Echoes of the Maestro - Song 5 - Poovizhi vaasalil
(re)Discovering Illayaraja's Musical Treasures
Dheepam (1977) was initially supposed to be Ilaiyaraaja's debut movie before Annakili. However, due to delays, Annakili ended up being released first, and it became a huge success, making Ilaiyaraaja a household name with its banger of an album.
The song "Poovizhi Vaasalil" is believed to be set in the Yamunakalyani raga and features Ilaiyaraaja's folksy touch. Although I don't know much about Carnatic music, I came across Dr. Charulatha Mani's "A Journey of Raaga Yamuna Kalyani" YouTube video. She describes this raga as a happy and pleasant one. I completely agree because that’s what the emotion this song brings out.
Also, during the preludes of the song, there's a moment where the shruti descends, and the actress also descends the stairs in a well-coordinated manner. It's the first time I noticed such sync and it's what I'd call “my Takku” moment.
Song - 5
Song: Poovizhi Vaasalil
Movie: Dheepam
Singer: K.J.Yesudas, S. Janaki
Lyricist: Pulamaipithan
Actors: Sivaji Ganesan, Vijayakumar, Sujatha, Sangeetha, K. Balaji, Nagesh, Major Sundarrajan, and many others.
Director: K. Vijayan