Focus of the series is to dig up not so often heard gems of IR compositions. Based on time I may start treasure hunt on other composers also (yes, this is a threat 😀).
Disclaimer: I am a music listener. I don’t have much understanding of technicalities of music. For me, the composition has to connect, stir something inside, call it feeling or emotion or just pure joy.
Manitha Manitha Ini Un Vizhigal
From Live performance: I like this for the quality and clarity. Madhu Balakrishnan gave his voice for the song in this live performance
From the movie
This song would be on the top 10 list of anthems to raise against oppression and as an inspiration song to make us get up and run when we go through a down phase in our lives. An energizer and a stimulant for the down and out soul. Song is from the movie Kann Sivanthal Mann Sivakkum that came out in 1983. Movie is based on the novel Kuruthipunal by Indira Parthasarathy. The novel was based on the Kilvenmani Massacre that took place in Thanjavur district in 1968. Manitha manitha became a leftist anthem when it came out!! Fire brand Lyrics penned by Vairamuthu. It captures the anger and quest for justice by oppressed communities anywhere in the world. Soulfully rendered by K.J.Jesudas. IR composition starts in a kind of subdued down mood to capture the nature of the low-spirited nature of the situation people are in. Then around 0:50 seconds mark he shifts gear and injects our veins with fire with powerful brass and marching strings. He builds the foundation for the upcoming fiery lyrics and the uplifting voice. The interlude between 1:30-1:40 and 2:48-2:58 seconds are just mind blowing. Where IR leaves KJJ picks up continuing the march of torment and angst (Madhu Balakrishnan does an excellent job too in the live performance). Check the transition at 2:06 and 3:28. Powerful orchestration for a revolutionary song!! Lyrics, voice, and music feed on each other giving us a full feast. My favorite lines:
அசையும் கொடிகள் உயரும் உயரும் நிலவின் முதுகை உரசும்
Translation: The waving flags will raise higher and higher and soon will scratch the back of the moon
இனி தேன் வரும் என்பதும் பால் வரும் என்பதும் ஜோசியாமானதடா
Translation: Honey will flow, or milk will flow are all astrology (baseless like astrology)
சில ஆயிரம் ஆயிரம் சூரிய தீபங்கள் பூமியில் தோன்றி விடும்
அட சாமரம் வீசிய பாமர ஜாதிகள் சாதனை கண்டு விடும்
Translation: a few thousand suns will blook on earth, clans that served the upper caste will triumph
An inspirational song.