Heralded by the conductor’s final instructions, the musical masterpiece “Symphony of Love” unfolds—a composition that earned Vishal Krishnamoorthy international acclaim and the prestigious Global Music Award. As the rich orchestra blends with the choir’s refreshing rendition of the revered Tyagaraja kriti (composition) Entharo Mahanubhavulu, the reasons for its acclaim are immediately apparent. This is how the Malayalam Movie Devadoothan (2000), directed by Sibi Malayil, opens.
Although a well-crafted, fresh mystery horror drama by a legendary director with an ensemble cast, including Mohanlal and Jaya Prada, it did not perform well at the theatres. But over time, after multiple rewatches on television and elsewhere, the movie came to be addressed as underrated and one that arrived before its time. With the emergence of the re-release trend in Indian cinema and emboldened by the broad consensus that the movie deserved better, the producers started to explore the possibility of giving Devadoothan a second chance. Finally, the movie’s 4K remastered director’s cut got a well-marketed re-release in July 2024, becoming a major box office hit and the highest-grossing re-release in Kerala to date. Besides the horror and nostalgia, what truly brought the people back to theatres was the desire to experience the heart and soul of the movie – its exquisite music – in the acoustics of the theatre halls. All credit to the real Vishal Krishnamurthy behind the movie’s highly lauded songs and score, the one and only Vidyasagar.
Vidyasagar is a household name to those familiar with South Indian film music. He has rendered several unforgettable melodies in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam that still dominate many of our playlists. While the other celebrated songs from this movie – Karale Nin, En Jeevane, and Poove Poove – all fall in this category, Entharo Mahanubhavulu stands apart. It’s not just another conventional film song with lead vocals, complementing orchestra and original lyrics, but a symphony, an adaptation, and a musically rich composition.
Symphonies, a hallmark of Western classical music tradition, are a rarity in Indian film music. Originating in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, it generally refers to an extended musical composition featuring a harmonious arrangement of a variety of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion structured in different movements. Vidyasagar’s Entharo Mahanubhavulu is a choral symphony incorporating a choir — an ensemble of singers—along with the instruments, blending orchestral and vocal music. The choir, aptly named “Harmony,” delivered a stunning rendition. Their performance as a single group without distinction between musical parts or male-female voices adds to the depth of the composition. Yet the music is far beyond a blind westernization of a Carnatic kriti. The most enchanting feature of the song, the melodic passage at both the beginning and the end, is tenderly rendered as a flute solo. The music is also punctuated with the intense and ingenious use of other Indian musical instruments, such as the tabla, all within the Western symphonic model.
At the core, the song is but a rendition of the celebrated kriti Entharo Mahanubhavulu, making it timeless and universal. Although director Malayil and writer Palleri had recommended incorporating a Carnatic kriti, this particular one was chosen by the music director himself. Composed by Tyagaraja, one among the Trinity of Carnatic music, it is part of his famous Pancharatna (five gems) kritis. The rich and meaningful Telugu lyrics express profound admiration and devotion to the great, enlightened saints of the past. The grandeur of the Sri Raga, the reverential and contemplative Bhava (mood) and Tyagaraja’s signature sangatis (musical embellishments) add to the grace of the composition, creating a feast for music lovers.
Beginning slowly and softly, the music blossoms like a flower, unfolding with intricate melodic patterns. It develops much like an exciting storyline—opening strings set the stage, followed by the central flute passage that draws you in. Soon, more characters enter the plot: beats, chimes, keys, and a lot more strings, all building toward the sudden, dramatic entry of the vocals. As the pallavi (first vocal section) ends, the song regains its tranquillity and glides gently until the anupallavi (second vocal section) begins, marked by the rhythms of the tabla. One of my favourite moments is the subtle yet unexpected entry of strings and flutes in the anupallavi, adding layers of depth and melody. The stable rhythm patterns slowly tighten with the second rendition of the flute solo. The tempo rises, and the rhythm picks up, driving the song into an electrifying climax. Truly ethereal!
The visuals of the song also complement the music excellently, allowing us to appreciate it better. Watching an array of musicians play their instruments in perfect sync and focus makes us realize the richness of the orchestra and the huge efforts behind every single piece of music we enjoy. How multiple voices blend seamlessly and how even the composer’s minute instructions, such as not breaking certain words, contribute to the song’s flow leaves us in awe. We also witness the composer conducting the symphony with complete immersion, deeply attentive to every sound. Here, film music moves beyond mere playback and takes centre stage.
Popular music often spotlights the singers, overshadowing other key contributors, such as instrumentalists, lyricists and, even more so, the composer. How many of us would be able to recognize the faces of the composers behind our favourite songs, except a few fortunate ones like A. R. Rahman? Although we don’t actually see Vidyasagar on screen, the visuals of this song remind us that a song is ultimately shaped by its composer, who meticulously decides on its every detail. Mohanlal brilliantly portrays the role of the conductor, so much so that it feels like he is truly leading the orchestra. His hand gestures and meditative focus convey a sense of genuine expertise, making it all the more authentic.
Entharo Mahanubhavulu from Devadoothan is an enchanting composition that immerses us in its beauty with every note. Vidyasagar’s masterful composition elevates Tyagaraja’s timeless kriti into an unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a rare blend that deserves to be appreciated in its full glory. For those who have yet to experience it—or even for those familiar with its magic—there is no better time to revisit this remarkable piece. It is available on Spotify, YouTube and other major streaming platforms.
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