Na Muthukumar tribute concert: How the late lyricist was celebrated by Tamil cinema

What did Na Muthukumar mean to fans of Tamil cinema?

In the early 2000s, Muthukumar’s lines in popular films paved the way for a whole generation to express their joy and sorrow.

Ask anyone who grew up during that phase and they’ll vouch for that. Like actor Sivakarthikeyan. “I was in college back then and remember listening to the tracks from Kadhal Kondein and 7G Rainbow Colony,” said Sivakarthikeyan, “I’m a big fan of the Muthukumar-Yuvan Shankar Raja combination.”

Sivakarthikeyan is among Tamil cinema’s biggest stars now, but he was present for the late lyricist’s tribute concert, titled Aanandha Yazhai, at Nehru Indoor Stadium, not as an actor but as a fan. Like many others in the audience who had gathered for this unique musical event organised to commemorate the late lyricist’s 50th birthday and honour his legacy. Actor Sathyaraj elaborated, “When MGR took over as Chief Minister, he mentioned that listening to lyricist Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram’s words had played a role in his success. Words play a big role in shaping minds and Muthukumar’s lines have been inspirational.

The Tamil film industry has always celebrated the written word and Muthukumar’s arrival in the early 2000s coincided with the rise of directors like Shankar, Ram, Bala, Vasanthabalan and Vijay, all of whom were present for the evening. “Humility was his forte. There might be better poets but none as genial as him,” was a comment echoed by many.

Yuvan Shankar Raja at the Na Muthukumar tribute concert

Lyrically yours

While we tend to associate Muthukumar songs with melodies, the lyricist has also written a ton of fast-paced numbers. Dancers from John Britto’s Dance Company did justice to them, putting up a show for the audience with their fast moves from hit film songs. Singer Haricharan, crooning a number from Kaadhal, said, “I have special memories with Muthukumar sir, because my debut track was written by him.”

Singer Saindhavi went all melody with ‘Vizhigalil’ from Deiva Thirumugal, as did composer-singer GV Prakash, who also subsequently performed a track from Thaandavam. “70% of my songs were written by him including the most special, my very first film song. He was a special person to me,” says Prakash, who played the piano for the superhit melody from Madraspattinam performed by Saindhavi, Andrea and Sathyaprakash, one of the musical highlights of the evening.

The biggest cheers were reserved for Yuvan Shankar Raja and GV Prakash, composers who have closely collaborated with the lyricist during his prime. Even as other composers like Vijay Antony, Deva and Srikanth Deva dished out a few numbers, what stuck out was the impact his lines had had on people’s lives. Like Sivakarthikeyan said, “We miss him, but his lines will live on.”

Like, for instance, that one line in the ‘Aanandha Yazhai’ track (Thangameenkal) that goes ‘Kovil edharku deivangal edharku, unnadhu punnagai podhumadi” (“Why the need for temples and gods when your smile will suffice”?). It’s a line that captures a father-daughter relationship perfectly. It’s a line that signifies Muthukumar’s supreme writing prowess.

The Hindu was the print partner for the event.