Pramadhavanam

Pramadavanam (Malayalam: പ്രമദവനം) is a song composed by music director Raveendran as a part of the soundtrack for the 1990 Malayalam film His Highness Abdullah. This song, composed in Hindustani Raga, Jog is one of the most famous compositions in the raga in South India which had the lyrics penned by Kaithapram. This song was picturised on Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu and Gauthami in the film.

Style

Pramadavanam is composed using the Hindustani raga Jog. Raveendran has given the song a South Indian touch by using Mridangam, Venu and Violin. Song's vocal range spans on two Octaves. The song is rich in its orchestral arrangement with the use of Strings, Venu, Mridangam, Tabla, Sitar, Bass Guitar, Violin.

There is something really unique about this song. It is that no one, yes, no other singer has come close to the fullness of the Yesudas rendition of the song. Technically it is a very complex song to sing. Many good singers have accomplished technical correctness. But the Yesudas signatorial subtilities, "bhavas" and richness is Godly. I hear many youngsters sing this song in competitions. I think it is a huge mistake. Peraps they will get the notes and timing correct. But keep in mind, every one remembers every notes and touches of the Yesudas version. No matter how a singer will try, your rendition WILL be compared to the Yesudas version and it is a losing proposition.

This song falls into new category (in my mind) that is different from the Vayalr/Devarajan/Salil Choudhry melodies of the 70s. Yesudas' voice now has a higher level matureness and gravity. So, is the cousin song from the same movie - Hari Murleeravam. I call it the 60+ year old voice of Das delivered with true from the heart emotion. Some of you may have heard older songs such as "Parijatham," "Alliyamabal," or "Manikya Veena" that Das did in the last 15-20 years, which are lot more emotional and sensual. Yes, I am talking about Yesudas 3.0! (Edited by Nadakal from NJ)

Lyrics

An example of the lyrics of the song is given below.

Music sample
"Pramadhavanam"

Lyrics	English Lyrics	Translation
പ്രമദവനം വീണ്ടും ഋതുരാഗം ചൂടി [2] ശുഭസായാഹ്നം പോലെ [2] തെളിദീപം കളിനിഴലിൻ കൈക്കുമ്പിൾ നിറയുമ്പോൾ എൻ.....പ്രമദവനം വീണ്ടും ഋതുരാഗം ചൂടി	Pramadavanam veendum rithuraagam choodi [2] Shubha sayahnam pole [2] Thelideepam kalinizhalin kaikumbil nirayumbol En.....Pramadavanam veendum rithuraagam choodi	The woods again aflame with colours of spring, As an auspicious evening. A flame amidst the growing shadows was filled, The woods again aflame with colours of spring.
[എതേതോ കഥയിൽ സരയുവിലൊരു ചുടുമിഴിനീർക്കണമായ്‌ ഞാൻ] [2] കവിയുടെ ഗാനരസാമൃത ലഹരിയിലൊരു നവകനകകിരീടമിതണിയുമ്പോൾ.....ഇന്നിതാ...... [പ്രമദവനം വീണ്ടും...]	[Ethethetho kadhayil Sarayuviloru chudumizhineerkanamaay njan] [2] Kaviyude gaanarasaamrutha lahariyiloru Nava kanaka kireedamithaniyumbol..... Innitha....[Pramadavanam veendum...]	In some other story, I was lost, like a teardrop in Sarayu. In a heady flow of poet's song, Today, I am crowned with a new golden crown.
[എതേതോ കഥയിൽ യമുനയിലൊരു വനമലാരായ്‌ ഒഴുകിയ ഞാൻ] [2] യദുകുല മധുരിമ തഴുകിയ മുരളിയിൽ ഒരു യുഗ സംക്രമ ഗീതയുണർത്തുമ്പോൾ..ഇന്നിതാ..[പ്രമദവനം വീണ്ടും...]	[Ethethetho kadhayil Yamunayiloru vanamalaraay ozhukiya njan] [2] Yadukula madhurima thazhukiya muraliyil Oru yuga sankrama geethayunarthumbol..... Innitha....[Pramadavanam veendum...]	In yet another story, I, Flowed Amidst the Yamuna like a mirage of the forest. In a flute of sweet music, Today, On raising a celestial melodious song.

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References

^ http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/s.php?5494