As Odiyan reaches theatres today, there’s great buzz surrounding the movie. From Mohanlal’s physical transformation, his cosmetic makeover and his pairing opposite Prakash Raj after Iruvar to the fact that the actor’s fans across the state have come together to overpower a strike called by a political party governing the country, both conscious and co-incidental factors have contributed towards the hype surrounding the movie.
In the midst of the movie, its actor, director, and the hartal and the fans, the music and the team that worked on it got drowned. That a music director of the calibre of M.Jayachandran, the man behind the soundtracks of Nivedyam, Perumazhakkaalam and Ennu Ninte Moideen and a singer like Shreya Ghoshal, who has sung many a popular song for the composer, have teamed up has largely gone unnoticed.
Here are some songs that will help you recall the magic of this team.
Chandu Thottille – Banaras (2009)
By now, Shreya Ghoshal had won the Malayali listeners over with her rendition of Vidayaparayukayano from BigB and Vennilave from Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded – both Gopi Sundar compositions. With this album, Jayachandran helped the singer prove her mettle in classical songs too.
Paattil Ee Paattil – Pranayam (2011)
Jayaprada plays the wife to Mohanlal’s paraplegic character and the song shows her tending to him. The song, in the beginning, is rooted in reality and has her attempting to treat his disability. It then gradually shifts to the realm of fantasy where she has helped him overcome his illness with her love.
Kaathirunnu – Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)
A movie that has come to be defined as the love story of the generation, the song has become synonymous with heartbreak. Shreya Ghoshal’s voice is aided by Rafeeq Ahmed’s lucid lyrics in this regard. Also, Kannondu Chollanu – a romantic track from the movie sung by her went on to become equally popular.
Maanam Thudukkanu – Odiyan (2018)
While the last two songs were characterised by instruments taking a backseat, this one sees the composer trace his roots back to the Banaras days and has instruments competing with the vocals. But, as always, Shreya Ghoshal emerges on top.
