Song: Oru Naal Antha Oru Naal
Composer: Ilaiyaraaja
Lyrics: Arivumathi
Actors: Nasser, Keerthy Reddy
Singers: S Janaki, Ilaiyaraaja
Film: Devathai
Today is Nasser’s birthday. As a tribute, here’s a song from the 1997 film Devathai written, directed and produced by him. He stars with Keerthy Reddy in the film. This was his second directorial, inspired by a story he had heard as a child which stayed with him.
Nasser has been acting in films since 1985. His breakthrough after playing small roles was in Mani Ratnam’s Nayakan, as a commissioner. He began regularly working in Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s films. He directed four films including Avathaaram, Maayan, Popcorn. He is currently the president of Nadigar Sangam.
In Devathai, Nassar plays dacoit Shashanka who dies and is later reborn. His lover Keerthy Reddy is confused about their previous lives. Composed by Ilaiyaraaja, this is a melodious song which has fast portions to build tension. There are background dancers in capes and masks, Keerthy and Nasser wrestle villains, and this song is a fantasy in Keerthy Reddy’s mind much like her love. She’s not sure if it’s a dream or a story, but it doesn’t matter because she is convinced of her love.