The essence of Vijayakanth’s cinematic presence can be reflected in the melodious lines “Etho Ninivugal Kanavugal Manathile Malaruthey; Kaveri Ootrakavey” from his movie ‘Agal Vilakku’. The second collaboration with the late actress Shoba, this song not only embraced Vijayakanth’s dreams but also highlighted his unconventional attributes that one would not typically associate with a film hero. Despite being slim and dark in complexion, Vijayakanth carried a unique rustic charm, which contributed to his extraordinary success in both cinema and later in politics.
In a world where music and film intertwine, Vijayakanth’s movies have been noted for their outstanding soundtracks. When asked about the exceptional music in his films, Vijayakanth acknowledged the genius of Ilaiyaraaja, the legendary music composer responsible for these hits. He humbly claimed no credit, pointing out that his involvement with the film’s music was minimal, unlike his proactive participation in stunt sequences.
The song “Antha Vaanatha Pola Manam Padaicha Mannavaney” from ‘Chinna Gounder’ resonated with the population, drawing parallels with the touching “Then Pandi Seemayile” from Kamal Haasan’s ‘Nayagan’. Both songs not only stirred emotions but also mirrored Vijayakanth’s persona – that of a man of generosity, never turning away those in need.
Even before teaming up with Ilaiyaraaja, Vijayakanth benefitted from the musical brilliance of Salil Chowdhury in ‘Thoorathu Idi Muzhakkam’, which presented the timeless “Ullamellam Thalladuthey”. This film garnered international attention by being featured at the International Film Festival of India.
One of Vijayakanth’s most memorable films, ‘Vaidehi Kaathirunthal’, owes its evergreen status to Ilaiyaraaja’s entire soundtrack. The director, R. Sundararajan, crafted the storyline to accommodate all seven songs, which became an iconic element of the film. Vijayakanth, portraying Vellaisamy, became an integral part of this musical saga, with songs like “Rasathi Unna Kaanatha Nenju” continuing to captivate listeners decades later.
The film ‘Amman Kovil Kizhakkale’ added another layer to Vijayakanth’s musical legacy, with tracks such as “Poove Eduthu Oru Malai” and “Chinna Mani Kuyile” exemplifying the extraordinary music that accompanied his roles. “Vizhiye Vilakontru Etru” from ‘Thaluvatha Kaigal’ masterfully showcased the romantic aspects of Vijayakanth’s on-screen character.
Despite the film ‘Ninaive Oru Sangeetham’ fading from public memory over time, its songs remain celebrated on social media platforms, with “Eduthu Vacha Paalum” receiving considerable praise for its everlasting impact. In the same vein, “Mayanginen Solla Thayanginen” from ‘Naane Raja Naane Manthiri’ became so popular that its recognition eclipsed that of the film itself.
Songs from ‘Poonthotta Kavalkaran’, like “Sinthiya Venmani” and “Kaan Karunguyile”, showcased two distinct musical styles, from melodious tracks to energetic folk tunes, both widely adored by the audience.
The film ‘Captain Prabhakaran’ held a special place in Vijayakanth’s heart, not just for its story but also for the powerful songs it featured, such as “Paasamulla Pandiyeray” and “Aatama Therottama”, which bristled with vitality and contributed to his popularity.
Vijayakanth’s journey in film and music has left a lasting legacy that intertwines with the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu. His songs, brought to life by the musical mastery of composers like Ilaiyaraaja, resonate with generations of fans, drawing them closer to the charismatic film hero and later political figure. These melodies surpassed entertainment, becoming anthems that reflected the actor’s personal ethos and his cinematic and political aspirations.
