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Indian film music’s unparalleled icon, P. Jayachandran, departed for the heavenly abode on Thursday, January 9, 2025. His passing leaves a significant void in the world of cinema, particularly in the Malayalam film industry. It also brings to mind the veteran musician’s discontent with how playback songs have been utilized in recent films. Whether it’s a response to changing trends or an attempt to emulate the West, the gradual shift away from the lip-sync tradition raises questions. Could this evolution erode the very essence of Indian cinema? Only time will tell us.
As news of P. Jayachandran’s passing on January 9, 2025, at the age of 80 reached me, it sent me on a whirlwind journey of memories, reflecting on the timeless magic of his music. So, I didn’t grow up during Jayachandran’s peak years. Like many in my generation, I was fortunate to experience glimpses of his brilliance, even though he was far less active than during his prime in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, instead of a conventional obituary, I’ve compiled a list of 25 songs that have left a lasting impression on me, celebrating the timeless magic of this legendary artist.
Ithaloornnu Veena (Thanmathra)
The song “Ithaloornnu Veena Panineer Dalangal Thiriye Cherum Pole” from Thanmathra is the first that comes to mind when I think of the iconic vocalist P. Jayachandran. Released in 2005, I was just a schoolchild, slowly beginning to understand emotions and the power of music to evoke them. Interestingly, the filmmakers featured a full-length version of the song rendered in the lead actor’s voice, which was only half as poignant. Thankfully, I had the film’s audio CD to truly experience the depth of emotion conveyed through Jayachandran’s legendary voice. His rendition required no visual accompaniment to amplify the pathos it carried—it was pure on its own.
Nee Manimukiladakal (Vellithira)
An unforgettable ode to love, this melody became a massive chartbuster in 2003. With Prithviraj and Navya Nair lighting up the screen with their electrifying chemistry, the duet with K. S. Chithra is a testament to traditional playback songs’ magic. The song’s lyrics, penned by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, are equally remarkable. The line “നീയെന്റെ ദേവി ഞാൻ തൊഴുതുപോകുന്ന രൂപം” (You are my goddess, the form I bow down to in devotion) elevates the woman to a divine figure worthy of reverence. How beautiful is that!
Ariyathe Ariyathe (Ravanaprabhu)
One of Jayachandran’s most beloved songs from the current millennium is yet another memorable duet with K. S. Chithra. Featuring Mohanlal and Vasundhara Das, this semi-classical masterpiece continues to captivate audiences even today. The chemistry between the singing duo remained as enchanting as ever when they recently performed the song together on stage.
Kallayi Kadavathu (Perumazhakkalam)
The Sufi-inspired melody underscored the chemistry between the Muslim protagonists, portrayed by Meera Jasmine and Dileep. A duet with Sujatha, the song—and the entire album—adorned with Kaithapram’s simple lyrics, earned composer M. Jayachandran the Kerala State Award.
Aalithaaliyumayi (Mizhi Randilum)
As of today, the film Mizhi Randilum is best remembered for the song ‘Aalithaaliyumayi’, rendered with deep emotion by P. Jayachandran. This solo track, picturized on Indrajith and Kavya Madhavan, shines with composer Raveendran’s classical expertise and signature brilliance. It remains a mystery how Jayachandran, who was not trained in Carnatic classical music, would easily deliver raga-based songs such as this one.
Enthe Innum Vanneela (Gramaphone)
A song that never fails to give me goosebumps, this Vidyasagar masterpiece is a qawwali in Malayalam. Jayachandran strikes all the right chords, with his haunting rendition. His heartfelt delivery, especially in the line “എൻ ഹൃദയത്തിൻ ചന്ദനവാതിൽ നിനക്കായ് മാത്രം തുറക്കാം ഞാൻ” (I will open the sandalwood door of my heart, only for you), touches our souls most effectively.
Paattil Ee Paattil (Pranayam)
Jayachandran’s association with soul-stirring music in Blessy’s films continues with this Mohan Sithara composition, which beautifully conveys themes of loss and enduring hope. In a film that narrates a bold love story, the song fits seamlessly, with the vocalist’s dramatic voice amplifying the depth of feelings in the brief moments it graces the screen.
Sharadambaram (Ennu Ninte Moideen)
‘Sharadambaram’ is a vintage song, set in the vintage era and sung by a vintage singer (Jayachandran). Composed by Ramesh Narayanan, the track, which plays during a stage performance, perfectly suits the singer’s style. The exquisite use of percussion and flute brings to life Kerala’s rich theatrical culture, enhancing the song’s vintage charm.
Poove Poove Pala Poove (Devadoothan)
Vidyasagar composed yet another chartbuster for Jayachandran and K.S. Chithra in Devadoothan. Though the Sibi Malayali-directed film, starring Mohanlal, was ahead of its time, the song was embraced by the masses almost immediately. The film attracted even more viewers following its recent re-release, and the song, rendered in Jayachandran’s divine voice, still retains its enchanting magic.
Vavavo Vaave (Ente Veed Appoontem)
While ‘Vavavo’ can be considered more Sujatha’s song due to its context and situation, it remains equally memorable for Jayachandran’s lines, which are infused with fatherly warmth. Composed by Ouseppachan, this melody carries a hint of sadness in its tune, likely reflecting the tragic theme of the song.
Marannittumenthino (Randam Bhavam)
An unexpected hit among the youth in the early 2000s, Vidyasagar’s song interestingly begins without an elaborate prelude. Sung by Jayachandran and Sujatha, it captures the essence of the wildly popular East Coast albums of that era, which likely contributed to its immense popularity.
Neeyoru Puzhayayi (Thilakkam)
Kaithapram Viswanath composed a mesmerizing solo in Jayachandran’s voice, which also gained attention for its vibrant picturization and choreography, showcasing members of different religions. As always, the singer is in his element, expressing romantic love with flawless perfection.
