Much like its name, Suddhadhanyasi is a pure classical Raga that is enchanting to listen. This fascinating raga has been in film music right from the golden days. It is also the favourite raga for many composers. Let us take a look at all the ancient, medieval and new-age Tamil songs composed in this soulful raga.
Beginning from the song Vaa Vaa Valarmathiye from the 1957 Sivaji Ganesan movie Vanangamudi, this raga has been effectively used in many film songs. This song composed by G. Ramanathan and sung by M.L. Vasanthakumari was a huge hit during those days and it incorporates many brilliant sangadhis. In Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy's music, you have Kangal Enge from the legendary movie Karnan. This evergreen song was beautifully rendered by P. Susheela. Another well-known song which is a rage even today is the number Thottal Poo Malarum from the movie Padagotti. Composed by Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy, this is an enthralling romantic duet sung by T.M. Soundarrajan and P. Susheela. The remix version composed by A.R. Rahman for the movie New (2004) is also based on Suddhadhanyasi raga. The magical original version 'changed the outlook of this raga in films', as quoted by Wikipedia.
Ilaiyaraaja too has composed many beautiful numbers in this raga. Right from the word go, Suddhdhanyasi is at an intelligent play in Vizhiyil Vizhundhu song from the movie Alaigal Oyivadhillai. Suddhadhanyasi is written all over in the ethereal Oru Poongavanam from the movie Agni Natchathiram. Sung wonderfully by S. Janaki, this song became a cult classic as days passed by. The folksy romantic duet Pothi Vecha Malliga Mottu from Manvaasanai is also based on this raga. Two popular songs Poovarasampoo Poothachu and Manjolai Kilithaano from the movie Kizhakku Pogum Rayil also has traces of Suddhadhanyasi. Another mesmerizing Ilaiyaraaja melody Maalaiyil Yaaro (rendered mellifluously by late Swarnalatha) from the movie Chathriyan is also composed in this beautiful raga. Ilaiyaraaja continued this Suddhadhanyasi streak into the 90s too. The songs Anandha Kuyilin Paatu from Kaadhalukku Mariyadhai, Kaadhal Vaanile from Raasaiyya and Deepangal Pesum from Devathai are classic examples of this raga. He has also indulged this raga cleverly in the highly westernized song Hey Unnai Thaane from the movie Kaadhal Parisu.
Later in the 2000s, Ilaiyaraaja incorporated Suddhadhanyasi in songs like Ilaiya Nadhi from Manasellam, Rukku Rukku Roop Kya from Friends and Enna Solli Paaduvadho from En Mana Vaanil. In the A.R. Rahman composed Kannodu Kanbadhellam from Jeans, Suddhadhanyasi will be interspersed with Abheri raga. Interestingly, Rahman has indulged in this raga for modern numbers like Majaa Majaa from Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, Irumbile Oru Irudhaiyum from Enthiran and Aila Aila from Ai.
Other astounding Tamil songs in Suddhadhanyasi raga are:
1. Neeye Unakku Endrum from Bale Pandiya by MS Viswanathan
2. Aayiram Malargale Malarungal from Niram Maaradha Pookal
3. Chinna Chinna Mottu from Ninaikka Therindha Maname
4. Kaalaiyil Ketadhu Koyil Mani from Senthamizh Paattu by Ilayaraja
5. Kannindhu Varum Neram from Alai Osai
6. Kala Kalakkum Maniyosai from Eeramaana Rojaave by Ilayaraja
7. Naan Kaanum Ulangangal from Kaasi by Ilayaraja
8. Nadhiyoram from Annai Oar Aalayam
9. Oru Sundari Vandhalaam from Azhagi by Ilayaraja
10. Vaa Ponmayile from Poonthalir
