabhoumadu NTR movie)
Even after years when he composed for films like Andha rathirikku satchiyillai, Paai mara kappal his melody touch could still mesmerize the audience (for instance EErathamarai poove by SPB from pai mrakkappal & Vaanam enge mudigiradhu by KJY)
He also composed for around 10-15 Malayalam films as well.
Starting at 1942 his career spanned across 5 decades mesmerizing Tamil and telugu audience.
It’s unfortunate that he did not get the recognition he deserved but nevertheless when we speak of Tamil film music we can’t forget Thirai isai thilagam aka MAMA and his compositions.
MAMA MAMA MAMA .. AAMA AAMA AAMA
Will come back with another Artist
Rajesh Lavanya
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Solla Solla inikkidhuyya – K(arnatic) V(idwan) M(ahadevan)
Solla Solla inikkidhuyya – K(arnatic) V(idwan) M(ahadevan)
Yes “Solla Solla inikkudhada” can anyone forget this mind blowing devotional on Lord muruga penned by KAviyarasar and sung by the sweetest voice on the earth smt P.Susheela from the tamil film Kandhan Karunai tuned by Thirai isai thilagam K.V.Mahadevan fondly called as “Mama” by the Tamil film music fraternity. While talking about Tamil film music Krishnankoil Venkatachalam Mahadevan is a name which comes to Music lovers’s mind at once on par with MSV-TKR & G.Ramanathan. KVM was one of the Trinity of Tamil film music. When G.Ramanathan brought in the fusion of Classical and western music followed by KVM & Mellisai mannargal taking the Tamil film music to greater heights. When MSV-TKR were trying out new experiments, new sounds to prove their existence MAMA was sticking to his chords yes classical & folk which was his strong forte and churned out tune after tune which lingers in the ears of old songs lovers even today.
KVM was born in Krishnan kovil in Nagerkovil district and was interested in music from childhood. Learnt classical music from Poothapandi Arunachala Kavirayar. After his classical training he joined a music troupe run by angarai viswanatha bhagavathar and did music shows all around India. He started singing and donning female roles in stage plays followed by joining HMV Company (he was the one who encouraged AMRaja in HMV which lead to Raja’s career break in Samsaram) and finally he joined as music assistant to T.A.KAlyanam and S.V.Venkatraman.
Salem Modern Theatre which was the nest for all aspiring artist accommodated KVM too at the age of 20.
He started his Music career with 1942’s MAnonmani along with T.A.Kalyanam and sang a song with P.Leela as well.
Tamil film scene was witnessing a drasting change slowly shifting focus from historical movies to social drama and thus music also changed from being pure classical to the music style which everyone can understand. So it was right time for KVM’s career as well.
Slowly his career took off with Burma rani (one of my fav movie of T.R.Sundaram), rajambal, kumaari, naalvar , Mangalyam (I liked the movie and songs where in A.P.Nagarajan played the hero with nambiar , B.S.Saroja & Rajasulochana)and there he was composing for one of the iconic film of Tamil cinema yes , the Movie which had Sivaji ganesan and M.G.R together for first and last “Koondukkili” . All songs were memorable ones and loved by fans even today. Raathiri buvaaku lottery was a Colloquial and funny song sung by himself along with TMS & V.N.Sundaram, Radha jayalakshmi’s paar en magale paar is another fantastic song from the same movie. KVM’s name as composer started to float alongside of stalwarts like S.Dakshimurthy, G.Ramanathan,C.N.Pandurangan,T.G.Lingappa,S.Rajeswara rao, V.Dakshinamurthy ,Ghantasala,S.M.Subbiah naidu, S.V.Venkatraman, C.Ashwathama & Sudharsanam master. Thus KVM slowly started to create an impact of his own. During the same time MSV who also worked with KVM in modern theatres as chorus singer was made to join with T.K.Ramamurthy by NSK as the duo MSV-TKR was slowly climbing up the ladder. So both KVM and MSV-TKR slowly were redefining the film music on their own ways. MAhadevan as I mentiond earlier stuck to his basics Classical and Folk and started composing fantastic songs
In 1954 when KVM was composing for the film Madhana Mohini, M.P.Sivam introduced Velappan nair aka T.K.Pughazendhi and thus Pugazhendhi became a loyal assistant to KVM till his death.
After Koondukili KVM’s instant hit was 1955’s Town bus which had Anjali devi as the bus conductor which was quite a revolution at that time. Songs like Chittukuruvi Chittukuruvi sethi theriyuma(MSR), Ponnana vaazhve mannagi (MSR) were sensational hits . Ka mu sherrif’s lines sung by MSR the chittu kuruvi chittu kuruvi song is popular even today (those days it was as good as Mere piya gaye Rangoon).
Mahadevan slowly started to carve a name for himself in the TAMIL film arena. 2 people played important role in shaping up Mama’s career. Devar and A.P.Nagarajan
Devar - Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar started as stunt actor developed friendship with the then upcoming actor Ramachandran finally persuaded Ramachandran to act in his film which he was about to produce and thus the blockbuster “Thaaikku pin tharam”was conceived and the Devar – KVM association kicked off and lasted long as well.
Thaaikku pin tharam had MGR,P.Bhanumathi,KAnnamba,T.S.Baliah and songs tuned by KVM are pleasant to ears even today
P.Banumathi crooning Asainthadum thendrale thoodhu sellayo is an evergreen song
TMS joins PB to render “AAha nam aasai niraiveruma”
And thalaivar’s message song “Manushana manushan saapiduranda” was instant hit as well.
Thus Devar films –KVM association took off and how many movies and how many songs.
Especially Devar films-MGR-KVM a magical combo. Devar used to say that all he needed was MGR, KVM,Kannadasan,TMS & P.Susheela.
Thaaiku pin tharam also established MGR as a social hero, during the same time Mukta V.Srinivasan started his debut direction with Mudhalali and KVM’s music was the main reason for the film’s success . Ka mu sherrif’s Yerikkarayin mele is a musical wonder even today. This movie had SSR & devika and this was a milestone in SSR’s career and this particular song attributed to the success.
