Monsoon magic: No rain, just songs

Mazhai, as they call it in Tamil, is a constant force in Kollywood; whether it is used to depict romance, tragedy, pathos, drama, or pure fun. Here are some of our favourite rain-soaked songs from Tamil cinema.

Andhi Mazhai Megam, Nayagan:

You're overjoyed to see the rain, and what better way to express your joy than a little gig in the rain? There's something liberating about rain, and this Kamal Haasan song, set tunes by Ilaiyaraaja, almost proves it.

Venmegam Mutta, Guru:

If there was one background score that came with rain, it would be this iconic song.

Andhi Mazhai Pozhigiradhu, Rajapaarvai:

The perfect combination of SP Balasubrahmanyam and S Janaki's soulful voices reflects the many moods of Kamal Haasan and Madhavi in the Singeetam Srinivasa Rao directorial.

Oho Megham Vandhadho, Mouna Raagam:

Rains play a crucial role in Mani Ratnam's films. This one introduces us to Revathy's character, Divya, someone who sings and dances in the rain. It's fantastic how rain is used to represent mood shifts or tonality shifts in the screenplay.

Vaan Megham, Punnagai Mannan:

This song captures the magic of the monsoon best, be it the sound, the mood, or the setting… The most striking thing about this one, perhaps, is how cinematographer Raghunatha Reddy depicts those overcast skies. Vaan Megham is a treat to ears, especially to those who find joy and inspiration in the sight, sounds, and energy of the rain.

Mazhaiye Mazhaiye, Eeram:

It has the perfect feeling of an overcast. You hear it and want to look out of a window, staring into nothing.

Suttum Vizhi, Kandukondein Kandukodein:

There’s unrequited romance in the song. The raw power of the track as well as the vocals depict the magic of the first downpour on people and moods alike.

Chotta Chotta, Taj Mahal:

No rain list is complete without Manoj Bharathiraja dancing his heart out to his lady love. When rain falls on parched land, there is something spiritual about it, and the experience is beyond words.

Mazhai Vara Poguthey, Yennai Arindhaal:

The rain has been used to capture the longing of the two characters who realise their love for each other.

Unnai Kandane, Parijatham:

The sharpness, the warmth, and the vibrancy that the rain gives brilliantly get reflected in the frames.

Adada Mazhada, Paiyya:

When it’s drizzling, this one merges perfectly with the sound of falling rain and goes well with a cup of coffee and hot pakoras.