11. Pleasant raagas

I wanted to highlight two of the pleasant/happy ragas this time – Brindavana Saranga and Ananda Bhairavi. Raja has used Brindavana Saranga to represent the mental happiness and Ananda Bhairavi for functions like marriage, valaikappu, thalattu, etc. I understand there is only one note difference between these two ragas on arohanam, avarohanam is the same. Within these parameters, he has given us many, many memorable songs. Surprisingly, all are in female voice.

First, let us hear Brindavana Saranga.

Konjum kuyil pattu – Kanna unai thedugiren
The two female voices (one Bhava) is awesome with their harmonious singing. Classical instrumentation.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=4d5be339544abd601b2c1247

Manathil ore oru – En purushanthan Enakku mattum dhan
I discovered this song also only recently. Sung by P.Susheela. Very lilting tune, epecially the pallavi.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=27f08add538f7d9ce567201f

Poongatre theendadhe - Kunguma chimizh
I don’t remember the film and situation. In many places, Tabla tarang and shenai will give you goose pimples.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=a3dc5b9d8cd6bdd36d6989d1

There are few other good song in this raga – Kannukkulle vandha eeram enna from Manidhanin marupakkam. Beautiful orchestration. And then, Thanga nilavukkul nilavondru from Rikshaw Mama, with a nice chorus with classical arrangements.


Next comes Ananda Bhairavi.

Chittu pole – Iniya uravu poothadhu
This is obviously a valaikappu song, before completion of pregnancy. The rhythm in the beginning of 2nd interlude fascinated me very much. Nice chorus. “Than potta thottathil poo pootha santhosham” – great lines! Raga name is also there in the lyrics.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=4e8d5436390b122f9eb4f935

Parthale theriyadho – Sri Raghavendrar
I think this song didn’t feature in the movie. The saint’s wife gets mocked by her friends after her consummation. Manorama and chorus have sung this song. I think gottu vadhyam is used in many places, which is mainly used for sad situations.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=62bd7c2f38e543b17b19949c

Ananda Bhairavi in BGMs:

Ananda Bhairavi was used very aptly for the following situations in the movie background score.

1. Scene: Seetha Kalyanam – Movie: Rajarishi
When Lord Rama breaks the bow, this music follows, to signify finalizing of Rama’s marriage with Seetha. Just brings the scene in front of our eyes.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=0ec0e418e78435ab40412d0e


2. Scene: Wife enters her husband’s house, Movie: Ammal kovil kizhakkale
Radha deserts her father and comes to stay with Vijayakanth. All his friends are surprised at her sudden entry. Very nicely done, underscoring the comedy element in the proceedings.

http://www.filefactory.com/get/f.php?f=70d3b3a7286cc7b45b7141d6


Nobdoy attempted to guess last week’s mini quiz. The answers are here: All the movies were produced by yesteryear movie personalities.

a) Pudhiya Ragam – Jayachitra
b) Pudhiya Swarangal – Vijayan (of Uthiripookkal fame)
c) Nee Sirithal Deepavali – Malaysia Vasudevan
d) Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu – Late P. Bhanumathi (she also produced Periyamma)
e) Krishnan Vandhan – Thengai Sreenivasan (this movie had couple of beautiful songs, I don’t have them)

For all these movies, Maestro helped them his best by contributing beautiful songs and receiving no / lesser remuneration. His magnanimity is truly marvellous.