Motivational or inspirational songs with messages were an integral part of yesteryear evergreen movies starring MGR and Sivaji. Later, with no space for such numbers in commercial films, such songs just had a sporadic presence in Tamil cinema. Now, it looks like the makers and big actors are once again opting for such numbers and also thoughtfully using them for their promotions.
Ajith’s upcoming film, Vivegam, has Surviva, which is on struggles and survival, which partly reflects the actor’s own life. AR Rahman’s sister Isshrath Quadhre’s debut Hollywood film, Lake of Fire, has a Tamil motivational number Kanavu Balithidum, which is another recent example.
Siva directed Vivegam’s Surviva song with the tagline — ‘Believe in Yourself’, and created a stir among Ajith fans, when the teaser was released. The song was composed and partially crooned by Anirudh. The rap portions of the song are written and sung by noted rapper Yogi B.
Talking to DC, Yogi says, “Yes, it is an uplifting track, which begins with the lyrics, ‘Naan panbaanavan, tholvi undhan padikattu, uchcham yeri kodi kattu..’ It is on the inspirational lines of never giving up and surviving. The film is a Hollywood style spy thriller, and the song was a great fit. Ani gave the title and I wrote the lyrics of my segment. It is the first EDM-hip-hop style in K’town.”
He adds, “The song inspires people to overcome their problems and struggles. In that sense, Ajith sir is truly a survivor in the industry. I felt this song was apt for him. I could also relate to it, since I am making a comeback after six years due to personal debacles.”
Yet another young filmmaker, Gnanavel has incorporated a motivational song, Gift Song, in his upcoming flick Koottathil Orutthan, which features Ashok Selvan and Priya Anand. Nivas K Prasanna has composed the music. While the film talks about the middle-bench students, the track penned by Kabilan, inspires positive thinking among students, was recently shot. the video stars many actors such as Suriya, Vijay Sethupathi, Sivakarthikeyan, and so on.
AR Rahman’s younger sister, Isshrathquadhre, says, “Given the situation for the particular song, I suggested to the team that it can be an inspirational number. I even composed the rough mix and they were excited as that was the kind of sound they were looking for. It starts with Kanavugal Balithidum (dreams would come true) penned by Kutti Revathy.”
The recently-released ghost thriller Dora, had an energetic number Vaazhavidu. Vignesh Sivan, who wrote the lyrics had reportedly taken inspiration from Vaazhu vaazhavidu, the phrase made popular by Ajith. “It was a positive song meant to energise people in distress,” composer Mervin had said earlier.
Besides these, some top music composers like GV Prakash, also came out with special singles on topical issues — during the jallikattu protests, along with Arunraja Kamaraj, he came out with a single — Kombu vacha singamda, which
encouraged men for our traditional and valorous sport of jallikattu.
