‘Thalapathi’, written and directed by Mani Ratnam, stars Rajinikanth, Mammootti, Aravindh Swami, Srividhya and Shobana.

It is based on the friendship between Rajinikanth and Mammootti and depicts the circumastances surrounding gang life.

Watch some scenes from the film here:

'Thulli Thulli' is a great number from the Kollywood box office smash hit starring Kamal Hassan and Radhika. Sung by the illustrious S.P. Balasubramaniam and S. Janaki, it is a loving lullaby intended for the heroine of the film.

Notably, this song was composed by Ilaiyaraaja purely in Madhyamavathi raagam, a raaga which he has very commonly used for his hypnotic lullabies in other films.

The film 'Mouna Ragam' by hit filmmaker Mani Ratnam was a massive blockbuster in the 80's.

Often described as Mani Ratnam's breakthrough film, it depicts Revathi as a carefree spirit who unwillingly marries Mohan in order to satisfy her parents. Mohan is forced to face up to Revathi's past and the pitfalls that come with it.

Watch a classic scene from the movie:

Mani Ratnam's Pagal Nilavu (1985) is about a carefree youngster (Murali) and his loyalty to a mafia group and his love for a police officer's sister (Revathi).

Watch short excerpts from the film.

'Naan thedum sevanthi poo' is a wonderful composition by Ilaiyaraaja from the film Dharma Pathini, starring Karthik and Jeevitha.

It is set in the carnatic raaga of Hindolam, although it has a very non-carnatic rhythm and bass pattern, and can therefore be referred to as a semi-classical composition.

Meendum Kokila (1981), starring Kamal Hassan and Sridevi in the leading roles as a lawyer and a housewife, depicts the struggle of  a small family trying to overcome the husband's illicit, short-term affair with an actress. Watch the song 'Chinnanchiru Vayathil' from this movie here:

Watch a comedy scene from the film here: