Raja's spectrum of moods with Sax/Trumpet

Raja gets little credit for his usage of Sax/trumpets in various moods as it generally gets overshadowed by his usage of guitar, violins and flutes. In my view, he has used Sax/trumpets on a spectrum of moods that merits exploration.Let’s begin with tracks that invoke happiness mood. The title track of Cheeni Kum (2007) is a fantastic example of this mood. Maha Rajanodu from Sathi Leelavathi (1995) is another example of a track in this mood. Rum Bum Bum from Michael Madana Kamarajan (1991) is another wonderful example of this mood. Vazhavaikum Kadhalukku from Aboorva Sagodargal (1989) is another example for this mood. Please note that none of these tracks are set in a night club like backdrop. Raja just chose the sax and delivered! My top pick for this category is Vazhavaikum Kadhalukku…




Let’s move over to the pleasant memories mood. Enna Satham Intha Neram from Punnagai Mannan (1986) uses saxophone beautifully along with guitar to bring out this mood so well! Kanukkum Kanukkum from Ninaika Therindha Maname (1987) is another great track in this mood. The saxophone track in Cheeni Kum (2007) uses saxophone to bring out the mood of mischief – I have not heard any Indian film music that does this. Vaanile Thenila from Kaaki Chattai (1985) brings out this mood very well. Then Mozhi from Solla Thudikudhu Manasu (1988) creates this mood in the second interlude. My top pick is the Cheeni Kum track…




Sax offers excellent scope in a romantic mood when used properly. Though this is not very new in Indian film music, this is not the common mood for which this instrument is used as a norm. Gingila Gingila from Thai Mozhi (1992) uses the saxophone along with guitar in a jazz fashion so beautifully to bring out this mood. Kannan Vandhu Paaduginran from Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (1987) is another great example of a sax track in a romantic situation. Sangeetha Megam from Udhaya Geetham (1985) is a masterpiece with violins/guitar to create a romantic mood. Sorgathin Vasapadi from Unnai Solli Kutramillai (1990) is another great track that evokes this mood. Ennathaan Sugamo from Maapilai (1989) creates this mood along with flutes and violins. Maalaiyil Yaaro from Kshatriyan (1990) creates this mood with violins. My top pick is Maalaiyil Yaaro…




The party mood is the most common usage of the sax in Indian film music. Raja has done several in this mood too. Ennodu Paatu Paadungal from Udhaya Geetham (1985) brings out this mood along with electric guitar and chorus very well. How can one forget Sorgam Madhuvile from Sattam En Kaiyil (1978) – this used to be a regular party song. Vaanam Keele Vandhalenna from Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe (1983) brings out this mood along with violins and electric guitar. Paatu Thalaivan from Idhaya Kovil (1985) is a wonderful track with ably supported by electric guitar, violins to create this mood. My top pick is Sorgam Madhuvile…




Saxaphone is rarely used in a pathos situation in Indian film music. Raja successfully used it with Mandram Vandha Thendralukku in Mouna Ragam (1986) – Raja brings out pathos so well with sax and flutes. Diana Diana supported by the synth from Kadhal Kavidhai (1999). Chandirare Sooriyare from Amaran (1992) uses sax in a pathos situation. My top pick is Mandram Vandha Thendralukku…




Another common usage of sax/trumpets is in an aggressive mood in Indian film music. Ennadi Meenachi from Ilamai Oonjaladukirathu (1978) uses saxophone and trumpets to create this mood with electric guitar. Raja has used trumpets/sax in another aggressive mood in Yaar Veetil Roja from Idhaya Kovil (1985). My top pick is Yaar Veetil Roja…