Bangalore:
 |
|
Those good old days: Harris Jayaraj, Gowtham Menon and still from Varanam Aayiram |
Good music in a film is a reflection of the synergy between the director and the music composer. Gowtham Menon and Harris Jayaraj had become one such hit pair who delivered delightful films with beautiful songs. But there's been a falling out between the two after Varanam Aayiram.
In a shocking move, Harris released a letter to media, a copy of which is with HiTLiST, ending the association.
"We worked on the music on Varanam Aayiram in Kumarakom in Kerala last year. We had a difference of opinion when discussing the song, Adiye Kolluthe. That's when I thought of backing out of the project. But I forced myself to stay on. Gowtham could not make it to the studio when we were composing one or two songs. He sent me a text message later, saying 'superb tunes'. But I noticed a change in his attitude. Earlier, he would discuss all aspects of his film with me but, of late, he had begun to speak to me through people I do not like," explained Haris.
Point of no returnGowtham insists that he did not have any inkling about the relationship hitting a dead end, especially because the music of Varnam Aayiram has been declared a smashing hit.
But Harris disagrees. "Things have gone sour and it is better for us to part as friends leaving behind beautiful memories," he said in his letter. Though he wished Gowtham the very best and thanked him for helping create soul-stirring music, the fine print revealed harsh notes of discord. "The bond between music composer and director is vital. Once it is lost, it is gone forever," Harris claimed.
Gowtham and Harris debuted together in 2001. They made magic with films like Minnale, Khaaka Khaaka, Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu, Patchaikili Muthucharam and Varanam Aayiram.
Wellwishers of the director and the composer are trying to bring about a reconciliation, but Harris is too hurt to budge. Insiders believe that the first signs of the rift were evident when Gowtham signed on A R Rehman for Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikalam, a film that he announced last year.
Splitsville
Ilaiyaraja and K Balachandar parted ways after Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal. Balachandar reportedly added some old tunes from BGM and Ek Duje Ke Liye to the background score, without consulting Ilaiyaraja, leading to the split.
Ilaiyaraja and Bharathiraja were responsible for hits such as 16 Vayathinile and Kizhake Pogum Rail, but had a mysterious falling out.
Yuvan Shankaraja and Selvaraghavan went their separate ways after Aayirathil Oruvan, which is yet to see the light of day. Yuvan Shankaraja composed two songs, but later opted out of the film, ending his association with Selvaraghavan. G V Prakash stepped into the breach.
KollywoodSuhasini bags role in hubby's film Most actors would give their right arm for a role in a Mani Ratnam film. The director, who is known to pick and choose his actors after a great deal of thought, surprised wife Suhasini when he offered her a role in his film, Asokavanam. The national award-winning actress insists it's an honour to work in Mani's film. Vikram, Aishwarya, Prithivraj and Karthik star in Asokavanam. The Hindi version has Abhishek playing the good guy, while Vikram is the man with shades of grey.
SandalwoodIlaiyaraja signs 6 Kannada films The maestro is on a signing spree and his fans are thrilled. They recall his melodious songs in Namoora Mandhara Hoove, Hoomaale, Pallavi Anu Pallavi, Geetha and other hit films. Last year, he scored superb background music in Aa Dinagalu. Ajanta, the yet-to-be-released film that was shot in four languages, has music by him. Ilaiyaraja has recently signed on six new Kannada films â Sa re ga ma, Prema Kane, Bhagyada Belagara, Nannavanu and two untitled projects.
