Mother Sentiment
Song: Amma endrazhaikkadha
Film: Mannan
Singer: KJ Yesudas
A song for that callow age when you very loftily think the entire purpose of your life is to serve your parents, especially mother. Even if you are as devoted to your mother as Rajinikanth is this movie, Mannan, thanks to the advancement of modern science, you won't have to physically carry your paralysed mother to assorted temples.
Set in the wonderfully pleasant Raga Kalyani, which Ilayaraaja has employed extensively throughout his career, there isn't a better mother sentiment song tuned for films.
Bachelor Party/Hedonism
Song: Nishamanohari
Film: Pinnilavu
Singer: KJ Yesudas, S Janaki, Krishnachandran
In the olden days, boys become men in dank bachelor pads, hostel rooms, in the company of friends, Old Monk and 'gentlemen's magazines'.
It was a tossup between the iconic Rajini number aasai nooru vagai' from the film Adutha Varisu which is an evergreen favourite of DJs in Malaysia's Tamil pubs and this Mohanlal Malayalam number from Pinnilavu.
Nishamanohari trumps for two reasons. One, it's superior lyrical quality. The song penned by legendary Malayalam poet Yusufali Kechery is easier on the ear. Two, the picturisation of the song a truer reflection of bachelor life.
General Maudlin
Song: Pazhaya Sogangal
Film: Eeravizhi Kaviyangal
Singer: Ilayaraaja
Eera Vizhi Kaviyangal (EVK), is a film believed to be released in 1982. There exist a greater number of people who claim to have seen the Himalayan Yeti than this film. However, the film's songs enjoy a cult status among Ilayaraaja fans. There are some who argue the four songs of EVK represent the best use of guitar in the history of film music.
Pazhaya sogangal is a multipurpose mawkish song. It is the ideal accompaniment not just for jilted lovers, but for anyone desirous of sloshing in the Sargasso Sea of self-pity. It could be the pink slip, failure to raise Series B funding. Cheap liquor on the side, and guitar in hand can enhance the experience.
Wayanad Holiday
Song: Malayala Karaiyoram
Film: Rajadhi Raja
Singer: Mano
Disclaimer: Malayali beauties in mulakaccha will not come dancing along.
Homesick while onsite in Lemmingsville, Utah
Song: Sorgame Endraalum
Film: Ooru Vittu Ooru Vanthu
Singers: Ilayaraaja, S. Janaki
For those lonely, bleakly frigid times when dollar earnings cannot recompense for the warmth of the Motherland.
Flattering a lady in early-stage-courtship
Song: Mizhiyil
Film: Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu
Singer: KJ Yesudas
You may not have the rakish looks of Mammooty, but flattery, of the variety on display in this evergreen Malayalam song, is known to have the desired effect on the female species.
Useful tip: If you can't strum the guitar, put the damn thing down.
The Brahmastra of love songs
Song: Nee oru kadhal sangeetham
Film: Nayakan
Singers: Mano, KS Chitra
If this timeless classic from Mani Ratnam's Nayakan set loosely in the Raga Hamir Kalyani doesn't seal the matter, nothing will.
Newly-wed wife flattery
Song: Vandhaal Mahalakshmiye
Film: Uyarntha Ullam
Singer: SP Balasubrahmanyam
Praising the new wife as Mahalakshmi and complimenting on the potentially auspicious effect of her entry into your life will help to prolong the honeymoon spirit.
Useful tip: Don't try to imitate the SPB laughter
Babysitting
Song: Alli Ilam Poovo
Film: Mangalam Nerunnu
When the kid has to be put to bed while the wife is perusing the delights of Masterchef Australia
Reclaiming marriage mojo in middle age
Song: Jeeva Hoovagide
Film: Nee Nanna Gellalaare
Singers: Dr Rajkumar, S Janaki
Get inspired by Dr Rajkumar and Manjula. The only Rajkumar film for which Ilayaraaja has composed music. One of the most complex Carnatic classical based songs that Rajkumar, the singer pulls off effortlessly.
