Margazhi Ragam - a musical movie

Aghal Movies' Tamil film Margazhi Raagm is a novel attempt of bringing carnatic music into the silver screen by using the industry's best sound technicians, camera technicians and lighting artists. Splendid is the single word for the final product that has come out. The concert was mind blowing with performances both my Bombay Jayashri and T.M.Krishna trying to out shine each other.

At first, Margazhi Ragam may seem like a random collection of Carnatic concert compositions put together in a vaguely interesting fashion. The genius behind the feature is apparent to you only much later, as you truly get into the mood of the piece, along with the artistes.

This particular movie is one of the first of its kind and has been generating a lot of interest in both film and the musical worlds. The brainchild of director Jayendra, the movie is dedicated to sound engineer H Sridhar -- this was one of his last assignments. The movie itself is almost a straightforward concert piece, with its two principal artistes singing onstage.

As Bombay Jayashree begins the performance with her stunning voice in company of her instrumentalists, her expression is serene as she sings Maya theertha swarupini in raga Mayamalavagowlai, and her swara sangathis take your breath away. Still, she is self-contained; her enjoyment of her music is intensely personal.

It is only when TM Krishna takes over from her, finishing one of her pieces in style, that you realise the true scale of the film. PC Sreeram's camera focuses on the singer and the 'dialogues' he carries on with his accompanying artists; every smile, shake of head and sigh is intricately recorded.

Just when you think that nothing can quite equal a live concert experience, you are treated to the intimate conversations that an accomplished singer has with himself. You can practically see the way music shapes within him, and his appreciation of the instrumentalists' performance has to be seen to be enjoyed. The last Vandhe Mataram, a joint presentation by Jayashree and Krishna, is perfect. The theatre rings with appreciative applause (in memory of a live concert, of course).
Margazhi Ragam - a musical concert on the whole. Don't Miss it !