The end 70s witnessed a new generation of creative artists surging forward and emerging into a formidable combination. Ilayaraja , Mahendran, Barathiraja, BaluMahendra, AshokKumar, Vairamuthu, Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, T.Rajendar......
All the above have become household names now !
Talent was overflowing like a Brahmaputra . New and innovative techniques were introduced to tamil cinema. No lip sync, outdoor picturisation, new style of orchestration with Synthesizers and Guitars taking over from conventional instruments, less dialogues, subtle acting, poetic way of presenting .......
Look at this song . Just close your eyes and the Composer Isainyani immediately takes you to Cubbon park for an early morning jog. The picturisation on a misty morning are all AshokKumar's creativity. The youthful voice of SPB and S.Janaki ! What an amazing orchestration !!The sensational guitar strumming at the start of the first interlude and the Violin follow like a Waltz and the music suddenly slows down . Now from nowhere a Harmonium steps in & then finally a Piano ends for SPB to resume with Poonthottathil Ho !!!!!!!
Director Mahendran had already created a niche for himself by then , having directed Mullum Malarum, Udhiripookal, Johnny .....made Nenjathai Killadhey in 1982 and the movie was a superhit . I remember watching it Devikala / Devibala where it ran for more than a year !
Suhasini Hasan, daughter of Charu Hassan , made her debut as an actress . She was spotted as an assistant to Ashok Kumar and Mahendran managed to convince a reluctant Suhasini and thats how came Nenjathai Killadhey.
The movie also saw Mike Mohan making a mark. Saratbabu played the role of a caring brother while his wife Shanti Williams ( of Metti Oli fame ) plays the wicked sister in law destroying all the plans of Suhasini. Pratap Pothen plays a simple for admirable role as a patient and loving husband who waits for Suhasini to forget the past and start a new life. All ends well.
The theme must have inspired Mani Ratnam who later took Mouna ragam in 1986.
Dont forget, it was the same Ilayaraja who recreated the magic in Mouna ragam .
Mahendran, though he made only few movies, left an indelible mark on tamil cinema. Surprising to us that he faded away very early. Still unable to fathom why he couldnt last long .
Nenjathai Killadhey a path breaking movie, a must watch for Ilayaraja devotees.