Prayam Nammil (Niram)
In Niram, the situation for this song required Jayachandran to make an impact with his voice, regardless of the actor’s screen presence. The character, who had just won the ‘Meri Aawaz Suno’ reality show, needed to deliver a high-energy number, and this is what Vidyasagar, Jayachandran, Sujatha, and Bichu Thirumala created. Unsurprisingly, it became a campus anthem of sorts around the turn of the millennia.
Kevala Marthya (Nakhakshathangal)
Jayachandran is also known for his occasional forays into acting. In Hariharan’s Nakhakshathangal, he appears as a friendly neighborhood man. At the same time, the film’s soundtrack, composed by Bombay Ravi, features an unforgettable song in Jayachandran’s voice. The lyrics, penned by Yusuf Ali Kecheri, are instantly captivating, with the opening words translating to, “You are an angel who does not heed the language of mere mortals.”
Anuraga Gaanam Pole (Udyogastha)
The only black-and-white song in this list, ‘Anuragaganam Pole’ is a true classic in Malayalam film music. Picturized on Madhu, it is fascinating how Jayachandran’s voice remained timeless, showing no sign of age, even decades after the song’s release, while the actor himself did.
Aararum Kaanathe (Chandrolsavam)
Ranjith’s Chandrolsavam gave us the contemplative ‘Aararum Kaanathe’—a duet by Jayachandran and Sujatha, composed by Vidyasagar, which captures the rekindling of lost love between the protagonists, played by Mohanlal and Meena. With minimal orchestration, the song stands out because of Jayachandran’s expressive vocal delivery. Pay attention to how he sings the lines “Onnu Thottaal” (lyrics by Gireesh Puthencherry) with varying emotions.
Aalilakkavile (Pattalam)
Another song from the same team as the previous one, ‘Aalilakkavile’ is a lively, conversational track that is far from intense. Jayachandran seemed to have a lot of fun with this one, and so did we, the Malayali audience of its time.
Swayamvara Chandrike (Chronic Bachelor)
A landmark comedy of its time, Chronic Bachelor also featured a good soundtrack. In the standout love song ‘Swayamvara Chandrike’, composer Deepak Dev makes full use of Jayachandran’s divine voice to create an unforgettable love ballad. Complementing him is Sujatha, whose sensuous vocals enhance the song.
Pottu Thotta Sundari (Palunku)
An intriguing blend of music genres, the Mohan Sithara-composed song begins with Jassi Gift’s raspy vocals blaring from a loudspeaker, before smoothly transitioning to the soothing voices of Jayachandran and Sheela Mani. Picturized on Mammootty, Lakshmi Sharma, Nazriya, and Niveditha against the backdrop of hillside Kerala, the song fits perfectly into Blessy’s intense vigilante drama.
Vattayila Panthalittu (Yathrakkarude Shraddhakku)
What’s a Malayalam song list without a Johnson composition? Although ‘Vattayila Panthalittu’ features more lines for K.S. Chithra, Jayachandran who joins it from anupallavi onwards renders the song truly unforgettable.
Aaruparanju (Pulivaal Kalyanam)
The early 2000s was a time when even the most rib-tickling comedies featured at least one memorable love song. Pulivaal Kalyanam, a Jayasurya-Kavya Madhavan film, is known for this Berny-Ignatius composition, which Jayachandran performs alongside K.S. Chithra. The song follows the structure of a classic Malayalam love ballad, and its soundscape has aged beautifully.
Sisirakala (Devaragam)
Another wildly popular Jayachandran-K S Chithra song, ‘Sisirakala’ belongs to a completely different genre. Sensuous and borderline raunchy, MM Keeravani (composer) and M D Rajendran (lyricist) craft a melody that is popular on radio stations to date.
Kannathil Muthamittal (Kannathil Muthamittal)
Jayachandran has sung a long list of Tamil songs. Yet the only one to make it to my list is the godly title track of Kannathil Muthamittal. Do I have a thing for the singer’s songs with paternal themes? Perhaps. Either way, I haven’t heard a song like this before or after. It makes me burst into tears in an instant, and I won’t think twice before naming it as one of the greatest film songs ever composed.
Milo Wahaan (Ada – A Way of Life)
Jayachandran was a devoted fan of Mohammed Rafi. He admired the legend so much that he even kept a framed necktie, once owned by Rafi, in his residence. Despite being proficient in Hindi, Jayachandran never made it to Bollywood. The only notable Hindi song he sang was for the unreleased film Ada. The operatic love song, composed by A.R. Rahman, featured Jayachandran alongside Alka Yagnik. It makes for a great listen though.
Kannadi Kaayalinoram (Oruthee)
One of the legend’s final songs, this gentle family track sets the stage for the protagonist (Navya Nair) to bond with her husband and children. Beautifully shot, Jayachandran’s voice adds a ray of sunshine to the film before it takes on darker tones.
As Jayachandran leaves us, it is essential to reflect on why his immense talent remained somewhat underrated and underrecognized in a music industry dominated by Yesudas. Undoubtedly a legend in his own right, Jayachandran never had to linger in Yesudas’s shadow. That said, a significant share of good opportunities likely bypassed him due to the towering presence of both veterans. Ironically, for me, there is a Yesudas song in Naghakshathangal that drives in memories of Jayachandran who was lovingly called ‘Bhava Gayakan’ (the expressive singer).
As any true icon would, Jayachandran established himself as an irreplaceable voice in Malayalam cinema. In his passing, the singer leaves behind an indelible legacy cherished by South Indian film lovers. He lived a fulfilling life surrounded by his family, friends, and devoted fans. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
