But the issue in not with composition or the composer. Was the old classic from the MGR-Saroja Devi starrer Padakotti required in the movie? And, did the remix uphold the identity and the originality of the classic? The first question is relatively easy to answer. A recall of the old classic was not inevitable. The second question cannot be easily answered. The only people qualified to do so are the Vishwanathan-Ramamurthy duo, composers of the original. It is a similar case with all other remixes of recent times. They might be hits or otherwise. Whether classics from the past are getting the respect that is due to them is the cause for concern? Other recent instances include ‘ATM’ ‘Ponmagal Vandhaal’ which was borrowed from one of Sivaji Ganesan’s biggest hits and the ‘Engeyum Eppodhum’ from Polladhavan which is one of Superstar’s top numbers. Both these songs were quite popular upon release but they definitely made more than minor changes to the original. Rhythms, a slew of English lyrics and rap were all added which undeniably distorted the original irreversibly. The ‘Kadhal Vaiboghame’ remix from Perumal and the recent ‘Inbamey’ from Mariyadhai are other prominent instances. Out of these, it is the ‘Inbamey’ remix that seems to have copped the harshest criticism. Vijayakanth’s style sense is not generally approved by most sections of audiences. That coupled with some very unimaginative picturisation and Udit Narayan’s rather apologetic Tamil have taken a toll on one of MGR’s cult hits. One can’t blame Udit Narayan for his Tamil diction, he has improved considerably from his early days in the industry. But, it would be unfair to expect him to do justice to a Tamil classic. There has also been news that the hugely popular ‘Meghame Meghame’ song, so beautifully rendered by P. Susheela in Paalaivana Cholai, is being used again in a movie of the same name. While most contemporary composers of Tamil cinema have done remixes at one instant or the other, the young G.V. Prakash has stayed away. He has also openly expressed his unwillingness to indulge in remixes of any kind. While it is not necessary that everyone follows such a strict approach, certain levels of discretion and restraint are definitely required.

It is not difficult to understand the reasons behind the rush for remixing songs. It is a guaranteed way of getting a good start, it grabs attention because it has already once been a huge hit. While no one is against remixes as a rule, it should also be made mandatory that the ‘soul’ of a song is not robbed or lost in the process of reinventing it. More than anything, it hurts those veterans who spent the best days of their lives while these songs ruled the roost. It is one thing to evoke nostalgia, but there is also a chance of ruining fond memories. There is also the question of originality. Why do our talented composers have to remix an old classic? We have seen that they don’t lack ideas or skills. The only possible explanation is that they love to pay a tribute to the masterpieces of yesteryears. But, they might unwittingly be doing a disservice to the composers and compositions they so genuinely respect. Those who love travel and tourism and have been to many ancient monuments would have noticed the innumerable markings and graffiti left behind by visitors that adorn the walls of these heritage symbols. They disfigure the glorious relics of our past and most offenders seem unmindful of what they are doing. Remixing old classics might amount to something similar, not as grievous though. If at all there is a need to relive an old classic, why not use it as it was originally made rather than tweak it.

Another habit that Tamil cinema could do without is the use of certain revered songs as attention grabbers in the first couple of lines. Not clear! Well, you might have heard the ‘Nalam Dhaana’ song from Silambattam. Though not a remix, it definitely changes the identity of a song that was so poignantly sung decades back. Now, the phrase is associated more with the rather unholy glamour that we saw in the movie. There is also the recent ‘New Age Aathichoodi’ which uses one of the most revered lines in the history of Tamil literature. What next, will we be having a ‘New Age Tamil Thaai Vazhthu’? Should Tamil cinema be caught in the unworthy position of devaluing great works of Tamil literature and poetry? We surely can do without this.

(Concept by Inian Devi Mani)

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