Top 12 Illaiyaraja's Compositions

The Maestro Who Has Really Give Us Some Fresh Melodies not only throughout his Reign But also Now.
The Musical Genius Brought A New Pathway For Music Of Tamil Cinema.

Here 12 Best Compositions of The Maestro is Stated And Is Completely Ranked By Personal Opinions of Music Critic Abishek

1. Machana Pathingala, from Annakili

In 1975,a young man who had come to Chennai seeking his fortune was given the opportunity to score the music for Annakili. It marked the arrival of a phenomenon on the South Indian film scene. For the songs in this sensitive, black & white film about unrequited love Ilayaraja combined folk rhythms with the film music techniques of the times. This vibrant song in the sweet voice of Janaki will always remain a favourite with those who listened to the radio in the late ‘70s.

2. Metti Oli Kaatrodu, from Metti

The ‘80s were marked by dozens of melodies of this sort. Ilayaraja himself sang this song from Metti,by Mahendran, with Janaki providing the humming. More than a few fans of this song say it transports them to another plane. Sensuous lyrics add to its appeal.

3. Kannil Enna Kaarkaalam, from Un Kannil Neer Vazhindhal

This evergreen song from the ’80s brought together the very best talent of the time: the golden voices of SP Balasubramaniam and Janaki, lyrics by Vairamuthu and, of course, the maestro’s music. The song featured a young Rajinikanth and the very lovely Madhavi.

4. Nee Oru Kadhal Sangeetham,
from Nayagan

In this beautifully shot song, featuring Kamal Haasan and Saranya, from Mani Ratnam’s Nayagan, Ilayaraja displayed his flairfor working with classical ragas. This one in Shyam Kalyani, sung by Chitra and Mano, makes it to the top 12 of most people’s favourite love songs.

5. Sundari, from Thalapathy

This song is from Thalapathy, the last film on which Mani Ratnam and Ilayaraja worked together. Set to the maestro’s favourite Kalyani raga, it combines soft melody, rousing scores and superb lyrics. The video features Rajinikanth and a ravishing Shobana.

6. Kalyana Then Nila, from Mounam Sammadham

This song, featuring Mammootty and Amala, is another of the maestro’s super-hit romantic melodies. With its classical overtones and beautifully constructed wordplay, it creates a mellow mood.

7. Nee Paartha Parvaikkoru Nandri, from Hey Ram

Here’s another gentle, haunting melody from the master composer. The song, from Kamal Haasan’s period film, was sung by Asha Bhonsle and Hariharan. Its appeal spans generations as well.

8. Uravugal Thodarkathai, from Aval Appadithan

It’s the magic of Ilayaraja that the songs he composed 30 years and more ago still continue to delight listeners. This one,in the rich voice of K J Yesudas, is from the 1978 black & white film Aval Appadithan. The lyrics do justice to the maestro’s music.

9. Ilaya Nila Pozhigirathe, Payanangal Mudivathillai

If Ilayaraja reigned over the ‘80s it was because of songs such as this one. This fast-paced number made extensive use of acoustic guitar. The guitar pieces are the highlight of the interludes.

10. Enn Vaanile, from Johnny

Another gem from the ‘80s, this song is from the Rajinikanth-Sridevi starrer, Johnny. Ilayaraja chose Jency to render the song.

11. Enna Sattham Indha Neram, from Punnagai Mannan

In the film, this song is a prelude to a tragedy when the young lovers decide to commit suicide. S P Balasubramaniam’s voice and the maestro’s music combine to make a super-hit number.

12. Poongkathave Thaazh Thiravai, from Nizhalgal

When it comes to classical tunes, Ilayaraja isin supreme control. This song from Nizhalgal is made wondrous with its haunting violin pieces