M. S. Viswanathan – Full Biography, Year-wise Movie List, and Awards
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Manayangath Subramanian Viswanathan
- Born: June 24, 1928, Palakkad, Kerala, India
- Died: July 14, 2015, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (aged 87)
- Occupation: Music Composer, Playback Singer, Actor
- Years Active: 1952 – 2015
M. S. Viswanathan, popularly known as MSV, was a legendary Indian music composer who revolutionized Tamil, Malayalam, and South Indian cinema with his unique melodies. He was part of the famous “Mellisai Mannar” (King of Light Music) duo with T. K. Ramamoorthy, before becoming a solo composer. His compositions blended Carnatic music, folk tunes, and Western influences, creating some of the most iconic film songs in Indian history.
Music Career
Debut & Early Works (1950s-1960s)
- 1952 – Panam (First film with T. R. Papa)
- 1953 – Ratha Kanneer
- 1957 – Maheswari (First collaboration with T. K. Ramamoorthy)
- 1961 – Paava Mannippu – A milestone in Tamil cinema
- 1964 – Karnan – Legendary historical film
Golden Era & Iconic Hits (1970s-1980s)
- 1970 – Enga Mama
- 1971 – Rickshawkaran – National Award-winning film
- 1973 – Bharatha Vilas
- 1975 – Ninaithadhai Mudippavan
- 1976 – Mogam Muppadhu Varusham
- 1979 – Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (Rajinikanth’s classic)
- 1981 – