Chemmeen (1965)

Kerala's renowned director Ramu Kariat filmed a powerful story of the fishing community based on Thakazhy Shivshankar Pillai’s novel. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s editing helped shape the film, and Kariat took a major chance by inviting Salil Chowdhury to compose against all advice.

Chemmeen established Salil’s name in Malayalam cinema. Its music remains deeply loved and culturally iconic. The song “Pennale Pennale” is considered one of the most popular Malayalam songs ever recorded.

Song CM2 is a remarkable blend of melodies linked to “Shuno Shuno Go Sabey” (Bengali, film Kobita) and “Jaa Re Jaa Aamaar Aashaar” by Sabita. Interestingly, both were recorded in 1965, while Kobita was made in 1977, raising fascinating questions about the melodic origins.

Song CM3 also carries interlude elements from “Baag Mei.n Kali Khili”, showing how Salil’s musical motifs intertwined across languages and films.