'Minnalvala' is a borrowed term: Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri

'Minnalvala,' from the Tovino Thomas starrer 'Narivetta,' has recently become one of the most played romantic soundtracks. The song features beautifully poetic lyrics written by veteran lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, which evoke a charming rural ambiance. Composed by Jakes Bejoy, 'Minnalvala' marks Kaithapram's return to mainstream cinema music after a brief hiatus. The song, sung in the soulful voices of Sid Sriram and Sithara Krishnakumar, has topped the hit charts since its release. In the meantime, Kaithapram continues to create enchanting love tracks, showcasing his remarkable talent.

Return to the classics
Kaithapram who is delighted that youngsters have been crooning the song reveals that he had borrowed the term ‘Minnalvala’ from the great bard Kalidasa’s epic poem Raghuvamsam. “The expression Minnalvala is not mine, it is a figure of speech mentioned in Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsam. When Goddess Sita is abducted by Ravana in the Pushpak Vimana, Sita Devi wails in desperation and waves her arms seeking help. Kalidasa has written that the sky adorned her wrists with bangles of lightening showers (Minnalvala). I was just transporting that imagination into the romantic expression of this song. It would be nice if lyricists had some knowledge in our classics. Then, they will be able to bring in such beautiful expressions and symbolism into their songs,” says Kaithapram.

The grand comeback
Kaithapram vows that the break wasn’t a deliberate decision. Meanwhile, Kaithapram is happy that he is still remembered by music lovers despite new lyricists entering the Malayalam movie industry. “I am happy that my songs are still sung by people. Songs of the new age are different. The time when I used to write for Raveendran and Johnson was different. In the olden days, the lines were written before composing the tunes. Later, songs were made without lyrics. Narivetta team might have approached me probably because they needed a song that sounds poetic. However, the music is the most attractive element of this song,” he notes.

Narivetta’s director Anuraj Manohar’s father is a close friend of Kaithapram’s. So, the veteran lyricist was invited directly to the recording studio in Kochi to pen the lines. Jakes Bejoy had already composed the tune and requested Kaithapram to write the lines to match its metre. The crew of Narivetta was impressed by the beautiful lyrics penned by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri.

Enjoys new songs

Kaithapram listens to almost all new songs and some of them have become his favourite too. “The new age songs possess a unique kind of sensibility. A song may not be enjoyed or liked by listeners just because it has been on the trending list. Similarly, a good song may not be trending either. Appreciating a song is based on personal preference. Songs with less lyrics and more instrumental music cannot be called bad songs. Flutes and harmonium were integral part of old songs too. Now, instrumental music became more technical and the songs are influenced by other schools of music including western music. Beats have become faster, but the music remains the same. A lyricist should have music in his/her heart. Similarly, a music composer should have some language prowess too. Good songs are borne out of this beautiful cooperation. All the songs that we still remember might have been created like this,” notes the award-winning lyricist.

Not a strict teacher

Kaithapram doesn’t see himself as a strict school master who constantly reviews new songs. He even wonders whether songs could be categorized as old and new. He believes that admiring or appreciating a song doesn’t depend upon the time of its composition or the person who had composed it. “Our likes and preferences always keep changing. In the olden days, the songs were more poetic. But, now, it isn’t like that. It doesn’t mean that songs that are not poetic aren’t good. A song may have adiopoli lyrics or must be composed of instrumental music rather than lyrics. It depends on the genre of the movie. I have also written songs for the new generation. I wrote songs for Jassie Gift who pioneered the new age music in Malayalam industry. I become flexible while writing for new filmmakers. I am not adamant, but I won’t compromise when it comes to the quality of language. Songs shouldn’t impress not just your ears, but it should touch your hearts too. The language, music and the vocals should exude love and only then can you call them good songs. Such songs will surely stand the test of time and be remembered forever,” says Kaithapram.