Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Comeback?



My friend Murugesh had requested me to write about "Uliyin Osai" music composed by Illayaraja. Also, Suresh Kumar had a post in his blog wondering why many don't write about recent albums of Raaja!

Whether I like it or not, I make it a point to hear most of the recent albums, at least once. IMO, if there is any album worth writing about after "Mozhi", it will be Uliyin Osai. Uliyin Osai's music deserves a separate post. I already see so many news about Uliyin Osai's music and media has mentioned "Illayaraja is back again with a bang!!"

I recollect - During 1990 a journalist asked Illayaraja - "Why are your recent songs not as good as your old ones?"
Raaja replied - "Thirumba Kettu Paarunga"

Again during 2000 another person questioned Raaja - "We don't get to hear those kinds of melodies anymore from you?"
Raaja replied - "Naan kuduthu kondu thaan erukkiraen. Neengal ketka thaviri viteergal "

As Kamal Hassan mentioned during release of Virumaandi album - "Raaja never went anywhere to make a comeback"

Superficially, all of us (including me) get a feeling that his magic is fading and he doesn't give the kind of songs he used to. But, probably we are all sorrounded with too much noise around us that prevents us from his gems. No doubt, his number of movies have reduced drasticallly due to some of the famous directors moving away from him and the market value. However, if I sit and think back he has been producing some gems and we have failed to notice it.

When I recently heard the song "Ketkavillayo" from "Madhu" and "Yaarum Thodatha Ondrai" from "Ajanthaa", I only wonder -

நல்லதோர் வீணை செய்து அதை நலம் கெட புழுதியில் எறிவதுண்டோ ?



8 comments:

முருகேஷ் said...

I heard Uzhiyin osai songs yesterday. Songs are very crisp, orchestration is tightly fitted, voices and music are distinct. I think Raja paid more attention to pronounciation of lyrics (bcoz of Kalaignar's film?). Overall, I liked it.


As you said, people usually say Raaja's new songs are not as good as his old ones. Now they might say the other way around i.e. these songs sound old, not anything new.

Emjay said...

Rightly said, Murugesh.

But, I beg to differ with you in pronounciation. The song "Kaalathai Vendra" has been butchered by Dhanya, IMO.

Emjay said...

My bad. I meant "Kallaai Irundhaen" song.

Anonymous said...

Kallai Irunthen is too good.yet to hear rest of the songs.The Problem with the Maestro is choosing some nonsense films like uliyin osai,Ajantha,Jagan Mohini etc.Intha Padam ellaam theatrekkku koooda varathu vanthaalum oru payalukkum theriyadhu..so even if maestro done a good job its washed away by the bad script.he should do only Bala,Balu Mahendra,Kamal,Period Films or some Good Script as he did in Sethu.

P.S. Suresh Kumar said...

Emjay - By far, the best soundtrack of the year for me is 'Uliyin Oosai'... Eagerly waiting for your post on 'Uliyin Oosai' music..

jeevagv said...

Good one emjay!

Emjay said...

Thank you, Jeeva.

Unknown said...

If you have not watched the movie just watch it. But with your eyes closed and ears open. You are IN for a TREAT by Raaja. What an awesome background score ? I recently watched it but waiting for a DVD release to enjoy it even better. Movie is so so...But as always Raaja at his BEST. Dont miss the movie. You will miss to enjoy Raaja's TREAT !!!!