Today marks 30 years since the release of Punnagai Mannan (1st Nov 1986). As a movie, it didn't really set the box office on fire but the soundtrack of this film is easily one of the finest to have graced the annals of Tamizh Cinema. After showcasing his carnatic prowess in KB's earlier Sindhu Bhairavi, this was a chance for IR to portray his skills in a diverse multitude of genres and the result produced was nothing short of mind boggling.
♫ Enna Satham Indha Neram : The quintessential evergreen all time ultimate melody. Lyrics accentuate the tune further and with the Sindhu Bhairavi finesse and SPB's sonorous vocals, does one have to even say anything further?
♫ Yedhedho Ennam : A honey dripping composition suffused with an abundance of nectar sung resplendently by Isai Kuyil Chitra. The touching of alternative alien notes in the charanam's gives it so much of soul and the way it branches to the Pallavi is sheer magnificence.
♫ Vaan Megam : Just a couple of months ago in the same year 1986, was composed one of the best ever rain songs in the form of 'Oh oh Megam Vandhadhu' from 'Mouna Ragam' also starring Revathi. IR went a notch higher with this awe inspiring number sprinkling bass in profusion to give the perfect rain effect. It's pure ecstasy listening to this and by default brings your childish instincts to the forefront.
♫ Mamavukku Kudumma : One of the peppiest numbers ever. Get your dancing shoes and do the pirouette to this tribute song to Charlie Chaplin.
♫ Kavidhai Kelungal : Just absorb the reticular mind zapping this song unfurls at you. A motley of ragams, Graha bedhams (scale changes) and all sorts of mind blowing tapestries happen in this one not to undermine Vani Jayaram's proficiency in transcending vocals across octaves.
♫ Singalatha Chinna Kuyile : A foot tapping romantic melody which undergoes tremendous transitions. The seeping flute bit in the interlude is delightful and the way the song slows itself down in the charanam gives it a completely different complexion from where the original began with the jingling Jingala Jinga in full flow.
♫ Kaalakaalamaaga Vaazhum : Don't the violins just communicate everything here? Violin virtuoso in the spotlight highlighting it's veritable verve and valour.
♫ 1234 Now : A good old full on English composition with Boogie elements. Hip-hop and groove your way to glory!.
♫ Punnagai Mannan Theme song : This paved the way to open the door for 'theme music' in Indian cinema. The advent of computer music and an all time favourite ringtone. 30 years have passed and seldom has a better instrumental piece been composed.
Each of the compositions are like 'Navaratnas' etched with radiance and steeped in brilliance. It's hard to find one album rivaling this where virtually every composition is studded with 24 carat gold. It's a pity the pairing of Ilayaraaja & Vairamuthu never worked together again but what they created was their own little 'Mount Everest'.
Purely from a standalone soundtrack perspective, the sheer virtuosity and versatility of this musical ensemble called 'Punnagai Mannan' deserves every bit of extolling and can be enshrined as one of the torch bearer musical albums of Indian cinema.