While MGR’s thaaikku pin tharam was huge success KVM’s songs in NAdigar thilagam’s “Makkalai Petra maharasi” were super hit as well. Thus KVM’s music became integral part for the film’s success.
Ondru serndha anbu maruma penned by A.Maruthakasi sung by PBS & Udutha sarojini is a fantastic duet for Nambiar and MNrajam
Folkish Manapparai madu katti by TMS penned by Maruthakasi is one of the best folk songs in TFM.
PB & TMS jointly render the classic Poravale poravale ponnurangam.
Thus KVM’s music magic irrespective of the actors was becoming the reason for the film’s success.
KVM composed strictly within the frame of the Raga if it’s classical and tried variety in Folk and he fared well in that.
Next to Devar the man who was instrumental in KVM’s career was A.P.Nagarajan.
A.P.NAgarajan knew KVM from MAngalyam days in which he played the main lead.
Being a story writer for some years for movies like Sampoorna ramayanam, nalla idathu sambandham he became closer to KVM. It was APN & KVM who gave L.R.Eswari a break with NAlla idathu sambandham.
KVM’s magic continued with Raja rajan,Thai pirandhal Vazhi pirakkum, pillai kani amudhu,Neelavukku neranja manasu, periya kovil
Especially Thai pirandhal vazhi pirakkum is another feather in his musical cap.
Aasaiye alai pole penned by Kannadasan sung by Trichy Loganathan created magic all over tamilnadu
Thai porandha vazhi porakkum thangame thangam sung by TMS, P.Leela was hummed by everyone
Amudhum thenum yedharku penned by Suradha sung by Seergazhi Govindarajan is a classic number picturised on Prem Nazir and Rajasulochana. KVM’s magic can be felt in this song.
Hits followed with films like SEngottai singam, nalu veli nilam, Manamulla marutharam,Vaazha veitha deivam, Abalai anjugam
Songs in Nalu veli nilam were impressive especially oorar urangayile was aired in Radio
Manamulla marutharam had fantastic songs – Thiruvilakku by Jikki and Inbam enge inbam enge endru thedu by Seergazhiyar is popular even today.
Vaazha veitha deivam firmed the DEVAR-KVM relationship with songs becoming a major hit. It was from this movie Gemini ganesan took Aroordas to meet Nadigar thilagam and bhimsingh and their association created a new wave from pasamalar
VAazha veitha deivam had lover boy Gemini with the cute Sarojadevi and songs like Kaaveri than singari singari than kaveri(TMS,PS), kolli malai saralile were hits. Not just songs but devar used lot of bull fight scenes for which KVM gave wonderful background score.
Vennila kudai pidikka from Abalai anjugam will make old song lovers go crazy for the excellent rendition by T.R.Mahalingam and Suseela and beautiful lyrics by A.Maruthakasi.
It was KVM who utilized A.Maruthakasi to the fullest and credit to him.
Modern theatres T.R.Sundaram who tend to work with different music directors was associated with KVM from Burma rani days.
So he summoned KVM to compose the Folklore subject directed by T.R.Ragunath
Yes “Vanna kili” which had some of the best songs of TFM all packaged into 1 film.
Nadaga kavalar R.S.MAnohar paired with B.S.Saroja while Prem naseer paired with MAinavathi.
A.Maruthakasi penned all the songs and all are classic
Maatukkara vela un maata konjam paathukkada by Seerkazhi was a fantastic folkish number
While Adikkira kai than anaikkum the only duet by Trichy loganathan & Suseela will make stone heart melt
Chinna papa endhan sella papa sung by P.Suseela was the lullaby in every household
Chithada kattikittu is the best kuthupattu ever created in TFM sung by S.C.Krishnan and P.Suseela
Vandi urundoda achani thevai by Seergazhiyar & Suseela was equally popular as well.
APNagarajan’s Vadivukku valaikappu had fantastic numbers tuned by Mama.
Seerulavum imba nadham by TMS& PS is the pick of the lot and Pugazhendhi used to talk at length about this song and how it was composed and how singers delivered it.
KVM’s success continued with Alli petra pilla, engal kula devi, thayai pola pillai noolai pola selai(vilaimadhippilladha arutperum kalaiye by PS & Soolamangalam) and we have a blockbuster in the form of “PAdikakdha Medhai” in 1960
In 1960 he had super hit songs from the films Padikkadha medhai, AAda vandha deivam, Yaanai pagan,Veerakkanal
PAdikkatha medhai directed by Bhimsingh had stellar performance by Nadigar thilagam, SVrangarao, Kannamaba and Songs like “Engirundho vandhan “ by Seergazhi, “ore oru oorile” b TMS,Soolamangalam
Aadavandha deivam was musically hit. Sottu sottu by TRM,PS
Kodi kodi inbam tharave- PS,PLeela
Nilayaga en nenjil –PS
Sangam muzhangi varum- TRM all were super duper hits
YAanai pagan on the other hand was Devar films which had Kannada superstar Udayakumar romancing Sarojadevi and had fantastic songs by KVM
Sengani vai thirandhu by PS,Seergazhiyar is ever lilting romantic duet
Padhinarum nirayadha by TMS is another evergreen beauty
Hits continued in 1960 in the form of Engal selvi, Kaithi kannayiram(konji konji pesi),Paavai vilakku(kaaviyama nenjin oviyama,vanna thamizh), ponni thirunal(who can forget yaar sirithal enna), Sivagami(vaanil muzhu madhiyai),thangam manasu thangam etc were few of his 1960 hits
Stepping into 1961 MSV-TKR arrived with their Paava mannippu while KVM rocked with Kumudham.
Kumudham was a complete package from Modern theatres and KVM gave splendid songs
By this time he was quite popular in telugu as well. Without knowing Telugu he was the only Music director at that time who was simultaneously popular in both Tamil and Telugu (Illayaraja and Rahman in later years)
Mama mama mama sung by TMS & K.Jamunarani Rocked the music arena and everyone went crazy with the song. Rocking Folk number by KVM and the telugu version sung by Ghantasala and KJR also was instant hit.
Kumudham had stunning numbers Meow meow poonaikkutti by MSRajeswari,
Kallile kalai vannam by TMS, Ennai vittu odi poga mudiyuma by PS & Seergazhi,
Kalyanam Aanavare sowkkiyama by PS
Hit songs continued in the form Ellam unakkaga(konji varum nenjil indru by PS), Kongunattu thangam,Panam pandhiyile,Panithirai(Varuga varuga, ore kelvi ore kelvi, yedho manidhan , april fool)
DEvar-MGR-KVM rocked with hit after hit with Thai sollai thattadhe, thayai katha thanayan, kudumba thalaivan, dharmam thalai kakkum, neethikku pin pasam,thozhilali, vettaikaran, vivasayee,mugarasi,thanipiravi etc
All songs from the above mentioned movies did enthrall the audience
He continued to mesmerize the audience with song from Azhagu nila (chinna chinna roja – PBS sang for NAggaya), Kavitha (this movie had excellent songs by PS),Maadappura(oorukum theriyadhu & many more),Muthu mandapam(SSR’s movie had excellent songs kodiyavale, sonnalum vetkamada),Rani samyukta(oh vennila vennila)
KSG’s Sharada had Fantastic numbers tuned by KVM
PBS-PS duet Oruthi oruvanai ninaithuvittal is among the top 10 PBS-PS duets
Seergazhi and LREswari’s Thattu thadumari nenjam is an unforgettable song
Kannananal naan imaiyaven by TMS & PS is another stunner from this film
KVM’s success formula was this .He believed “If we cater to Audience’s needs then it will be success”. That’s exactly he did with his music. He kept it simple relying on Classical and folk
His hits continued with Annai illam (MAdi meethu thalai veithu by TMS,PS),Aasai alaigal,
Ezhai pangalan,Irurvar ullam (idhaya veenai thoongumpodhu, nadhi enge pogiradhu were super hits),
Kalai arasi(P.Banumathi mentions his composition and the songs she sang in this movie),KAanchi thalaivan(all hit songs oru kodiyil iru malargal, mayangathar manam yavum mayangum), Kaatu roja(endha oor endravane by PBS is a stunner), Koduthu veithaval(neeyum naanum ondru)
Kulamagal radhai and Kungumam 2 Nadigar thilagam movies and songs were tremendous hit from these films. NAdigar thilagam’s career had best songs from KVM and MSV-TKR
Kulamagal radhai – Iravukku ayiram kangal, aaruyire mannavane, pagalile chanidranai, chandiranai kaanamal, radhe unakku kobam , unnai solli kutramillai all were super hit songs
Kungumam another movie with fantastic songs .. Thoongatha kann endru ondru, Chinnanjiriya vanna paravai,kungumam mangala,poonthotta kaval kara,mayakkam enadhu thayagam all are popular even now
During this time he was popular in telugu with movies like Aathma bandhuvu, MAnchi manasulu(kumudham remake),mohini rukamangadha
His telugu super hit came with 1964 Aatma balam starring ANR, B.Sarojadevi & JAggiah.
He did create the sensational rain duet “Chitapata chinukulu “ by Ghantasala & Suseela which is still a popular one. He re used the same tune years later in engal thanga raja “Iravukkum pagalukkum ini enna velai”
Hits followed with Neengatha ninaivu(oh chinnanjiru malarai), thulasi madam and then APnagarajan started his bakthi series and who better than MAMA to compose ..APN-KVM bhakti series rocked TFM with Thiruvilayadal(not just songs just listen to the intro music he gives in the beginning in KAilayam. It’s out of the world stuff),saraswathi sabatham,Thiruvarutselvar,Kandhan karunai,Thillana mohanambal,Thirumal perumai
The above said APN films had classic songs.
Can we forget Paatum nane bhavamum nane.. Oru naal podhuma(BMK),Neela selai katti konda(PS)
Podhigai malai (PBS,SJ), Sambo mahadeva (PS,SG), pazhan nee appa(KBS)
Saraswathi sabatham—Komadha engal kula madha (what a composition & what a rendition by PS)
Kalviya selvama veeram(TMS), Rani maha rani(TMS), uruvathai kaatidum kannadi(PS)
Agaramuthala(TMS). All were hit and popular even today.
Thiruvarutselvar.. WOW the ever famous Mannavan vandhanadi .. what a composition , excellent lyrics by KAviyarsar awesome rendition by our own melody queen PS and ofcourse well portrayed dance by Naatiya peroli PAdmini.
Nadhar mudi mel irukkum by TMS, Kadhalagi kasindhu by TMS, T.LMaharajan (debut) and aadhi sivan .
All are very popular numbers.
Then there was “KAndhan KArunai” which fetched him the 1’st National award
Solla solla inikkudhada is no less than a private devotional number. Mama’s soulful music accompanied by the best female voice PS and apt lyrics by Kannadasan made this song “IMMORTAL”
Uyirinangal ondrai ondru vaazhthidumbodhu adhan ullirundhu vaazhthuvadhu un arul andro kandha un arul andro” what a lyric .. hats off to Kaviyarasar
Kurunjiyile, Velli malai mannava, manam padaithen(my favourite number), velli malai podhigai malai all were popular numbers
Speaking of Nattiya peroli and NAdigar thilagam this film is synonymous to their names. Yes it’s Kothamangalam subbu’s story made into film by APN –Thillana mohanambal which was a milestone in everyone’s career
PAdmini excelled in the role of Mohanambal while NT lived the role of Sikkal shanmuga sundaram
Ably supported by manorama and others. This movie is a landmark film in tamil which exhibited our cultural arts like bharatha natyam & NAdhaswaram to perfection. Music played an important role for this film’s success. Can anyone forget P.Susheela’s excellent rendition of “MAraindhirundhu paarkkum marmam enna or NAlamthana udalum ullamum nalandhthana. This was purely KVM’s magic and the fusion art of western and nadhaswaram was just out of the world.
KVM continued the hits with Vanampadi .(Gangai karai thottam, oomai pen oru kanavu, aan kaviyai vella, kadavul manithanai & thookananguruvi koodu)
PArisu(Aalai paarthu azhagai paarthu is a stunner by PS, enna enna inikkudhu, koondhal karuppu and many more hits)
Ratha thilagam though movie was not successful songs were super hits.
Pasumai niraindha ninaivugale is an evergreen college song by TMS,PS
And Kannadasan himself appeared in the movie Oru koppaiyile en kudiruppu sung by TMS was very popular as well.
Like this KVM hits continued in the 60’s. It was MSV-TKR and KVM all the way and from Mid 60’s it was MSV and KVM ruling the TFM with occasional hits from Veda, V kumar and others.
His hit list continued with Ayiram roobai (Paarthalum paarthen,nilavukkum nizhalundu,aanaka andha madam), Navarathiri another APN movie which had great songs by KVM
The folkish stage show song “Thanga jariga selai” by TMS,PS, NT & Savithiri is considered as one of the best stage song till date.
Navarathiri suba rathiri, sollava kadhai sollava, iravinil aattam all are popular even today.
MGR was encouraging both KVM and MSV side by side.
MGR’s Vettaikaran with KVM had one of the very popular MGR song “Unnai arindhal nee unnai arindhal” with apt lyrics by Kannadasan
Meanwhile AVM also invited KVM to compose songs for their KAkkum Karangal. The only AVM film KVM composed but nevertheless it stands out for the absolute melody “Gnayiru enbadhu kanga” written by Vaali sung by TMS,PS . Thiru naal vandhadhu another PS number from the same movie
Hits continued with Thazhampoo(thazhampoovin narumanathil),Veera abhimanyu.
Veera abhimanyu is another KVM wonder just for the song “Paarthen sirithen” what a composition and what a rendition by PS & PBS
K.Balaji’s debut production had KVM as the composer. Yes “Annavin asai” and all songs are popular even now. Paatezhutattum paruvam is lilting melody by PBS & PS
Chinnanjiru ulagam, Mahakavi kalidas(yaar tharuvar , malarum vaan nilavum),Selvam(enakkagava naan)
Thali bhagyam(kan pattadhu konjam) all were hits as well.
MGR’s Arasakattalai which marked the last movie of MGR-Sarojadevi combo had KVM’s fascinating music. Vettaiyadu vilayadu viruppam pola (TMS,PS lyrics Alangudi somu), Putham puthiya puthagame(PS,TMS lyrics vaali), ennai pada veithavan oruvan
Like MGR, Sivaji ganesan movies also had KVM and MSV side by side. IF MSV created magic with movies like paar magale paar, aandavan kattalai etc KVM had annai illam, selvam etc. Pesum deivam is one such film of KSG which had stellar performances by NT, Padmini, S.V.Rangarao. Songs by Vaali were unforgettable. Azhagu deivam mella mella ,Naan anuppuvadhu kaditham all,noorandu kalam vaazhga, pathu madham sumakkavillai
He continued his magic with Panama pasama(mariyadhu nenjam, mella mella, elandha pazham),ther thiruvizha, jeevanamsam etc
He continued his magic in 69-70’s and biggest hit was MGR’s Adimai penn.
Thayillamal naanillai,Aayiram nilave vaa(SPB’s first song), Amma enral anbu,kaalathai vendravan all are quite popular
By this time KVM was very popular in Telugu industry. He was composing for lot of films in telugu and slowly a rapport between K.Vishwanath and KVM developed and that led to lot of great movies from their combination.
In tamil he was continuing hits with Anandhai anandhan, En annan , Maatukkara velan(all songs super hit),Thabalkaran thangai (KArikalan katti veithan kallanai),Vilayattu pillai.
Vietnam veedu which made sundram to be called as Vietnam veedu sundaram was the stage play made as movie and KVM’s music was a strong point for the movie. Paalakkattu pakkathile, un kannil neer vazhindhal will make music lovers go crazy even today.
LV Prasad’s Idhaya kamalam need special mention. He made everyone mad with “Unnai kaanadha kannum , malargal nanaidhana,thol kanden thole kanden,ennathan ragasiyamo.
Hits continued with Athiparasakthi(naan aatchi seidhu, aayi mahamaye),Arunodayam,irulum oliyum(thirumagal thedi vandhal), kulama gunama,Annamitta kai,
Devar’s last production while he was alive was “NAlla neram” which had fantastic songs by KVM.Can we forget Odi odi uzhaikkanum, thottal engum
At the same time KVM composed classics for K.Vishwanath in Telugu for films like Siri siri muvva which fetched Susheelamma her 3’rd national award for Jummandhi nadham , Their association continued with Shankarabharanam, shubodhayam,Sapthapadhi, Sirivennila,shruthilayalu,swathi kiranam and all had fanstastic numbers. Ofcourse Shankarabaranam is a classic cult and it’s songs are talked about even now and also established SPB as great singer.
Mama continued his work with Engal thanga raja, Vani rani, Satyam,pallandu vaazhga,uthaman,Enippadigal(poonthenil kalandhu).
Late 70’s saw only few films in Tamil but he was extremely busy in Telugu and he composed telugu films till 1994(Srinatha kavi sarvabhoumadu NTR movie)
Even after years when he composed for films like Andha rathirikku satchiyillai, Paai mara kappal his melody touch could still mesmerize the audience (for instance EErathamarai poove by SPB from pai mrakkappal & Vaanam enge mudigiradhu by KJY)
He also composed for around 10-15 Malayalam films as well.
Starting at 1942 his career spanned across 5 decades mesmerizing Tamil and telugu audience.
It’s unfortunate that he did not get the recognition he deserved but nevertheless when we speak of Tamil film music we can’t forget Thirai isai thilagam aka MAMA and his compositions.
MAMA MAMA MAMA .. AAMA AAMA AAMA
Will come back with another Artist
Rajesh Lavanya
Yes “Solla Solla inikkudhada” can anyone forget this mind blowing devotional on Lord muruga penned by KAviyarasar and sung by the sweetest voice on the earth smt P.Susheela from the tamil film Kandhan Karunai tuned by Thirai isai thilagam K.V.Mahadevan fondly called as “Mama” by the Tamil film music fraternity. While talking about Tamil film music Krishnankoil Venkatachalam Mahadevan is a name which comes to Music lovers’s mind at once on par with MSV-TKR & G.Ramanathan. KVM was one of the Trinity of Tamil film music. When G.Ramanathan brought in the fusion of Classical and western music followed by KVM & Mellisai mannargal taking the Tamil film music to greater heights. When MSV-TKR were trying out new experiments, new sounds to prove their existence MAMA was sticking to his chords yes classical & folk which was his strong forte and churned out tune after tune which lingers in the ears of old songs lovers even today.
KVM was born in Krishnan kovil in Nagerkovil district and was interested in music from childhood. Learnt classical music from Poothapandi Arunachala Kavirayar. After his classical training he joined a music troupe run by angarai viswanatha bhagavathar and did music shows all around India. He started singing and donning female roles in stage plays followed by joining HMV Company (he was the one who encouraged AMRaja in HMV which lead to Raja’s career break in Samsaram) and finally he joined as music assistant to T.A.KAlyanam and S.V.Venkatraman.
Salem Modern Theatre which was the nest for all aspiring artist accommodated KVM too at the age of 20.
He started his Music career with 1942’s MAnonmani along with T.A.Kalyanam and sang a song with P.Leela as well.
Tamil film scene was witnessing a drasting change slowly shifting focus from historical movies to social drama and thus music also changed from being pure classical to the music style which everyone can understand. So it was right time for KVM’s career as well.
Slowly his career took off with Burma rani (one of my fav movie of T.R.Sundaram), rajambal, kumaari, naalvar , Mangalyam (I liked the movie and songs where in A.P.Nagarajan played the hero with nambiar , B.S.Saroja & Rajasulochana)and there he was composing for one of the iconic film of Tamil cinema yes , the Movie which had Sivaji ganesan and M.G.R together for first and last “Koondukkili” . All songs were memorable ones and loved by fans even today. Raathiri buvaaku lottery was a Colloquial and funny song sung by himself along with TMS & V.N.Sundaram, Radha jayalakshmi’s paar en magale paar is another fantastic song from the same movie. KVM’s name as composer started to float alongside of stalwarts like S.Dakshimurthy, G.Ramanathan,C.N.Pandurangan,T.G.Lingappa,S.Rajeswara rao, V.Dakshinamurthy ,Ghantasala,S.M.Subbiah naidu, S.V.Venkatraman, C.Ashwathama & Sudharsanam master. Thus KVM slowly started to create an impact of his own. During the same time MSV who also worked with KVM in modern theatres as chorus singer was made to join with T.K.Ramamurthy by NSK as the duo MSV-TKR was slowly climbing up the ladder. So both KVM and MSV-TKR slowly were redefining the film music on their own ways. MAhadevan as I mentiond earlier stuck to his basics Classical and Folk and started composing fantastic songs
In 1954 when KVM was composing for the film Madhana Mohini, M.P.Sivam introduced Velappan nair aka T.K.Pughazendhi and thus Pugazhendhi became a loyal assistant to KVM till his death.
After Koondukili KVM’s instant hit was 1955’s Town bus which had Anjali devi as the bus conductor which was quite a revolution at that time. Songs like Chittukuruvi Chittukuruvi sethi theriyuma(MSR), Ponnana vaazhve mannagi (MSR) were sensational hits . Ka mu sherrif’s lines sung by MSR the chittu kuruvi chittu kuruvi song is popular even today (those days it was as good as Mere piya gaye Rangoon).
Mahadevan slowly started to carve a name for himself in the TAMIL film arena. 2 people played important role in shaping up Mama’s career. Devar and A.P.Nagarajan
Devar - Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar started as stunt actor developed friendship with the then upcoming actor Ramachandran finally persuaded Ramachandran to act in his film which he was about to produce and thus the blockbuster “Thaaikku pin tharam”was conceived and the Devar – KVM association kicked off and lasted long as well.
Thaaikku pin tharam had MGR,P.Bhanumathi,KAnnamba,T.S.Baliah and songs tuned by KVM are pleasant to ears even today
P.Banumathi crooning Asainthadum thendrale thoodhu sellayo is an evergreen song
TMS joins PB to render “AAha nam aasai niraiveruma”
And thalaivar’s message song “Manushana manushan saapiduranda” was instant hit as well.
Thus Devar films –KVM association took off and how many movies and how many songs.
Especially Devar films-MGR-KVM a magical combo. Devar used to say that all he needed was MGR, KVM,Kannadasan,TMS & P.Susheela.
Thaaiku pin tharam also established MGR as a social hero, during the same time Mukta V.Srinivasan started his debut direction with Mudhalali and KVM’s music was the main reason for the film’s success . Ka mu sherrif’s Yerikkarayin mele is a musical wonder even today. This movie had SSR & devika and this was a milestone in SSR’s career and this particular song attributed to the success.
While MGR’s thaaikku pin tharam was huge success KVM’s songs in NAdigar thilagam’s “Makkalai Petra maharasi” were super hit as well. Thus KVM’s music became integral part for the film’s success.
