"Iruvar (The Duo) " - the very name strikes an alarm among all the Rahmaniacs
and Mani Ratnam's admirers..!! This film can be grouped to the number "two" in
many ways...
Mani Ratnam - Santhosh Sivan
A R Rahman - Vairamuthu
M.G. Ramachandran - M. Karunanidhi ( On whom the story was based upon)
Mohanlal - Prakash Raj
Aishwarya Rai - Tabu
Revathy - Gouthami
Anybody seen the promos of this movie when it went on floors?? It was the most
magical announcement by a lady, who more or less spoke the above names in pair.
I should strongly say that this movie enjoys enormous fan following among the
Tamils in the world even to this day.The soundtrack of this movie by the
maestro are in much demand . Both Aishwarya Rai and Tabu made their debuts in
this movie. But this was Tabu's Tamil Debut only.
Having said this, i am deeply saddened by the fact that ARR didnt get any
kind of awards or recognition for his brilliant and much sophisticated work
which haunts the listener even today and many more years to come.! I think i am
right here..! Correct me if i am wrong,! Has he fetched any award for this
magical audio tracks and even more supreme BGMs.?
Kannai Katti ---> Hariharan , Chorus
A Huge change in the usually "till then" sober mood singer
Hariharan's voice. He has gone wide open with his voice in this song. The
chorus form a very integral part in this song's stupendous success. I believe
it would be the toughest job for ARR to compose to such an opening song which
should make audience feel that they are seeing the great MGR on the celluloid.
A very nice mix of melody and peppyness by the maestro which can make any music
lover tap their feet and hands. Particularly, "Thozha
Thozha....lalalallalalaalalaaaa..." lines make everybody shake their bodies...:)
Aayirathil Naan Oruvan ---> Mano , Chorus
Another differently sounding popular singer Mano makes a great
attempt in this visually perfect MGR influenced song.! One yearns for more Mano
- ARR combo which is dead these days after listening to this song. A great
instrumentation and a great dancing skills shown by the debutant Aishwarya Rai.
Great picturisation, great lyrics, even more greater composition and song
rendition makes this song an anthem of sorts for both the classes and masses.
Relish yourselves by the chirpy female chorus singing "kukukuku..." as Mano
delivers second charanam...!! ARR has this inborn knack of mesmerising all
sorts of people which keeps him stay where he is today. Best example is
"Aayirathil Naan Oruvan".
Vennila Vennila ---> Asha Bhonsle
Haven't captured the Tajmahal during the early dawn and dusk? This song will
give you that pleasure visually. Aesthetically shot by the ace cinematographer
Santhosh Sivan. I bet nobody has brought the Tajmahal to the viewers, the way
Santhosh brings in this seductive song! The legendary bollywood singer Asha
Bhonsle comes back to Tamil soundtrack after a huge gap (Previously sung for
Ilayaraja sir in 1980's). Not withstanding her Tamil diction, she oozes with
oomph through her voice and emotions are high running.And what to say about
ARR. The saxophone he belts out makes u float in the musical heaven. Strictly
recommended for the bed time listeners.
Narumughaiye Narumughaiye ---> Unni Krishnan, Bombay Jayashree
This song appears as though ARR has created a gem out of "Nattai" Raagam of
Carntic Classical.!! What an impact it brings out is to be only expressed
rather mouthed by words..!! Roping in the two classical giants, Unni Krishnan
and Bombay Jayashree, who until then wasnt ready for cine songs, ARR gives a
royal launch to both the singers, even though Unni was launched earlier by
himself. The initial Mridangams, the flutes, the Veenas....all form a perfect
unison to please the listeners. Only thing that amuses me is ARR has never
looked upon Bombay Jayashree after this song, though she's doing great stuffs
for other MDs.
Hello Mr. Edirkatchi -----> Harini, Rajagopal
Yet another launchpad of ARR, Harini goes bold and beautiful after her
mighty classical "Nila Kaagiradhu". Its though a complete contrasting genre for
her, she wins hands down in this as well. Her huskiness to the song elevates
the mood of the song! This is Ash's very first song onscreen and ARR makes no
stone unturned in belting out this jazzy- groovy song. Piano works of ARR are
Fantabulous to say the least..!! Rajgopal does his bit in the interludes and
keep up the rythm going..!
Pookodiyin Punnaghai ------> Sandhya
One of the most unheard and under rated songs of ARR is all can i say about
this song. Worst !Many dont even know the existance of this song. Its actually
one of the most sooothing melodies of ARR till date.! The newbie Sandhya sounds
very much strikingly similar to the yesteryear legend P Susheela ji.! Many talk
that she's a close relative of the legend as well. ARR has chosen her to bring
those 1970's effects with some haunting flute pieces spread across the entire
song. Also, sadly, this is the first and last song of Sandhya for ARR till
date.! An absolute soother for all tensed minds..an emotional booster!!
Udal Mannukku ----> Arvind Swamy
While Mohanlal walks away with all the songs, leaving Prakash Raj with nothing
left, the thespian Vairamuthu and the legend ARR comes to his rescue with this
awe inspiring poetry recital from the voice of Mani Ratnam's then muse Arvind
Swamy. The beating drums in the background of this poetry recital gets you
goose pimples. Arvind Swamy's strong, spirited voice makes a majestical
impression.
Unnodu Naan Irunda ----> Arvind Swamy
The same trio ARR-Vairamuthu- Arvind Swamy resurface once again, but this
time with a romantic poetry recital. These are the words which Prakash Raj
recites to Tabu after being captivated by her innocence and interest in
literature. Again a top notch work.!
And finally, about the BGMs. What word can best describe the enigmatic,
enchanting score delivered by the thespian? I just dont have words!!!!
Experience it and feel it..!! Thats it!! :)
