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The Unseen Threads: How Ilaiyaraaja Wove the Same Story into Two Unforgettable Songs
We dive into a mind-blowing realization: two of the Maestro's iconic hits, "Keladi Kanmani" (Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal) and "Poongaatru Thirumbuma" (Mudhal Mariyaadhai), share the exact same core plot and emotional theme! Both films feature a respected man finding solace in a female friend due to marital distress.
How did Raja Sir score the same story twice, yet make them sound completely unique? It’s a genius-level masterclass in musical nuance.

Priya Parthasarathy
Oct 295 min read


The Swan Song Unveiled: Jayalalitha's Final Cinematic Act and the Song That Foretold a Legend's Future
Have you ever wondered about the phrase "swan song"? It refers to a person's final performance or creation—the last brilliant flourish before retirement or a change in path.
Today, we're diving deep into one such remarkable piece: "Thavikkuthu Thayanguthu Oru Manadhu" from the 1980 film Nadhiyai Thedi Vandha Kadal. This is not just any song; it is the last Tamil song ever performed on screen by the esteemed former Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa.

Priya Parthasarathy
Oct 85 min read


When a Young Maestro Met a Titan: The Epic Tale of 'Andhapurathil Oru Maharani'
Could this "new kid on the block" deliver the grandeur expected for a Nadigar Thilagam film?
Ilaiyaraaja answered with a symphony of sound. We break down the brilliance of "Andhapurathil Oru Maharani," looking at how Raja Sir used the Mayamalavagowlai scale, infused it with grandeur using a spectacular string orchestra, and then introduced a stunning, almost symphonic "movement" in the second interlude. It was a masterpiece of scale and sophistication.
Discover the secrets

Priya Parthasarathy
Oct 13 min read


One Ragam, Three Goddesses: Ilaiyaraaja's Musical Genius with Kalyani
In a unique musical analysis, we explore how Maestro Ilaiyaraaja used a single ragam, Kalyani, to compose three masterpieces for three different goddesses. Discover how he transformed the same musical scale to create the meditative devotion of "Janani Janani," the bright, ambitious melody of "Kalaivaaniye," and the playful joy of "Vandhaal Vandhaal." This is a deep dive into the genius of a composer who proves that a ragam is not just notes, but a living entity with its own s

Priya Parthasarathy
Sep 233 min read


Synth Funk Meets Folk: The Genius of Ilaiyaraaja in "Nethu Oruthara Oruthar Pathom" song
Step into the world of cinematic music with "Nethu Oruthara Oruthar Paathom," a timeless track that defied stereotypes and became a global sensation. This essay delves deep into Ilaiyaraaja's genius, uncovering how he seamlessly blended a traditional folk melody with cutting-edge Western synth-funk.

Priya Parthasarathy
Sep 34 min read
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