Vijay, the actor not the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, is set to entertain his fans for one last time with Jana Nayagan hitting theatres tomorrow. While celebrated as an actor and a star, we take a look at one of his lesser celebrated aspects, as a singer. From an energetic beginner, to an established actor, and a big star, Vijay's journey as a singer mirrors his career as an actor.
The romantic voice of the youth
Vijay's beginnings as a singer reflected the energetic zeal of a youngster in cinema. In 1994, composer Deva introduced a young Vijay as a singer with 'Bombay City Sukkha Rotti' in Rasigan. The song is simple, but serves its purpose. A catchy beat featuring Vijay's vocals, who is not burdened to show his vocal range, strongly stamps the actor's intro as a singer. Vijay continues to be the fun singer in the songs that comes after his debut, even singing alongside his mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, in 'Thottabettaa Rottu Melae' from SA Chandrasekhar's Vishnu (1995). Beyond Vijay's vocals the song is also notable for featuring the intertitle text: Indha paadalai paadiyavar ungal Vijay (This song is sung by your Vijay).
In his first time singing for Ilaiyaraaja, Vijay slows down and enjoys the simple slices of life and love in 'Oh Baby Baby' from Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997). With sublime changes in tone, Vijay maintains the happy-go-lucky pitch, and even holding notes as an experienced singer would do. Ilaiyaraaja bought out a different from Vijay with 'Oh Baby Baby'.
Vijay also ventured into singing for films starring other actors for the first time with Velai (1998). Rendering 'Kaalathuketha Oru Gana' for Yuvan Shankar Raja's sophomore soundtrack, the actor is joined by Nassar and Premgi Amaren in their first time as playback singers. He has also sung for his contemporary Suriya, in a pre-Retro jail setting, 'Thammadikkira Styla Pathu' from Periyanna (1999), in his last time singing for a film, not featuring him. While not as celebrated as his earlier or later works, teaming up with youngsters with a similar zeal as himself ended up creating a couple of unignorable numbers.
The energetic frontman of the fans
The 2000s is when the actor became a star, but it is also the time when his singing credits was the least. Still every single song was memorable. With 'Mississippi Nadhi Kulunga' from Priyamaanavale (2000) and 'Ennoda Laila' from Badri (2001), Vijay still carried some of the musical styles from the '90s. But the
When Vijay noticed the debutante Priyanka Chopra humming on the sets of the latter's acting debut, Thamizhan (2002), Vijay encouraged Priyanka to render 'Ullathai Killaddhe', which became Priyanka's first film song. The groovy romantic number translates the chemistry of the lead actors from the sets to the recording booth, creating an intriguing experience.
Who can forget Vijay's one-two punch with Vadivelu before his sabbatical as a singer, with 'Podango' from Bagavathi (2002) and the chartbuster 'Vaadi Vaadi' from Sachein (2005). Staying true to his moniker, Vaigai Puyal (The tempest of the Vaigai river), Vadivelu not only challenges Vijay as a singer and an actor, but makes his mark as a dancer too.
The mouthpiece of the masses
While people have written multiple stanzas about Vijay's comeback as a singer with 'Google Google' from Thuppaki (2012), it is with 'Kandangi Kandangi' from Jilla (2014) that he assumes a new form as a singer. Vijay yearns and adores in this romantic melody, one of a few in his discography.
'Verithanam' from Bigil (2019), his singular credit singing for AR Rahman, can be termed as the first song sung by him hinting at a political entry. Shedding his romantic lead and the happy-go-lucky image, 'Verithanam' reflects his larger than life persona which came with the release of Bigil (2019).
Soundtracks from Vijay's films are known to have songs with inspirational themes as their core. But it wasn't until 'Kutti Story' from Master (2021), that he sung one such song. For Anirudh it was a return to familiar territory as the song echoes the style of his first hit, 'Why This Kolaveri', consisting only of English lyrics. Preceding the COVID-19 pandemic by a few months, the song was the first stamp in the film that would be the first major release after the easement of the lockdown rules.
While his last film as an actor Jana Nayagan gears up to open in theatres tomorrow, 'Chella Magale' from the soundtrack can be the last time for the CM as a singer. While it is about a father's love for his daughter, the lyrics are carefully constructed to double up as words from a politician addressing his followers. The melancholic tune of the song adds to the bittersweet nature of the moment as fans get to see their star on the screen for the final time, as he ends the songs with some tears for his loved ones.