Onam is synonymous with celebration in Kerala, and what better way to enhance the festivities than with melodious songs? Whether it’s during the creation of intricate flower carpets, adorning oneself in traditional attire, or engaging in lively Onam games, the background hum of Onam songs adds an extra layer of joy to the occasion.
Malayalees have been humming Onam songs for generations. The sweet melodies of Onam-themed cinema songs and lyrics that encapsulate the essence of Onam have always been a source of delight. The recent trend of sharing “Thiruvonna Raavu” (the eve of Thiruvonam) status updates during Onam season is a testament to the enduring popularity of Onam songs in the digital age.
Interestingly, there are many Malayalam film songs that, despite having no direct connection to Onam in terms of plot or lyrics, evoke a sense of Onam nostalgia upon hearing them.
Let’s delve into some of these Onam songs that add more color to the festive season.
Thiruvaani Raavu from “Jacobinte Swargarajyam”: A Standout in Malayalam Onam Songs
The song “Thiruvaani Raavu” from the Malayalam movie “Jacobinte Swargarajyam” quickly captured the attention of audiences and became a standout among Malayalam Onam songs.
Released in 2016 with Nivin Pauly in the lead role and directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, the song was composed by Shan Rahman and Manu Manjit. Sung by Unni Menon and Sithara, “Thiruvaani Raavu” has a dedicated fanbase for both its lyrics and melody.
Poovili Poovili Ponnonamayi: An Evergreen Onam Anthem
A song from the 1978 movie “Vishukkani” has become an inseparable part of Onam celebrations for Malayalees. It’s hard to imagine an Onam passing without hearing the melodious tune of “Poovili Poovili Ponnonamayi”.
Penned by Sreekumaran Thampi and composed by the legendary Salil Chowdhury, this song was beautifully rendered by the legendary singer Yesudas. Prem Nazir and Vidhubala graced the screen in the song sequence.
Onavayil Olaanggalil from “Bombay March 12”: A Celebration of Onam
The song “Onavayil Olaanggalil” from the Malayalam film “Bombay March 12” is a special tribute to the Onam festival. The lyrics and visuals beautifully capture the essence of Onam, with scenes of Onam games, flower carpets, and the overall festive atmosphere.
The song emphasizes friendship, unity, and the spirit of Onam, making it a heartwarming and nostalgic piece. It also references mythological figures like Mahabali and Thiruvathira, further enhancing the Onam theme.
Sung by M.G. Sreekumar, with lyrics by Rafeeq Ahmed and music composed by Afzal Yusuf, this song features Unni Mukundan and Roma as the main characters.
Onathumpi Paadu… from Superman: A Heart-wrenching Onam Ballad
The song “Onam Thumpi Paadu…” from the Malayalam film “Superman” is a unique and poignant addition to the genre of Onam songs. While it begins by depicting a family celebrating Onam, the overall mood of the song is one of melancholy rather than joy. The lyrics, filled with longing and sorrow, combined with the knowledge of the film’s plot, create a deeply moving experience for the audience.
Composed by S.P. Venkatesh and sung by Yesudas, the song’s lyrics were penned by S. Ramesh Nair. The film starred Jayaram, Nedumudi Venu, Seema, Vindhuja Menon, and Innocent.
Onappoove Omalppoove – ONV’s Onam Song
The song “Onappoove Omalppoove,” penned by the renowned poet ONV Kurup, is a timeless classic from the 1978 Malayalam film “Ee Gaanam Marakkumo.” With its soulful melody composed by Salil Chowdhury and sung by the legendary K.J. Yesudas, the song remains a favorite among Malayalam music lovers. The film features the iconic actor Prem Nazir in a special appearance in the song sequence.
Another iconic Onam song, “Onathumbi Onathumbi,” also has lyrics by ONV Kurup. This beautiful composition was set to music by the maestro G. Devarajan and sung by K.S. Sulochana in the 1961 movie “Mudiyanaay Puthran.”
Onappattin Thaalam Thullum – A Surprising Cinematic Connection
While many might associate the infectious tune “Onappattin Thaalam Thullum” with traditional Onam celebrations, it’s actually a popular film song that has transcended the silver screen to become a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2004 as part of the Malayalam movie “Quotation,” this song has captured the hearts of millions and is now synonymous with the festive spirit of Onam.
The song is a visual treat, showcasing the vibrant colors and rich traditions of Onam. From the colorful pookalam (flower carpet) to the traditional attire and festive dances, the music video perfectly encapsulates the essence of this harvest festival. The song’s lyrics, penned by Brajesh Ramachandran, paint a vivid picture of Onam celebrations, making it a favorite among Malayalees.
Composed by Sabeesh George and sung by Kalyani, “Onappattin Thaalam Thullum” has been remixed and reinterpreted countless times over the years. It’s so widely popular that many people are unaware of its cinematic origins. The song’s catchy tune and relatable lyrics have made it a staple of Onam celebrations, both in Kerala and among the Malayali diaspora.
Much like the traditional song “Thiruvavani Ravu,” “Onappattin Thaalam Thullum” has become a go-to choice for Onam-themed social media posts and status updates. Its popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Onam celebrations and the power of music to bring people together.