Monsoon magic: Evano Oruvan, the musical glue that binds Shakthi and Karthik together in Alaipayuthey

It's the era before the smartphones. A storm seems to be gradually approaching a medical relief camp at rain-washed Cannanore in Kerala. Shakthi (Shalini), a Madras Medical College student is busy attending to her patients. Meanwhile, a bus comes to a halt atop a bridge, far away from the camp, and disembarks Karthik (Madhavan). A pall of gloom, anguish and longing seems to have suddenly descended into the air. The tremulous strain of Swarnalatha's voice buzzes in the air with the lines that go- Evano Oruvan Vaasikkiran Iruttu Irunthu Naan Yaasikkiren...

It's been more than two decades since Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey (2000) hit screens, but the magic of one of the most iconic romantic films of Tamil cinema does not seem to have diminished one bit. Unlike many earlier films in the genre until then, which would culminate in marriage of a young couple, Alaipayuthey delves into the dynamics of the couple post their wedding.

Shakthi and Karthik, who had had a chance encounter at a friend's wedding, seem to have forgotten all about each other until their eyes meet again, this time around in a moving suburban train as the song Yaaro Yaarodi (which was featured during their first meeting) hums in the background. "How can you fall in love just by seeing someone," argues Shakthi with her sister at home that night. 

Karthik, on the other hand, has already decided that he can pin her down among Chennai's seven million population, even as his friend declares that it's not love, but lust. After a series of calculations, Karthik zeroes in on the number 70! "Is it possible to find her among 70 people?" he asks and his friends nod in agreement. He is at the railway station the next morning looking for her. They soon meet and love blossoms. But after a meeting between their parents goes sour, where they oppose the match, Karthik and Shakthi decide to part ways 

Evano Oruvan is set after the breakup of Shakthi and Karthik. With lyrics penned by Vairamuthu and music composed by AR Rahman, the song appears at a crucial juncture of the film, when they realise their love for each other and at the end of which, they decide to get married. The song, which is sung from Shakthi's point of view, delves into her true feelings for Karthik. 

Evano Oruvan Vaasikkiran Iruttu Irunthu Naan Yaasikkiren

Thavam Pol Irundhu Yosikkiren Adhai Thavanai Muraiyil Nesikkiren

(Someone's playing music and I am enjoying it in the darkness

I am in a state of trance with my thoughts and I am loving it in parts...)

As the song progresses, we see Shakthi grappling through her myriad emotions. She becomes absentminded from time to time at work and her thoughts turn as restless as the sea, which has been brilliantly captured by PC Sreeram and beautifully edited by Sreekar Prasad. While Pachai Nirame is a riot of colours, Evano Oruvan is devoid of any, just like the thoughts of Shakthi. The stormy and drizzly weather in the backdrop complements the emotions running through her.

Karthik, in the meantime, is frantically looking for Shakthi, hopping from one bus to another. His anguish is palpable when he screams Shakthi's name at the top of his voice looking at the vast expanse of the stormy sea. But, not the one to give up, Karthik continues his search and Shakthi, too, hopes that she reunites with him. 

The much-awaited meeting happens towards the end of the song. As the song gradually fades away into the background, it suddenly seems to give away a sense of relief, hope and a happy ending. Karthik, who had been furiously running looking for Shakthi, now walks up to her slowly, like a calm after the storm. The strains of the flute, too, goes away. Shakthi, who lets out all the pent-up feeling, immediately gets to the point, "Why did you take so long to come for me?" Karthik, too, confesses his feelings for her that he cannot live without her. They decide to get married.