Ezhuraathrikal (1968) | Salil Chowdhury

Film Information

Language: Malayalam

Director: Ramu Kariat

Lyrics: Vayalar Rama Varma

A film depicting the lives of street singers and the melodies that sustained them. Salil reused the beautiful Bengali melody 'Ja re jaa jaa mono pakhi' for the title music, creating an emotionally striking score remembered by collectors and admirers alike.

Songs

Nr	Song	Singer(s)	Hnd	Mal	Tam	Tel	Kan	Bng	Oth
EZ1	Kakkakurumbikale	K.J.Yesudas, Lata, Anto, K.P. Udaybhanu	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
EZ2	Panchameyo	P. Leela	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
EZ3	Kadarumasam	K. J. Yesudas	-	-	-	-	-	LP1	-
EZ4	Rathri Rathri	P.B. Srinivas	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
EZ5	Makkathupoivarum	Latha Raju	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Notes & Background

Ezhuraathrikal (1968) tells the story of street beggars who earn their living by singing. This context led Salil to compose songs strongly rooted in folk culture, delivering melodies that are both haunting and deeply human.

The Title Music is based on the Bengali composition 'Ja re jaa jaa mono pakhi', also used in Anokhaa Daan as 'Hamraahi Manzil Ke'. One of Salil�s most fascinating melodic re-interpretations.

The song 'Makkathupoivarum' was composed by Shanta P. Nayar, mother of singer Latha Raju, during Salil's absence. Salil admired it so much that he asked director Ramu Kariat to include the song unchanged.

Tragically, original records of these songs are nearly impossible to obtain today, making them priceless gems among collectors of Salil Chowdhury�s work.