There is a Vidyasagar song in Malayalam to mark every emotion. The season of Onam, flavoured by the many shades of wistful longing for the bygone, is no different. Think of ‘Aaro kamazhthi vachorotturuli...’ or ‘Chandana valayitta kai kondu nee’ and the other hits songs from the 1998 album ‘Thiruvona kaineetam.’
With Onam special audio releases on the wane, the music director has come out with a festival song this season, which he hails as an ‘Onam gift’ to his Malayali audience. The song, produced by Vidyasagar himself, hit the charts on Monday through FM channels.
The video of the song is set to be released on the first of the Malayalam month of Chingam, which falls on August 17.
“The songs I did for ‘Thiruvona kaineettam’ are still popular among Keralites and are heard during every Onam season. I have never had the opportunity to do a typical Onam song for a Malayalam film. When the idea of producing of a festival song struck me, I thought it was a wonderful way of thanking the Malayalis for the love they have showered on me,” says Vidayasagar, who has carved a niche for himself in Malayali hearts with his soul-stirring music.
Despite being a native of Andhra Pradesh, his tunes have captured the essence of Malayali identity and have always been in melodious sync with the nuances of the language.
The ace musician adds that he would have opted to do a complete album had there been enough time. “I wanted the song to be on air well ahead of the festivities. Doing a whole album would have delayed the project. That was how the single number was finalised.”
The lyrics of the song are penned by Rajiv Nair, who debuted as producer with the movie ‘Ordinary.’ He had also written the lyrics for the movie’s chart-toppers like ‘Sunsun sundari poove’ and ‘Enthinee mizhi.’
“The composition will hopefully appeal to music lovers everywhere, despite its theme-based melody. I have brought in a mix of styles inspired by ethnic Kerala music and Western instrumental music. Yet, the song can evoke the nostalgia that Malayalis associate with Onam,” says Vidyasagar.
The musician has fond memories of savouring ‘Onasadya’ from the homes of Malayali friends in Chennai. The lamps, the glitter of costumes tinged with gold, and the elaborate floral decorations on the floor light up his impressions of Onam.
“Malayalis seem to have forgotten the spirit of the harvest festival and Onam is mostly celebrated on the television channels these days. I dedicate the song to the festival’s spirit of togetherness. The video of the song will bring to life the mood of homecoming that Onam signifies,” he says.
‘Thira thira thiramel oru kavadi thoni...’, the signature Vidyasagar melody, is certain to ring through the season.