Musical hits of Malayalam film industry

A film is a complete package when it has good actors, good story and good music. Malayalam cinema has many such musical hits that are still considered as cult and their songs are still remembered and loved. Here's a list of some of the musical hits of Malayalam movie industry.

Sargam

Sargam, which released in 1991, was written and directed by Hariharan. The beautiful soundtrack of this movie was composed by Bombay Ravi for which the lyrics were penned by Yusuf Ali Kechery. All the songs of this movie were instant hits. Songs like Sangeethame which is Natabhairavi ragam and Krishna Kripa Sagaram which is a Charukesi ragam are enjoyed by music lovers even today. This movie won National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. It even received three Kerala State Film Awards – Hariharan won the Best Director Award, Manoj K. Jayan won the Second Best Actor Award and Bombay Ravi won the Best Music Director Award.

Njan Gandharvan

Njan Gandharvan is a 1991 released fantasy romance film written and directed by P. Padmarajan. The film's songs were composed by Johnson with lyrics penned by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. The songs were well received. Reportedly, the song Devanganangal was originally not intended for inclusion in the film. However, Padmrajan had a special corner for this song which made it to the final cut of the movie. K. S. Chitra won the Kerala State Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song Palapoove.

Nandanam

The critically acclaimed movie Nandanam was released in the year 2002 and was directed by Ranjith. The songs of this film were written by Gireesh Puthenchery and composed by maestro Raveendran. The songs were chartbusters for weeks and the song Karmukil Varnante become highly popular and singer K. S. Chithra won Kerala State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Nakhakshathangal

This 1986 released film was written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair and was directed by Hariharan. The lead actress Monisha, won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role. She became the first actress to get a National Award for her debut film and even the youngest actress ever. The music for the film was composed by Bombay Ravi and lyrics were written by ONV Kurup. K S Chithra won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song Manjalprasadavum.

Nadhi

This 1969 release was directed by A Vincent. The music was composed by G. Devarajan and lyrics was written by Vayalar Ramavarma. The film is best known for an amazing performance by Nithya Haritha Nayakan Prem Nazir and the heart-touching songs sung mainly by K.J. Yesudas. The song Aayiram Paadasarangal sung by K.J. Yesudas has an impact even today.

Kamaladalam

Kamaladalam is a 1992 film written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil. The film was critically acclaimed and commercially successful. The performances of Mohanlal, Vineeth and Monisha were well received. Allegedly, it was one of the last films acted by Monisha before her death. The critically acclaimed soundtrack of this movie was composed by Music Maestro Raveendran Master for which the beautiful lyrics were penned by Kaithapram and the soulful song Alaipayuthey was penned by Oothukkadu Venkatasubba Iyer. The song Alaipayuthey was of Kannada ragam and was sung by Kanhangad Ramachandran.

His Highness Abdullah

His Highness Abdullah, which released in 1990, is a musical thriller written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil. The fabulous soundtrack of this movie was composed by Music Maestro Raveendran and the lyrics were penned by Kaithapram who also did a notable role in the film. All the songs of this movie were chartbusters. The film became a blockbuster overnight and it was the highest grosser of the year 1990. Nedumudi Venu won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and M. G. Sreekumar won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Naadaroopini. Raveendran won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.

Dhwani

Dhwani is a 1988 released musical film directed by A. T. Abu. It was reportedly the last film of veteran actor, Prem Nazir. The score and soundtrack for the movie was composed by renowned musician Naushad. This is the only Malayalam film for which Naushad gave music. The lyrics are written by poet Yusuf Ali Kechery in Malayalam and Sanskrit. Though he was a Muslim, he was a big Guruvayoor disciple. The soundtrack, till today, is regarded as one of his best. Actor Thilakan received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for this film.

Bharatham

Bharatham, which released in 1991, is a musical drama directed by Sibi Malayil. The film is famous for its Carnatic classical and semi-classical music. All the songs were composed by Raveendran. Bharatham is an adaptation of the epic Ramayana, but from Bharath's point of view. In the movie, the lead actor Mohanlal is a carnatic singer and he gave full justice to the role of Gopi. Bharatham won three National Film Awards – Mohanlal won the Best Actor Award, Dr. K. J. Yesudas won Best Male Playback Singer Award for the song Ramakadha Gaanalayam and music maestro Raveendran received a special mention. The movie even received five Kerala State Film Awards – Mohanlal won the Best Actor Award, the movie won the Second Best Film Award, Urvashi won the Best Actress Award, Raveendran won the Best Music Director Award and Nedumudi Venu won the Special Jury Award. Raveendran even won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.

Amaram

Amaram is a 1991 released film directed by Bharathan. The film is still considered as one of the best films of Bharathan. The performances by Mammootty, K. P. A. C. Lalitha and Murali won great appreciation. Amaram was also one of the highest grossing films of the year 1991. K. P. A. C. Lalitha won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. And Mammotty won the Filmfare Awards South – Best Actor Award. The film's soundtrack comprises of four songs and all were instant hits. The songs were composed by Raveendran and Johnson. The lyrics for the songs were given by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. The critically acclaimed movie is supposedly one of the best classics in the Malayalam film industry.