Top 25 Malayalam film duets of K. S. Chithra with different male playback singers

Earlier I have added top 100 Malayalam songs of Chithra, her best 50 solos, her best 25 duets with Yesudas etc. Here I would like to list 25 of the best Malayalam film duets of K. S. Chithra with different male playback singers. She recorded some of her finest duets with Yesudas and M. G. Sreekumar in the 1980s and 1990s, while she recorded her career best duets with P. Jayachandran in the 2000s. It’s possible to list 50 of the best romantic duets of Chithra. Yet I would like you make my list short, and hence filtered 25 of the best Chithra duets. I have sorted songs in ascending order based on year of release. And my list of songs goes like this.

1. Ponveene Ennullil from Thalavattam (1986) – Lyricist: Poovachal Khader , Music Composer:  Reghu Kumar, Co: Singer: M. G. Sreekumar

During my early childhood Thalavattam was my most favourite film, and Ponveene, my favourite film. I got easily attached with the deep emotions associated with the movie as well as this particular song. So let us begin with this evergreen romantic track. The song had two versions, a happy duet where Lissy appears as a performer aside Mohanlal, and a solo version towards the climax when Karthika recites the song for Mohanlal.

2. Thirunellikkadu Poothu from Dhinarathrangal (1988) – Lyricist: Shibu Chakravarthy, Music Composer: Ouseppachan, Co: Singer: M. G. Sreekumar

The song was filmed at night on Mukesh and Parvathy, and was noted for unique filming on an ‘Erumadam’. Its tune pattern composed by Ouseppachan is also unique.

3. Mandaara Cheppundo from Dasharatham (1989) – Lyricist: Poovachal Khader, Music Composer: Johnson, Co: Singer: M. G. Sreekumar

Dasaratham was one of the early Indian movies based on the theme of surrogacy and artificial insemination, that too long back in the late 1980s. I think it’s the first Indian movie based on the theme of artificial insemination (correct me if I am wrong). Hats off the director Sibi Malayil for handling such a delicate subject way back in the 1980s, when surrogacy and artificial insemination were not too familiar terms to Indian society and social life! This song was filmed on Mohanlal, Rekha, Murali and Sukumari, who played pivot roles in the film.

4. Akashadeepam Ennum Unarum from Kshanakathu  (1990) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Sharreth, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

This extremely popular romantic song was filmed on less-known actors, Niyaz Musaliyar and Parvathy. Though the movie was not a major hit, its romantic songs became immensely popular.

5. Gopika Vasantham from His Highness Abdullah (1990) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Raveendran , Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

This evergreen romantic track was filmed on Mohanlal and Gauthami. All the songs based on Carnatic ragas became extremely popular, and this particular song was based on Shanmukhapriya raga. In fact Mohanlal did many movies in the 1990s, which gave preference to Carnatic music. The album included 6 tracks, and Gopika Vasantham is the single Chithra track.

6. Paathira Mazhayetho from Ulladakkam (1991) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Ouseppachan, Co:Singer: M. G. Sreekumar

It perfectly fits into the playlist of favourite songs of every Malayali. That’s the beauty of this soulful melody, which easily connects with Malayali audiences. Artists like Amala, Mohanlal, Ashokan and Sukumari appears in the song.

7. Kanaka Nilave from Kauravar (1992) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: S. P. Venkatesh, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

The song was a huge chartbuster when it got released. It starred Mammootty and Anju, who played a wedded couple with short span of being together. The movie also included a hit solo recorded in the voices of both Chithra and Yesudas – “Maari Kuliril“.

8. Ambalappuzhe from Adhwaytham (1992) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: M. G. Radhakrishnan, Co: Singer: M. G. Sreekumar

Music composers of 1990s predominantly used traditional musical instruments such as veena, flute, idaykka, madhalam, flute etc and rarely used western instruments like electric guitar. Needless to say those songs are extremely popular even now, and always give a ‘Kerala’ feel. Ambalappuzhe is one such instance, which also holds a devotional feel. The song was filmed on Jayaram and less known actress Soumya, who faded away from silver screen. Ambalappuzhe is perhaps the most popular song of M. G. Sreekumar, composed by his elder brother.

9. Mounam Swaramaay from Aayushkalam (1992) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Ouseppachan, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

The song had two versions – a solo version in the voice of Yesudas, and a duet version. The duet version was filmed on Jayaram and Maathu, shown as a newly wedded couple. The solo version was featured on Jayaram, Maathu, Mukesh and Kaviyoor Ponnama towards the movie climax.

10. Oru Murai Vanthu from Manichitrathaazhu (1993) – Lyricist: Bichu Thirumala, Vaali, Music Composer: M. G. Radhakrishnan, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

Shobana exhibits her dancing skills throughout this song, and Shridhar, Suresh Gopi and Mohanlal also appear in the song sequence. It was filmed at famous Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thakkalai, and also Hill Palace, Tripunithura. When the movie was remade to Tamil and Hindi, those songs too became extremely popular. Telugu and Bengali lyrics were added to the respective songs for authenticity, while Tamil lyrics were used for its original Malayalam version.

11. Chinkarakinnaram/Thaliraninjoru from Minnaram (1994) – Lyricist: Gireesh Puthenchery, Music Composer: S. P. Venkatesh, Co: Singer: M. G. Sreekumar

The movie with an anti-climax was a huge hit, and so are its songs. Almost all songs of the movie were filmed on Mohanlal and Shobana. Chinkarakinnaram and Thaliraninjoru look like two versions of the same song.

12. Enthinu Veroru Sooryodayam from Mazhayettum Mumpe (1995) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Raveendran, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

One of the finest and extremely popular duets of Yesudas and Chithra, the song was filmed on Mammooty and Shobana, who makes a perfect couple on screen. Shobana played a paralyzed girl in the movie. Annie who played a college girl completed the love triangle.

13. Sisirakala from Devaragam (1996) – Lyricist: M. D. Rajendran, Music Composer: M. M. Keeravani, Co: singer: Jayachandran

It was one of the early duets of P. Jayachandran with Chithra after his glorious comeback in the second half of 1990s. After that he recorded a series of hit duets with Chithra and worked with many famous music composers. “Sisirakaala Meghamidhuna” is the most popular track of the album, filmed on Arvind Swami and Sridevi. Though they have a good age gap of 7 years, it doesn’t show on the screen. M. M. Kreem’s compositions, Chithra’s sweet voice and amazing screen chemistry of both played a great part. The movie also included yet another popular duet of Chithra – Ya Ya Ya, recorded aside P. Unnikrishnan.

14. Kaathirippo from Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997) – Lyricist: Gireesh Puthenchery, Music Composer:  Vidyasagar, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

The song filmed on Manju Warrier and Jayaram is all about waiting and deep patience behind it. The movie included some of the finest solos of both the playback singers.

15. Kannadi Koodum Kooti from Pranaya Varnangal (1998) – Lyricist: Gireesh Puthenchery, Music Composer:  Vidyasagar, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

As the title of the film suggests, the movie is all about colours of love and youth, and this musical campus film and its songs were huge chartbusters. This song is widely regarded as one of the finest songs filmed on Manju Warrier who exhibits her dancing skills, and the song was filmed as a dream sequence with Manju and Suresh Gopi as romantic couple. Manju also plays a double role in this particular song.

16. Oru Raatri Koodi from Summer In Bethlehem (1998) – Lyricist: Gireesh Puthenchery, Music Composer: Vidya Sagar, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

Gireesh Puthenchery’s lyrics lift the song to a new level, and the song was filmed on Manju Warrier and Suresh Gopi. I often feel that hidden silence behind this song adds extra beauty to this song.

17. Mayilayi Parannuvaa from Mayilpeelikkavu (1998) – Lyricist: S. Ramesan Nair, Music Composer: Berny Ignatius, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

This romantic song was filmed on Jomol and Kunchakko Boban. I often feel that intro of chartbuster Vidya Sagar song, Karimizhi Kuruviye was inspired from the intro of this song.

18. Sivadham from Mazhavillu  (1999) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Mohan Sitara, Co: Singer:  K. J. Yesudas

This Carnatic song was filmed on Vineeth, Kunchakko Boban and Preeti Jhangiani, and still very popular. In fact all songs of the movie got noticed, though the movie flopped. There are 7 tracks in the album of which 4 are duets of Yesudas and Chithra. The album also included the soft and melodious romantic track of Yesudas, Raavin Nilakkayal, with the beginning lines rendered by Chithra.

19. Ente Thenkaasi from Thenkasipattanam (2000) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Suresh Peters, Co: Singer: Suresh Peters, M. G. Sreekumar

I am not sure if this particular track can be tagged as a perfect duet. Yet I chose this song, as it belongs to my personal collection of Chithra favourites. Chithra renders her voice for Samyukta Varma in this song filmed in a comic mood. Suresh Peters renders his voice for Dileep, while M. G. Sreekumar sings for Suresh Gopi towards the end of the song. Suresh Peters also recorded a solo version of this song in Chithra’s voice. The tune was reused for its Tamil remake, and Chithra rendered her voice once again.

20. Kodamanjin Thaazhvarayil from Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal (2000) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, Music Composer: Ilaiyaraaja, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

The song was filmed on the splendid beauty of the hill station of Ooty, and the mist added an extra beauty to the song. The romantic track was filmed on Jayaram and Lakshmi Gopalaswamy. Ilaiyaraaja recorded three versions of this song – a duet of K. J. Yesudas and Chithra and their solo versions. Among all, duet version became extremely popular.

21. Ponnushassennum from Meghamalhar (2001) – Lyricist: O. N. V. Kurup , Music Composer: Ramesh Narayan, Co: Singer: P. Jayachandran

Meghamalhar is a highly acclaimed film with a few soft and melodious songs with nostalgic feel. The song filmed on real-life couple Biju Menon and Samyukta Varma brings back the reminiscences of lost childhood love.

22. Ariyathe Ariyathe from Ravana Prabhu (2001) – Lyricist: Gireesh Puthenchery, Music Composer: Suresh Peters, Co:Singer: P. Jayachandran

The song filmed on Mohanlal and Vasundhara Das was an instant chartbuster, and was one of the top hits of year. The blockbuster movie marked the screen debut of Vasundhara Das in Malayalam films.

23. Kaanumbol Parayamo from Ishtam (2001) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Mohan Sitara, Co: Singer: K. J. Yesudas

This very popular romantic track was filmed on Navya Nair, Nedumudi Venu, Jayasudha and Dileep. Navya Nair and Dileep lip-syncs to the voices of Chithra and Yesudas, while the rest two are listening.

24. Nee Manimukilaadakal from Vellithira (2003) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: Alphonse Joseph, Co: Singer: P. Jayachandran

This soft romantic song was filmed on Navya Nair and Prithviraj. Though the movie was a flop, this romantic track still holds a good fan base.

25. Chenthar Mizhi from Perumazhakkalam (2004) – Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran, Music Composer: M Jayachandran, Co: Singer: Madhu Balakrishnan

The song was filmed on Kavya Madhavan and Vineeth, who played a guest role in the movie as Kavya’s deceased husband. Perumazhakkalam was a milestone work of composer’s career too. Later the duo worked together in a few more movies including 2006 hit film, Vadakkumnathan, which featured the popular song, Kalabham Tharaam featured on both. As the solo version of Chithra is known most, comparing with its duet version, I excluded it from this particular list.