Ondru serndha anbu maruma penned by A.Maruthakasi sung by PBS & Udutha sarojini is a fantastic duet for Nambiar and MNrajam
Folkish Manapparai madu katti by TMS penned by Maruthakasi is one of the best folk songs in TFM.
PB & TMS jointly render the classic Poravale poravale ponnurangam.
Thus KVM’s music magic irrespective of the actors was becoming the reason for the film’s success.
KVM composed strictly within the frame of the Raga if it’s classical and tried variety in Folk and he fared well in that.
Next to Devar the man who was instrumental in KVM’s career was A.P.Nagarajan.
A.P.NAgarajan knew KVM from MAngalyam days in which he played the main lead.
Being a story writer for some years for movies like Sampoorna ramayanam, nalla idathu sambandham he became closer to KVM. It was APN & KVM who gave L.R.Eswari a break with NAlla idathu sambandham.
KVM’s magic continued with Raja rajan,Thai pirandhal Vazhi pirakkum, pillai kani amudhu,Neelavukku neranja manasu, periya kovil
Especially Thai pirandhal vazhi pirakkum is another feather in his musical cap.
Aasaiye alai pole penned by Kannadasan sung by Trichy Loganathan created magic all over tamilnadu
Thai porandha vazhi porakkum thangame thangam sung by TMS, P.Leela was hummed by everyone
Amudhum thenum yedharku penned by Suradha sung by Seergazhi Govindarajan is a classic number picturised on Prem Nazir and Rajasulochana. KVM’s magic can be felt in this song.
Hits followed with films like SEngottai singam, nalu veli nilam, Manamulla marutharam,Vaazha veitha deivam, Abalai anjugam
Songs in Nalu veli nilam were impressive especially oorar urangayile was aired in Radio
Manamulla marutharam had fantastic songs – Thiruvilakku by Jikki and Inbam enge inbam enge endru thedu by Seergazhiyar is popular even today.
Vaazha veitha deivam firmed the DEVAR-KVM relationship with songs becoming a major hit. It was from this movie Gemini ganesan took Aroordas to meet Nadigar thilagam and bhimsingh and their association created a new wave from pasamalar
VAazha veitha deivam had lover boy Gemini with the cute Sarojadevi and songs like Kaaveri than singari singari than kaveri(TMS,PS), kolli malai saralile were hits. Not just songs but devar used lot of bull fight scenes for which KVM gave wonderful background score.
Vennila kudai pidikka from Abalai anjugam will make old song lovers go crazy for the excellent rendition by T.R.Mahalingam and Suseela and beautiful lyrics by A.Maruthakasi.
It was KVM who utilized A.Maruthakasi to the fullest and credit to him.
Modern theatres T.R.Sundaram who tend to work with different music directors was associated with KVM from Burma rani days.
So he summoned KVM to compose the Folklore subject directed by T.R.Ragunath
Yes “Vanna kili” which had some of the best songs of TFM all packaged into 1 film.
Nadaga kavalar R.S.MAnohar paired with B.S.Saroja while Prem naseer paired with MAinavathi.
A.Maruthakasi penned all the songs and all are classic
Maatukkara vela un maata konjam paathukkada by Seerkazhi was a fantastic folkish number
While Adikkira kai than anaikkum the only duet by Trichy loganathan & Suseela will make stone heart melt
Chinna papa endhan sella papa sung by P.Suseela was the lullaby in every household
Chithada kattikittu is the best kuthupattu ever created in TFM sung by S.C.Krishnan and P.Suseela
Vandi urundoda achani thevai by Seergazhiyar & Suseela was equally popular as well.
APNagarajan’s Vadivukku valaikappu had fantastic numbers tuned by Mama.
Seerulavum imba nadham by TMS& PS is the pick of the lot and Pugazhendhi used to talk at length about this song and how it was composed and how singers delivered it.
KVM’s success continued with Alli petra pilla, engal kula devi, thayai pola pillai noolai pola selai(vilaimadhippilladha arutperum kalaiye by PS & Soolamangalam) and we have a blockbuster in the form of “PAdikakdha Medhai” in 1960
In 1960 he had super hit songs from the films Padikkadha medhai, AAda vandha deivam, Yaanai pagan,Veerakkanal
PAdikkatha medhai directed by Bhimsingh had stellar performance by Nadigar thilagam, SVrangarao, Kannamaba and Songs like “Engirundho vandhan “ by Seergazhi, “ore oru oorile” b TMS,Soolamangalam
Aadavandha deivam was musically hit. Sottu sottu by TRM,PS
Kodi kodi inbam tharave- PS,PLeela
Nilayaga en nenjil –PS
Sangam muzhangi varum- TRM all were super duper hits
YAanai pagan on the other hand was Devar films which had Kannada superstar Udayakumar romancing Sarojadevi and had fantastic songs by KVM
Sengani vai thirandhu by PS,Seergazhiyar is ever lilting romantic duet
Padhinarum nirayadha by TMS is another evergreen beauty
Hits continued in 1960 in the form of Engal selvi, Kaithi kannayiram(konji konji pesi),Paavai vilakku(kaaviyama nenjin oviyama,vanna thamizh), ponni thirunal(who can forget yaar sirithal enna), Sivagami(vaanil muzhu madhiyai),thangam manasu thangam etc were few of his 1960 hits
Stepping into 1961 MSV-TKR arrived with their Paava mannippu while KVM rocked with Kumudham.
Kumudham was a complete package from Modern theatres and KVM gave splendid songs
By this time he was quite popular in telugu as well. Without knowing Telugu he was the only Music director at that time who was simultaneously popular in both Tamil and Telugu (Illayaraja and Rahman in later years)
Mama mama mama sung by TMS & K.Jamunarani Rocked the music arena and everyone went crazy with the song. Rocking Folk number by KVM and the telugu version sung by Ghantasala and KJR also was instant hit.
Kumudham had stunning numbers Meow meow poonaikkutti by MSRajeswari,
Kallile kalai vannam by TMS, Ennai vittu odi poga mudiyuma by PS & Seergazhi,
Kalyanam Aanavare sowkkiyama by PS
Hit songs continued in the form Ellam unakkaga(konji varum nenjil indru by PS), Kongunattu thangam,Panam pandhiyile,Panithirai(Varuga varuga, ore kelvi ore kelvi, yedho manidhan , april fool)
DEvar-MGR-KVM rocked with hit after hit with Thai sollai thattadhe, thayai katha thanayan, kudumba thalaivan, dharmam thalai kakkum, neethikku pin pasam,thozhilali, vettaikaran, vivasayee,mugarasi,thanipiravi etc
All songs from the above mentioned movies did enthrall the audience
He continued to mesmerize the audience with song from Azhagu nila (chinna chinna roja – PBS sang for NAggaya), Kavitha (this movie had excellent songs by PS),Maadappura(oorukum theriyadhu & many more),Muthu mandapam(SSR’s movie had excellent songs kodiyavale, sonnalum vetkamada),Rani samyukta(oh vennila vennila)
KSG’s Sharada had Fantastic numbers tuned by KVM
PBS-PS duet Oruthi oruvanai ninaithuvittal is among the top 10 PBS-PS duets
Seergazhi and LREswari’s Thattu thadumari nenjam is an unforgettable song
Kannananal naan imaiyaven by TMS & PS is another stunner from this film
KVM’s success formula was this .He believed “If we cater to Audience’s needs then it will be success”. That’s exactly he did with his music. He kept it simple relying on Classical and folk
His hits continued with Annai illam (MAdi meethu thalai veithu by TMS,PS),Aasai alaigal,
Ezhai pangalan,Irurvar ullam (idhaya veenai thoongumpodhu, nadhi enge pogiradhu were super hits),
Kalai arasi(P.Banumathi mentions his composition and the songs she sang in this movie),KAanchi thalaivan(all hit songs oru kodiyil iru malargal, mayangathar manam yavum mayangum), Kaatu roja(endha oor endravane by PBS is a stunner), Koduthu veithaval(neeyum naanum ondru)
Kulamagal radhai and Kungumam 2 Nadigar thilagam movies and songs were tremendous hit from these films. NAdigar thilagam’s career had best songs from KVM and MSV-TKR
Kulamagal radhai – Iravukku ayiram kangal, aaruyire mannavane, pagalile chanidranai, chandiranai kaanamal, radhe unakku kobam , unnai solli kutramillai all were super hit songs
Kungumam another movie with fantastic songs .. Thoongatha kann endru ondru, Chinnanjiriya vanna paravai,kungumam mangala,poonthotta kaval kara,mayakkam enadhu thayagam all are popular even now
During this time he was popular in telugu with movies like Aathma bandhuvu, MAnchi manasulu(kumudham remake),mohini rukamangadha
His telugu super hit came with 1964 Aatma balam starring ANR, B.Sarojadevi & JAggiah.
He did create the sensational rain duet “Chitapata chinukulu “ by Ghantasala & Suseela which is still a popular one. He re used the same tune years later in engal thanga raja “Iravukkum pagalukkum ini enna velai”
Hits followed with Neengatha ninaivu(oh chinnanjiru malarai), thulasi madam and then APnagarajan started his bakthi series and who better than MAMA to compose ..APN-KVM bhakti series rocked TFM with Thiruvilayadal(not just songs just listen to the intro music he gives in the beginning in KAilayam. It’s out of the world stuff),saraswathi sabatham,Thiruvarutselvar,Kandhan karunai,Thillana mohanambal,Thirumal perumai
The above said APN films had classic songs.
Can we forget Paatum nane bhavamum nane.. Oru naal podhuma(BMK),Neela selai katti konda(PS)
Podhigai malai (PBS,SJ), Sambo mahadeva (PS,SG), pazhan nee appa(KBS)
Saraswathi sabatham—Komadha engal kula madha (what a composition & what a rendition by PS)
Kalviya selvama veeram(TMS), Rani maha rani(TMS), uruvathai kaatidum kannadi(PS)
Agaramuthala(TMS). All were hit and popular even today.
Thiruvarutselvar.. WOW the ever famous Mannavan vandhanadi .. what a composition , excellent lyrics by KAviyarsar awesome rendition by our own melody queen PS and ofcourse well portrayed dance by Naatiya peroli PAdmini.
Nadhar mudi mel irukkum by TMS, Kadhalagi kasindhu by TMS, T.LMaharajan (debut) and aadhi sivan .
All are very popular numbers.
Then there was “KAndhan KArunai” which fetched him the 1’st National award
Solla solla inikkudhada is no less than a private devotional number. Mama’s soulful music accompanied by the best female voice PS and apt lyrics by Kannadasan made this song “IMMORTAL”
Uyirinangal ondrai ondru vaazhthidumbodhu adhan ullirundhu vaazhthuvadhu un arul andro kandha un arul andro” what a lyric .. hats off to Kaviyarasar
Kurunjiyile, Velli malai mannava, manam padaithen(my favourite number), velli malai podhigai malai all were popular numbers
Speaking of Nattiya peroli and NAdigar thilagam this film is synonymous to their names. Yes it’s Kothamangalam subbu’s story made into film by APN –Thillana mohanambal which was a milestone in everyone’s career
PAdmini excelled in the role of Mohanambal while NT lived the role of Sikkal shanmuga sundaram
Ably supported by manorama and others. This movie is a landmark film in tamil which exhibited our cultural arts like bharatha natyam & NAdhaswaram to perfection. Music played an important role for this film’s success. Can anyone forget P.Susheela’s excellent rendition of “MAraindhirundhu paarkkum marmam enna or NAlamthana udalum ullamum nalandhthana. This was purely KVM’s magic and the fusion art of western and nadhaswaram was just out of the world.
KVM continued the hits with Vanampadi .(Gangai karai thottam, oomai pen oru kanavu, aan kaviyai vella, kadavul manithanai & thookananguruvi koodu)
PArisu(Aalai paarthu azhagai paarthu is a stunner by PS, enna enna inikkudhu, koondhal karuppu and many more hits)
Ratha thilagam though movie was not successful songs were super hits.
Pasumai niraindha ninaivugale is an evergreen college song by TMS,PS
And Kannadasan himself appeared in the movie Oru koppaiyile en kudiruppu sung by TMS was very popular as well.
Like this KVM hits continued in the 60’s. It was MSV-TKR and KVM all the way and from Mid 60’s it was MSV and KVM ruling the TFM with occasional hits from Veda, V kumar and others.
His hit list continued with Ayiram roobai (Paarthalum paarthen,nilavukkum nizhalundu,aanaka andha madam), Navarathiri another APN movie which had great songs by KVM
The folkish stage show song “Thanga jariga selai” by TMS,PS, NT & Savithiri is considered as one of the best stage song till date.
Navarathiri suba rathiri, sollava kadhai sollava, iravinil aattam all are popular even today.
MGR was encouraging both KVM and MSV side by side.
MGR’s Vettaikaran with KVM had one of the very popular MGR song “Unnai arindhal nee unnai arindhal” with apt lyrics by Kannadasan
Meanwhile AVM also invited KVM to compose songs for their KAkkum Karangal. The only AVM film KVM composed but nevertheless it stands out for the absolute melody “Gnayiru enbadhu kanga” written by Vaali sung by TMS,PS . Thiru naal vandhadhu another PS number from the same movie
Hits continued with Thazhampoo(thazhampoovin narumanathil),Veera abhimanyu.
Veera abhimanyu is another KVM wonder just for the song “Paarthen sirithen” what a composition and what a rendition by PS & PBS
K.Balaji’s debut production had KVM as the composer. Yes “Annavin asai” and all songs are popular even now. Paatezhutattum paruvam is lilting melody by PBS & PS
Chinnanjiru ulagam, Mahakavi kalidas(yaar tharuvar , malarum vaan nilavum),Selvam(enakkagava naan)
Thali bhagyam(kan pattadhu konjam) all were hits as well.
MGR’s Arasakattalai which marked the last movie of MGR-Sarojadevi combo had KVM’s fascinating music. Vettaiyadu vilayadu viruppam pola (TMS,PS lyrics Alangudi somu), Putham puthiya puthagame(PS,TMS lyrics vaali), ennai pada veithavan oruvan
Like MGR, Sivaji ganesan movies also had KVM and MSV side by side. IF MSV created magic with movies like paar magale paar, aandavan kattalai etc KVM had annai illam, selvam etc. Pesum deivam is one such film of KSG which had stellar performances by NT, Padmini, S.V.Rangarao. Songs by Vaali were unforgettable. Azhagu deivam mella mella ,Naan anuppuvadhu kaditham all,noorandu kalam vaazhga, pathu madham sumakkavillai
He continued his magic with Panama pasama(mariyadhu nenjam, mella mella, elandha pazham),ther thiruvizha, jeevanamsam etc
He continued his magic in 69-70’s and biggest hit was MGR’s Adimai penn.
Thayillamal naanillai,Aayiram nilave vaa(SPB’s first song), Amma enral anbu,kaalathai vendravan all are quite popular
By this time KVM was very popular in Telugu industry. He was composing for lot of films in telugu and slowly a rapport between K.Vishwanath and KVM developed and that led to lot of great movies from their combination.
In tamil he was continuing hits with Anandhai anandhan, En annan , Maatukkara velan(all songs super hit),Thabalkaran thangai (KArikalan katti veithan kallanai),Vilayattu pillai.
Vietnam veedu which made sundram to be called as Vietnam veedu sundaram was the stage play made as movie and KVM’s music was a strong point for the movie. Paalakkattu pakkathile, un kannil neer vazhindhal will make music lovers go crazy even today.
LV Prasad’s Idhaya kamalam need special mention. He made everyone mad with “Unnai kaanadha kannum , malargal nanaidhana,thol kanden thole kanden,ennathan ragasiyamo.
Hits continued with Athiparasakthi(naan aatchi seidhu, aayi mahamaye),Arunodayam,irulum oliyum(thirumagal thedi vandhal), kulama gunama,Annamitta kai,
Devar’s last production while he was alive was “NAlla neram” which had fantastic songs by KVM.Can we forget Odi odi uzhaikkanum, thottal engum
At the same time KVM composed classics for K.Vishwanath in Telugu for films like Siri siri muvva which fetched Susheelamma her 3’rd national award for Jummandhi nadham , Their association continued with Shankarabharanam, shubodhayam,Sapthapadhi, Sirivennila,shruthilayalu,swathi kiranam and all had fanstastic numbers. Ofcourse Shankarabaranam is a classic cult and it’s songs are talked about even now and also established SPB as great singer.
Mama continued his work with Engal thanga raja, Vani rani, Satyam,pallandu vaazhga,uthaman,Enippadigal(poonthenil kalandhu).
Late 70’s saw only few films in Tamil but he was extremely busy in Telugu and he composed telugu films till 1994(Srinatha kavi sarvabhoumadu NTR movie)
Even after years when he composed for films like Andha rathirikku satchiyillai, Paai mara kappal his melody touch could still mesmerize the audience (for instance EErathamarai poove by SPB from pai mrakkappal & Vaanam enge mudigiradhu by KJY)
He also composed for around 10-15 Malayalam films as well.
Starting at 1942 his career spanned across 5 decades mesmerizing Tamil and telugu audience.
It’s unfortunate that he did not get the recognition he deserved but nevertheless when we speak of Tamil film music we can’t forget Thirai isai thilagam aka MAMA and his compositions.
MAMA MAMA MAMA .. AAMA AAMA AAMA
Will come back with another Artist
Rajesh Lavanya
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Excellent writing with full authentic information. One encyclopaedia about another encyclopaedia
ReplyDelete