It is heartening to note that this time noted Malayalam music composer M.K.Arjunan is getting the Swaralaya- Kairali Yesudas award. It is high time that this underrated composer’s efforts were recognized. I have often felt that Arjunan hasn’t got the credit he richly deserves despite composing some of the best songs of Malayalam in over 100 films. He is being conferred an award in the name of a singer who gave voice to his numerous unforgettable melodies and semi-classical numbers
From his debut in 1968 with `Karutha Paurnami', he has made some excellent scores. His best years were till 1980 when he was consistently brilliant in setting tune to Sreekumaran Thampi's or Vayalar's lyrics. He produced a few memorable songs after 1980 though he was active throughout eighties. Early in his career he was associated with Devarajan school of music, but later broke away to develop an independent style. Many of his songs had good use of guitar. His association with R.K.Sekhar and his Oscar winning son A R Rahman has been repeated often. Sekhar was his music assistant .
I think he should rank along with Dakshinamoorthy, Devarajan and Ravindran in the category of semi-classical songs in Malayalam films. In fact I should admit that I like some of his semi-classical songs more than the songs of the other three greats.
I’m listing some of his songs with semi-classical touch together with name of the film, year, singer and lyricist. Some are very popular and some may be rarely heard. He has done many other raga-based songs as well.
`Bhamini Bhamini’, Adyathe Katha, 1972, K J Yesudas , Vayalar
`Dukhame’, Pushpanjali, 1972, KJY, Sreekumaran Thampi
`Priyathame’, Pushpanjali, 1972, KJY, S.Thampi
`Akashagangayil’, Ragging, 1973,
`Ramba Praveshamo’, Poothenaruvi, 1974, KJY,
`Anuragame’, Hello Darling, 1975, KJY, Vayalar
`Dwarake’ Hello Darling, 1975, P Susheela, Vayalar
`Thiruvonapulariyil’ Thiruvonam, 1975, Vani Jairam,
`Kalivilakkin’ Tourist Bungalow, 1975, KJY, ONV
`Swarangal’ Kanyadanam, 1976, P Jayachandran,
`Adathin Achumbitha’, Light House, 1976, KJY,
`Sooryakanthi Poo’ Light House, 1976, KJY,
`Aayiram Ajantha’ Shanghupushpam, 1977, KJY,
`Sapthaswarangaladum’ Shanghupushpam, 1977, Vani Jairam,
`Arinju Sakhi’ Aalmarattam, 1978, Vani Jairam, Venu ( a rare gem)
`Arayal Mandapam’, Jayikkanai Janichavan, 1978, KJY,
`Ezhu Swarangal’, Jayikkanai Janichavan, 1978, KJY,
`Ravivarma Chithrathin’, Raju Rahim, 1978, KJY, R K Damodaran
`Leelathilakamaninju’, Irumbazhikal, 1979, KJY, R K Damodaran
`Anuvadamillathe’, Puzha, 1980, KJY, P Bhaskaran
`Vachalamakum’, Ambada Njane, 1984, KJY, Poovachal Khader
Those who have an ear for classical music can surely enjoy these songs. I hope the readers would add more to the list.
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