Chunakkara Ramankutty – Malayalam lyricist and poet who penned ‘Devadaaru Poothu En Manasin Thaazhvarayil’ and ‘Shyama Mekhame’
Chunakkara Ramankutty (1936 – 2020) was a famous Malayalam lyricist and poet, with some memorable film songs to his credit. He wrote more than 250 songs for 75 movies, and a few drama songs as well. He started writing from 1977, and owns hit songs like Devadaaru Poothu of Engane Nee Marakkum and Chandamakuriyumaayi of Oru Nokku Kaanan, both filmed on star Jodi of 1980s, Shankar – Menaka. Shyama Mekhame from Adipan is yet another popular song penned by Ramankutty. He passed away on 12th August, 2020 at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, aged 84.
Songs of Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira made him popular
Chunakkara Ramankutty was born in Mavelikkara. He started writing for films in year 1977, when he penned lyrics for Aashramam directed by K. K. Chandran. He received his first hit through a couple of songs he penned for P. G. Viswambharan’s Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira in 1982. The title track as well as the sad track – Devi Nin Roopam filmed on Mammootty and Prem Nazir gave him the first hits. The movie also marked the beginning of M. Mani (Aroma Mani) – Chunakkara combination, and his songs were composed by M. G. Radhakrishnan. Since then he penned lyrics for numerous memorable tracks. Though a few, he remained active in writing for 4 long decades.
Devi Nin Roopam Sisiramasa Kulir Raavil from Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira
His successful association with Shyam started with Sindoora Thilakavumaayi
Sindoora Thilakavumaayi from Kuyiline Thedi released in 1982 marked his successful association with Shyam, and since then they worked for more than 20 movies together. Their romantic songs became immensely popular in the 1980s. Engane Nee Marakkum [1983] is the most memorable work of this combo, which includes the evergreen romantic track – Devadaaru Poothu. He penned all lyrics of this super hit film starring Shankar, Mohanlal and Menaka.
After Shankar, he penned lyrics for several Mammootty-Saajan movies in the 1980s, where Baby Shalini played an important role. Many of his songs became popular among family audiences. Nee Arinjo Mele Maanathu from Kandu Kandarinju, with comedy shades he wrote for Saajan is still popular. He also worked with M. K. Arjunan, Darshan Raman and Raghu Kumar. Yet his combination with Shyam became widely popular.
His name is not counted among the top lyricists of Malayalam cinema. Yet he created a niche of his own through numerous romantic songs he penned in the 1980s. He once told in an interview that though he can’t became a great lyricist like those belonging to classic era, he owns a few memorable songs which will be remembered even after he is gone. Kapalika in 2013 was his last work.
Chunakkara Ramankutty – Some interesting and less-known facts
1. Apsara Kanyaka for Aashramam in 1977 was his first song as a lyricist.
2. Among all producers, his work with Aroma Mani is most popular. In fact his first hit songs of Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira were given by the same producer. Shyama Meghame Nee from Adhipan (1989) is the most popular song of this combo.
3. Though best known for romantic songs, his comedy songs like Nee Arinjo Mele Maanathu aayiram Shaappukal Thurakkunnund became popular.
4. Among all music composers, his association with Shyam is most popular, songs of Engane Nee Marakkum, Adhipan, Kuyiline Thedi etc being a few instances.
5. His first 5 songs went unnoticed. He was thinking of taking a break from films, when he was offered Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira. After the song got noticed, he stayed in Mollywood.
6. He has penned lyrics for radio plays for Akashvani (AIR).
Super hit Malayalam film songs penned by Chunakkara Ramankutty
Devadaaru Poothu from Engane Nee Marakkum
- Devadaaru Poothu from Engane Nee Marakkum
- Sarathkaala Sandhya from Engane Nee Marakkum
- Nee Swaramai from Engane Nee Marakkum
- Romeo Juliet from Engane Nee Marakkum
- Shyama Mekhame from Adipan
- Chandamakuriyumaayi from Oru Nokku Kaanan
- Aakashathambili Venam from Iratherunna Manushyar
- Devi Nin Roopam Sisiramasa Kulir Raavil from Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira
- Oru Thira from Oru Thira Pinneyum Thira
- Paathiraa Kaattu Vannu from Mazha Nilavu
- Sindoora Thilakavumaayi from Kuyiline Thedi
- Paathiraa Thaarame from Kuyiline Thedi
- Nee Arinjo Mele Maanathu from Kandu Kandarinju
- Hridayavaniyile Gaayikayo from Kottayam Kunjachan
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