Lyrics: Aabavaanam Composer: Manoj-Kiyan Singer: P.B. Srinivas Released in August 1986, 'Tholvi Nilayena', famously sung by P.B. Srinivas after a long gap in his career, is known as an inspirational and motivational song for those on the brink of defeat. The song came at a very crucial point in the history of Eelam; India had started to get involved after the Thimpu talks. Although the film 'Oomai Vizhigal' was not about the struggle of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or any other Tamil militant group, many believe that this song was written with the Tamil Eelam freedom fighters and the...
It is a distinctive of India with its many languages that talented entertainers here can easily captivate an audience which does not always speak their language. 27 year old singing sensation Shreya Goshal, for example, is an Indian playback singer who has sung in over seven languages in her career so far. At recent concert in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, enthusiastic fans, music critics and even local politicians were entranced by this beautiful and charming young woman’s performance – despite just two of her songs being in Tamil. Her set was almost entirely in English and Hindi. Not that Shreya isn...
K. Balachander directed this controversial film starring Kamal Hassan and Srividhya. It was controversial upon its release due to the themes of the film such as the relationship between a younger man and an older divorced woman, which is not part of the social norms in Tamil culture. Despite its controversy, the film became a huge success in Tamil cinema and even went on to win a National Film award in 1976. The film was then remade in Hindi for North-Indian audiences. Superstar Rajinikanth got his first small, but important acting role in this landmark movie. Watch the song ‘Athisaya Ragam’...
‘Chinnanchiru Vayathil’ from the film ‘Meendum Kokila’ is a wonderful duet sung by Shailaja, S.P. Balasubramaniam’s sister, and K.J. Yesudas. The picturization of the song shows the hero’s family (Kamal Hassan) at Sridevi’s house in order to fix their marriage. In the olden days, potential brides would sing or dance for their potential husband and their families in order to attract them. ‘Chinnanchiru Vayathil’ portrays the awkwardness of the proposal due to Sridevi’s shyness but certain incidents, such as the young baby urinating on Kamal Hassan’s lap during the song, lighten the situation...
‘Man Vaasanai’ directed by Bharathiraaja captures the innocence of village life and contentment in a small world. Pandiyan abandons his village to join the armed force. Upon his return he realises that nothing will ever be the same again. Watch a song from the film here: