Anantha Krishnan
20. Thenpandi Cheemayile – Nayagan (1987)
What a way to open a film! Thenpandi Cheemayile plays during the opening credits of the Tamil classic Nayagan, and it sets a very sombre tone. The song is one of Ilaiyaraaja’s most organic compositions, sung with a definitive set of emotions by Kamal Haasan and Isaignani himself.
19. Sundari Kannal Oru Sethi – Thalapathi (1991)
This is a love song of epic proportions. S Janaki and SP Balasubramanyam have taken many of Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions to phenomenal heights with their angelic voices. Sundari Kannal Oru Sethi tells the tale of a romance amidst war, and the music lays a perfect balance between both varying emotions.
18. En Iniya Pon Nilave – Moodu Pani (1980)
KJ Yesudas is the greatest Indian singer as far as I’m concerned. His voice modulation throughout this beautiful composition makes it sexier, cooler, and all around more attractive. I’m amazed at how this particular piece hides its complexity with a mask of seeming ease that is identifiable in the tune.
17. Ninnukori Varnam – Agni Natchathiram (1988)
Only someone as brilliant as Ilaiyaraaja could’ve written a sweet dance number like this. It’s melodious, but it also feels unnaturally modern and stylistic, a combination that isn’t always reliable and can go wrong if not handled with extreme care. KS Chithra adds a certain sense of charm to the mastery of this composition.
16. Kuzhal Oothum Kannanukku – Mella Thiranthathu Kathavu (1986)
‘Character’ has always been an important element in Ilaiyaraaja’s music. Kuzhal Oothum Kannanukku evokes a sense of innocence made adorably naughty by KS Chithra’s expressive voice. Ilaiyaraaja composed two songs for Mella Thiranthathu Kathavu, and both are some of his greatest ever works. You’ll find the other one a little higher on this list.
15. Kaatril Enthan Geetham – Johnny (1980)
The climax of Johnny is enveloped in Kaatril Enthan Geetham, a sombre, painful piece sung by S Janaki with her angelic, incomparable voice. I found this song quite haunting to listen to after Sridevi’s passing. Ilaiyaraaja composed a lot of sad songs throughout his career, but Kaatril Enthan Geetham stands out because of how powerfully depressing it is.
14. Poove Sempoove – Solla Thudikuthu Manasu (1988)
Poove Sempoove is a simple composition, touching in some ways, but uplifting in others. The song puts into my head the image of a dark night sky, with Yesudas’ voice flowing through like a warm breeze, touching everything in its path. I’m not particularly fond of the video, though. It really doesn’t do justice to the piece.
13. Megham Karukkayile – Vaidehi Kathirunthal (1984)
Megham Karukkayile is a happy folk song, sung by Ilaiyaraaja and Uma Ramanan. It precedes a shocking moment in the film, working in complete contrast to the exhilarating atmosphere of the tune. Raaja’s folk songs are admittedly my least favourite of all the different kinds of music he has worked on, but a couple of them, like this one, are otherworldly and deserving of the highest of praises.
12. Thumbi Vaa Thumbakudathin – Olangal (1982)
S Janaki is my favourite female singer. Her voice acts as an impetus to Thumbi Vaa Thumbakudathin, pushing the boundaries of the classic melody. This song is about childhood, nature, and imagination. The bass guitar is played to perfection in this masterpiece of songwriting, that I feel I can’t describe in mere words. There’s something of a mystery in there somewhere.
11. Poongatru Puthithanathu – Moondram Pirai (1982)
Ilaiyaraaja’s style is such that one can easily identify his works just by listening to them. One exception to this is Poongatru Puthithanathu, a noticeably different work from the master, but just as beautiful as the rest. Yesudas sings the late poet Kannadasan’s lyrics with emotion that is felt, which is partly why I hold this up higher than the Hindi song that plays during this scene in the North Indian remake of Moondram Pirai (1983’s Sadma), Aye Zindagi Gale Laga Le (also composed by Ilaiyaraaja).
