I am watching 'Margazhi Raagam' on DVD for the first time since watching it in the theatre. And it gave me the push I needed to get back on this blog!
The idea of Margazhi Raagam is to present a Carnatic music concert on film for people to appreciate in the comfort of the theatres - to get a modern feel of one of the oldest art forms in the world. To that end, the artistes chosen are also those who are considered "modern" while retaining the old-world charm and traditions of Carnatic music as it is meant to sung. The whole presentation is in the 'concert' form with the artistes singing on beautifully constructed sets that give you a view from various angles with some wonderful camera work that captures the divinity of the music as well somehow.
The first song "Maya teetha swarupini" set in Mayamalavagoula is sung by Bombay Jayashree set against light orange and yellow settings and puts the listener in the mood immediately. She keeps her eyes shut most of the time, as if internalising the music that is meant for the outside world as well. Her swarams are done so effortlessly! She next embarks on the 'evening raga' Nilambari - Amba Neelayadakshi - which I must admit I have a soft corner for, since it is one of my favourite songs. And does she do justice to it or what! When I found myself humming along, closing my eyes to the beauty of the darkly lit set that captures the mood of twilight - that was the moment of magic for me. That gorgeous rendition - I admit - is what remained with me the most when I had watched this in the theatre. There is a certain feeling of Godliness that manifests itself in it that appeals to a Carnatic musician or listener. She is unostentatious - whether it be in her simple attire or her simple yet soothing music. The third song she did was Janani Ninnu Vina in Rithigowlai - starting with an alapanai which will make you melt, the song itself (which is one of the loveliest songs I have heard in Rithigowlai) and a neraval and swaram done so expertly that you catch yourself counting the taalam unconsciously, as if you can't help yourself. This rendition of Janani is one of the best I have heard. Everytime she stops on a 'Ma' you feel like it's resonating in the air. Bombay Jayashree has that something in her voice that takes you to a different, spiritual plane - and it is showcased beautifully here.
There is then a tani-avartam with the two mridangam artistes and the kanjira - and then a switch over to T.M.Krishna who finishes the Janani Ninnu Vina and then takes us through a jaavali in Behag 'Saramaina maata' - which changes the flavour of the concert immediately. You get drawn into his completely contrasting style of involving the accompanying artistes, carrying on conversations with them in body language and with his appreciation - he's a person who is enjoying his music and that comes across very strongly. He then switches to Khamas in which he renders Sitapati - with a neraval and swaram. His hand movements mimic the wonderful ups and downs of his voice as he negotiates the nuances with his finesse and wonderful voice. You can see the animation in his face as he creates swarams and presents them and finally converges with the violin's music to finish in an exquisite finale before moving back to the song. His next rendition is in Varali - a Ragam Tanam Pallavi. The ragam alapanai captures the inherent pathos as well as the 'plays' that are possible with the range of the raga. His voice moves like a finely-tuned instrument, making you stare in awe as he takes you on a marvellous journey. The tanam is interspersed with the violinist's phrases which are almost as interesting as the singer's. The pallavi is very well done as well - showcasing the range of the singer.
The singing stalwarts get together then for something like an unplugged. Beginning with Bombay Jayashree with Vatasya Patrasya and then T.M.Krishna with Kapi - Jagadodharana - and then moving onto a Ragamalika of Vande Mataram, that is sung with all artistes wearing white against a lovely blue background, which caps the journey that we undertake with them on a fantastic note.
A word for the supporting artistes. Both violinists are excellent - Embar S Kannan with Bombay Jayashree and R.K.Shriram Kumar with T.M.Krishna - both as accompanists as well as while they are playing their solo pieces. The percussionists (Patri Satish Kumar and K.Arun Prakash on the mridangam, and B.S.Purushotham) are also first class - and their tani-avartam captures that marvellously well.
All in all - a must buy for those who are into Carnatic music.
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