Carnatic music is a deep sea, it is said. If Carnatic is a sea, then the Hindustani classical music is a mighty mountain. Explored, and still a lot left to, these classical music art forms have contributed immensely to the Indian panorama of arts. In a nation that produces the highest number feature films, isn't it great that some of them are remembered over the years just for its musical quality. Indulge in the songs from these 5 movies as the World Music Day is marked on June 21. These movies captured the charm of true Carnatic music in a way that appealed to the popular masses.
Sankarabharanam (1980) – Telugu
A sensation of the 80s, 'Sankarabharanam' is perhaps the greatest contribution to Carnatic Music. It may have prompted a revival of the classic art, we may say, asthe movie was rich in its theme, actors, music, and presentation. The highly aclaimed music for the film was done by K V Mahadevan and the songs were rendered by S P Balasubramaniam. “Sankaraa”, “Omkaraa Naadhanu”, and “Doraguna” were some of the very famous songs that people took to their hearts. Sankarabharanam literally rendered the toughest of classical arts to popular audience in a very succesful way.
Check out here:
Thyagayya (1946) – Telugu
The Trinity of Carnatic music -- Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri -- were exemplary composer-musicians in the 18th century. Thyagaraja Krithis are compared to a sweet grape fruit as the works were comparatively easy for recital, but at the same time were brilliant, sweet compositions. Tyagaraja’s 'bhakthi rasa' is explored in this Telugu movie. Written, produced, directed and acted by Chittor V. Nagaiah, all the songs were easy on the ears.
Swathi Thirunal (1987) – Malayalam
Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of Travancore royalty was a prolific music composer of high repute and a patron to musicians in the 19th century. Several artists sung in the eponymous movie about his life. Acclaimed musician M B Sreenivasan rendered music. The songs were identical to original tunes that were popular in classical concerts of the time. Music legend Balamuralikrishna bagged a national award for his playback singing in this movie.
Bharatham (1991) - Malayalam
Written by A. K. Lohithadas, this famous musical-drama was directed by Sibi Malayil. The film is specially known for its music that is largely Carnatic classical and semi-classical in nature. Composed by Raveendran, this film bagged K J Yesudas a national award for the best male singer for the song "Rama katha ganalayam".The movie is also thought to be a modern-day adaptation of the epic Ramayana from Bharatha's (Rama's brother) perspective.
Sopananam (1993) – Malayalam
Scripted by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, this Jayaraj film tells the story of a singer who loves his teacher's daughter. S P Venkatesh had composed around 12 distinct tracks exploring various Carnatic raagas such as Vrindavanasaranga, Mayamalava gowla, Mohanam, Madhyamavati, Sankarabharanam, Shreeranjani and more.
