Thalapathi – Rakkamma Kaiyathattu

Singers: S.P. Balasubramaniam, Swarnalatha

Thalapathi was the last film Mani Ratnam and Ilayaraja did together. One wonders whether this was unfortunate or otherwise. Unfortunate because we never got to experience the Mani-Ilayaraja combination again. But, looking at the bright side of things, we got the Mani-Rahman combination which is equally good if not better. The Mani-Ilayaraja swansong on the big screen was worth the reputation that they had built over the years. Thalapathi was a complete album that catered to the fans of the Superstar and stood tall through the years. ‘Rakkamma kaiyathattu’ is special because of the sheer energy that it exudes. One wonders whether violins have ever been used with more power and authority as has been done here. SPB was in top flight with the rendition and it was the Superstar magic on screen. An absolute high adrenaline composition that will make you sway. The other top notch compositions in the album include the mellifluous ‘Sundari kannal’ and the SPB-Yesudas combination ‘Kattukuyile’.