Susie’s Fab Five | Stories as Songs for Children

Sarada and Baby Sumathi in Nadhi (1969)

Children love stories. It is a great way to calm them down after a hectic day, and to get them to eat, or to get them to sleep. As a child, my Mum and my older sister told me stories, be it from the Bible (Mum), or from literary classics like Jane Eyre or the Count of Monte Christo (adapted deftly to a five-year-old’s level of understanding by my sister). It would be told in instalments every night, and much like a reality TV show of today, would finish for the day frustratingly at the most interesting and suspenseful moment – “The rest tomorrow” (ബാക്കി ഇനി നാളെ). No amount of cajoling or crying would help in getting the rest of the story that day. So it was a nail-biting anxious wait for the next evening for the story to resume, dreading the end of the story – “That is all” (അത്തറേ …. ഒള്ളു! in that funny sing-song childish way). This instalment, I dedicate to both my mum and my sister, for sparking my interest in reading from a very early age, to discover new fictional worlds, to meet new fictional characters, and to feel their emotions through the words printed on pages in black and white.

In Malayalam movies, there are many songs narrating such vivid tales of adventure, romance and horror for children. I would like to share a few of my favourites with you here.

1. Vellilakkingini Thaazhvarayil from Kaakkathampuraatti (1970)

This is the story of an innocent frisky lamb, who, unfortunately strayed into the path of a hungry, ferocious wolf. Penned by Sreekumaran Thampi, with perky music by K Raghavan, rendered in P Jayachandran‘s voice which changes from fun to pathos in moments, this is first on my list.

2. Daivaputhranu Veedhi  from Ara Naazhika Neram (1970)

The fascinating story of John the Baptist, told by the Vayalar – Devarajan team in partnership with melody queen P Susheela told as a lullaby. This song touches on politics, intrigue, revenge and murder, with dancer Salome demanding John’s head to be presented to her on a silver platter, all because he was publicly calling for a corruption-free rule.

3. Panchathanthram Kadhayile  from Nadhi (1969)

A small bird yearns  for unrequited love from a majestic Vaanampaadi soaring high in the sky. Will her dreams ever be fulfilled? Another Vayalar – Devarajan – P Susheela hit from the evergreen classic movie Nadhi (1969). All songs from this movie were hits , and still hold a loving place in the hearts of all Malayali Cinema lovers.

4. Yakshiyambalamadachu  from Gandharvakshethram (1972)

This song is for kids who love scary stories. The myth about the lady in white, the dreaded Yakshi, who glides along in dark forests in search of lonely travellers to seduce, enticing them to their eventual death under the infernal Yakshi palm ( Yakshippana ). Ughhh! Sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it! This is, unsurprisingly, another Vayalar – Devarajan – P Susheela classic from Gandharvakshethram (1972). Most songs from this movie were super hits, and are still popular.

5. Padinjaaroru Paalaazhi from Chakravaakam (1974)

Explaining the solar system to a child is difficult – but not for Vayalar. In this song he talks about the sun, the moon, the stars and the Milky Way, their movement and their beauty. Music is by Shankar–Ganesh. Dr KJ Yesudas‘s strong story-telling ability is supported by Latha Raju with her voice over for the child on screen. Poor Latha Raju, in spite of her beautiful singing voice and great talent, was relegated to singing in children’s voices even when she was well into adulthood. She has given us many memorably lovable sweet songs like Makkathu Poy Varum, Onnaamtharam Balloon Tharaam, Chippee Chippee Muthuchippee, Aaluvaappuzhaykkakkare, Manjakkilee Swarnnakkilee etc.

*Honorable Mention*

Kizhakku Dikkile Chenthengil  from Aadyakiranangal (1964)

This song is a particular favourite of mine, not just because of the rustic charm of the lyrics by P Bhaskaran evoking images of red and orange sunrise, a starry sky, white clouds floating in the blue sky, and the dark clouds and thunder of a monsoon storm. I love this song for the sweet endearing cherub of a baby on screen in the video, enjoying the rhythm of K Raghavan‘s folk tunes with an angelic smile on his face – Bhaskaran Master‘s son himself. The singer is AP Komala. I have been unable to find the name of the dancing child artist.

The Honor Roll.

{ Just couldn’t help listing these }

Aniyam Maniyam  from Pani Theeraatha Veedu (1972) .

Thamasaa Nadiyude from Danger Biscuit (1969)

Kaakkaykkum Poochaykkum from Pakalkkinaavu ( 1966)

Mannaankattayum Kariyilayum  from Bhaagyamudra (1968)

Murivaalan Kurangachan  from Anweshichu, Kandethiyilla (1967)

There are so many more !

Please share your favourites.