I have a strong conviction that no musical combination in Indian film music of any language can match the greatness of the quartet of T M Soundararajan–P Susheela–Kannadasan–M S Viswanathan. The awesome foursome were phenomenal and ruled the Tamil film industry for over three decades from the 1950s to 1980s. If the robust and booming voice of TMS echoed majesty and manliness, P Susheela’s mellifluous voice breathed life into their countless immortal melodies. And the lyrical beauty of Kannadasan and the enchanting tunes from MSV combined well to take the Tamil audience to a different plane altogether.
Listen with eyes closed to the velvety cadence of Amaidhiyana nadhiyinile, Muthukkalo kangal, Naan pesa ninaipadhellam and Malarndhum malaraatha. These are not just songs, but drops of heavenly elixir. Among several numbers sung by TMS, a few stand out for the way they reflect the mood with minimal orchestral support, like the haunting Yaarandha nilavu. The song fades even as Sivaji Ganesan cycles away into the sunset in Vandha naal mudhal—voice and visual in perfect sync. This number is a perfect example to show that TMS’s majestic voice also had a soothing side. He could elevate and he could depress. He could switch from the classical to the colloquial in a jiffy.
After P Susheela’s entry into Tamil film music in 1952, she outshone others and soon there was not a single film that did not have a song in her voice. Her career reached the pinnacle of glory in the 60s and 70s. Can any female singer match her voice in memorable numbers like Unnai ondru ketpen, Oru naal iravil and Maalai pozhudhin mayakkathile? Her popularity among the masses was unprecedented in the annals of Tamil cinema.
The songs composed by MSV are still recalled with delight. The versatility and the immaculate perfection displayed by MSV was magnificent. If possessing the minds of the listeners is an indication of the success for a song, MSV certainly enjoyed a place of pride among all those who listened to
his compositions.
None can afford to forget the legendary Kannadasan for the lyrical beauty he was able to bring with his words to all song situations. It would be difficult to pinpoint the features of Kannadasan’s versatility as his works are a gold mine.
We should consider ourselves fortunate to have lived and grown along with these four legends who not only decided the course of Tamil film music, but whose creations have become an indispensable part of our daily life.
Email: siva19kumar@gmail.com