Shots of Mani Ratnam movies- Part 2

In this part I will discuss two songs from the very famous Mani ratnam film Alaipayuthey(2000), i.e.  Snehithane and Pachai Nirame. When this film came in 2000, the songs had become really popular among the youth of the country.. The melodious album of this film is still refreshing as compared to the stale, badly composed, shallow remix numbers and soul-less music in film industry these days. Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman have always delivered great music compositions together, be it in Dil Se(1998), Roja(1995), Bombay(1996) , Ok Kanmani(2015) , Yuva(2004) , Raavan(2010) etc. But my favorite albums of this duo are Dil Se(1998) and Alaipayuthey(2000).

I feel this part of the ‘shots of Mani Ratnam’, i am only discussing the songs of Alaipayuthey as they is so much to admire, love and observe in these two songs itself. The key highlights of any Mani Ratnam film are its songs and its choreography, lighting and most importantly, its music. There are only 2 filmmakers in this country whose film’s songs are exceptional; Mani Ratnam and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. While SLB uses materialistic-artistic approach towards his songs( Deewaani Mastani, Mohe Rang Do Laal, Nagada Sang Dhol, Bairi Piya, Dola Re , Jhonka Hawa Ka etc), Mani Ratnam emphasizes more on nature ‘s elements along with its colors(Pachai Nirame, Snehithane, Vaan Varuvan, Azhagiye, Khuda Hafiz, Hey Sinamika etc).

Snehithane

Snehithane song is beautifully sung by Sadhana Sargam. The lyrics have been written by Vairamuthu. Throughout the song Karthik(Madhavan)and Shakti(Shalini) are together; hugging , embracing and caressing each other. Here Shakti does not want to leave Karthik and wants to be his forever.

The lyrics also signify the same:

Snehithane Snehithane Ragasiya Snehithane
Chinnach Chinnathaay Koarikkaigal Sevikodu Snehithane
Ithae Azhutham Azhutham Ithae Anaippu Anaippu
Vaazhvin Ellai Varai Vendum Vendum
Vaazhvin Ellai Varai Vendum Vendumae

Oh my dear friend, Oh my mysterious friend,

listen to my small wishes

This intimacy, This warmth in the hug,

I want it till the end of my life.

Even the colors and the lighting is phenomenal. The lead pair is wearing the same colored clothes(which is almost seen throughout the film), the nature too here changes its colors according to the lead pair. It’s as if the nature(sky and water here specifically) is helping them to be together. The song’s lyrics is full of nature’s elements; the sun, moon , sky , flower etc. The colors used here is also unique, light purple, light blue , white.. all light colors just like their romance.. carefree and liberated(light). Its also means a new beginning in their love life.

Pachai Nirame

This song is undoubtedly the best song in the film’s album in terms of music, choreography, cinematography and colors. This song is related to the seven colors of the rainbow and how it represents the nature. I felt that this song also describes the seven stages of Shakti and Karthik’s love. It starts from infatuation, attraction, flirting , love and finally being together as one and each aspect of their relationship is given a color. This color is supported by nature’s elements. There are dry leaves mostly there in the entire song which signifies that the leaf can be painted to any color accordingly; which is similar to the lovers going through their changing of emotions in their love life.

Red is the color that is known for love and enticement. In one scene Shakti is holding a red flower with a red veil over her head. She is shown like a Hindu bride; soft and traditional whereas in another scene she is shown as biting a red chili wearing a traditional redlehenga which is symbolic to her being a bold, independent and modern girl of today. It also shows her naughty side. This is actually Shakti’s characterization in the film too. I was amazed at the depth and detailing done by Mani Ratnam in these two shots! bravo! Also, the dry leaves to which  Karthik is clinging to are turning red,(he is wearing a red sweater). He is, in a way passing on his love(red color) to the nature and vice-versa.

Yellow color symbolizes happiness, excitement and delight which is clearly shown this segment of the song. Here there is sunset which indicates their life, the beautiful yellow sky, shows that their love is limitless and full of happiness. On one level Shakti is wearing a band of yellow colored flowers and on another level she is wearing a yellow colored head-piece, given by karthik, as a symbol of love(which means that Shakti has accepted Karthik’s love). In the end of this segment, they get wrapped under a yellow raincoat, which in a way declares that now, they are together.

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This segment shows their strong bond and respect for each other. There are also many upside-down and top-angle shots. Blue color symbolizes with water and blue sky. There are interestingly, many shots of the same. It shows their affection towards each other. The black color is known for strength, knowledge and intelligence. The lyricist describes the girl’s black eyes and her long hair; which i feel is very rear. Today, where songs objectify a girl by talking about her navel and curves, This song talks about her inner and real beauty. This itself is a big victory of the song.  Also look at the sizes of the colorful bindis of Shakti, they differ in sizes and shapes, depending on that particular color’s impact in her life. Red and Blue colored bindis are maximum in size.

here in this segment, the girl is being compared to a bird; in the blue section, she is being compared to a mayur(Peacock) , this signified by an upside-angle shot where she is lying on the ground and Karthik is touching her blue-colored neck piece(refering to the neck of the peacock). In the black section, she is being compared to a kaki(Crow). Which i found really interesting. Where do you see songs having crow as a reference? Crow(its complexion) is used as a reference to her long,black hair.

This is the last segment where the lovers are united forever. This is symbolized by the white color. White is also known for innocence,purity. This ,henceforth reflects their relationship. Just look at the sky here, it has automatically turned white.  Shakti is shown as an angel in that long gown and looks drop-dead gorgeous here. The dry leaves that were on the tree have fallen down, and have turned whitish, signifying that their love has been approved by nature and nothing can make them apart.

There is still so much to observe and notice in these two songs which are one of my all time favorites. These songs are gems and need to be seen just for what they mean and symbolize. I hope Mani Ratnam  keeps creating such visual-musical wonders that remains in our hearts forever.

Other parts coming soon.

Anila velidimalla