'Raja Kaiya Vacha': The Ilaiyaraaja magic Malayalam music didn't know it needed

There's something in “Isaignani” Ilaiyaraaja's songs that one can't find in those composed by others. Not just in his Tamil compositions, even his Malayalam tracks evoke a feeling that's difficult to articulate.

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Take, for instance, “Aalippazham Perukkaan” from My Dear Kuttichathan (1984), the first Indian film shot in the 3D format. It’s not just another song; it's a childhood anthem for Malayalees, a track that defined the formative years not only of the kids of that era but also of their children.Unlike typical songs crafted specifically for kids, often overloaded with manufactured cuteness, it seems Ilaiyaraaja’s intention was to go beyond merely delighting children; he also sought to reach the child within every adult and take them on a joyful ride back to their own childhood. Rather than having singers S Janaki and SP Sailaja use artificially high-pitched voices to mimic children, he allowed them to retain much of their natural adult tone. The result was a carefully balanced rendition that didn't fully enter the childlike register but still resonated deeply with both kids and the children in adults alike.