For a generation of Tamil cinema fans who began humming “Minnum Pani Chaaral Un Nenjil Sernthalae, Kannil Unnai Vaithu Pen Thaithu Kondalae” before knowing what love was, for the fans who instantly hit play on “Vaseegara” on a cloudy evening and for the dreamers who aspire to meet their Rajesh or Reena Joseph in the rain with “Poopol Poopol” playing, Ondra Renda: 25 Years of GVM wasn’t just another concert; it was a homecoming of memory.
Taking KL on a nostalgia trip, Ondra Renda: 25 Years of GVM was held last Saturday at The Arch Galeries, drawing more than 4,000 people. The concert that took its title from the song “Ondra Renda” from the 2003 film Kaakha Kaaka, took the audience down memory lane, reminiscing the filmmakers’ journey that was set off with the iconic Minnale in 2001.
Helmed by MyEvents International in partnership with Radaan Mediaworks, the show witnessed not just a regular concert but an evening of music, memories and the passion that GVM exudes for his craft. Actor-producer Radika Sarathkumar did the honours of opening the show, delivering a short speech on nostalgia that hits without warning.
Centring GVM at the heart of the evening, ‘Ondra Renda’ commenced by taking us back all the way to the beginning— the screens lit up with the iconic rain scene from Minnale that put GVM on the map as the singers went “Poopol Poopol, En Nenjai Koidhaval”; the night had officially begun.
A stellar lineup of playback singers had come together to deliver the magical experience that the show was. Saindhavi, Sathya Prakash and Haripriya delivered remarkably, and while Krish took audiences back to 2006 with “Manjal Veyil”, Karthik proved his range by performing electrifying numbers like “Thooriga” and “Mazhai Vara Poguthey” and soul-stirring tracks like “Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya” and “Mannipaya”.
Though Shruti Haasan only made a brief appearance, her execution of Adiye Kolluthey easily stands out as one of the highlights of the night. Paal Dabba’s solo performance also set the stage on fire, bringing such fierce energy with “His Name is John” from the much-anticipated Dhruva Natchathiram. Blaaze’s special appearance for Hossana also hit all the right notes among the audience.
One of the unforgettable highlights of Ondra Renda was the instances when the man himself took the microphone, indulging in nostalgia by sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes with the artists he has collaborated with along his journey, while also singing songs as a tribute to some of his influences, including legendary composer Ilayaraja, filmmaker Mani Ratnam, as well as his own parents. “Na summa dhrishti kaaga paadunen,” he says as he welcomed singer Karthik on stage. GVM even acknowledged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent viral moment that took place at the BRICS Summit in India, in which he sang a rendition of “Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat”.
Having witnessed GVM’s film journey of all these years, it is undeniable that music is an integral part of his craft. Even 25 years later, every time one remembers a scene from his movies, it isn’t just the visuals or the character that we think about; the albums have their own way of seeping into our memories. Just as much as music plays such a significant part in his film career, as Tamil cinema enthusiasts, one could argue that his music has also left its impact on our lives. Indisputably, there is a GVM song for every emotion you experience in life. Almost two decades later, in the event of a breakup, one still seeks solace in ‘Ava Enna’. From Minnale, ‘Verenna Verenna Vendum’ also remains as relevant as ever when you’re in a ‘talking-stage’. ‘Rasaali’ is an unskippable track on a road trip. When you’re dolling up to go somewhere, you can’t click forward on ‘Oru Ooril’, can you?
As the night was approaching an end, Krish and Karthik set the stage ablaze with ‘Karu Karu Vizhigalal ’, and the penultimate performance was “Ava Enna” from Vaaranam Aayiram, where GVM and Karthik got The Arch Galeries bumping and singing along to Suriya and Meghna dancing on the screens.
GVM then concluded Ondra Renda, reflecting upon the eternal place of art in people’s lives and sharing that one of his most special contributions to the arts is the two beautiful lines that come in “Nenjukkul Peidhidum” that any Tamil cinema fan would know by heart, “Ennodu Va Veedu Varaikkum, En Veetai Paar, Ennai Pidikkum”— the guitar strings start strumming, and the song starts. The night ended with the crowd swaying to the most-awaited song.
“Medicine, engineering, all that is important for the human race. But poetry, art, music – this is what we live for. And I truly believe that music and lyrics can change the world.” – GVM
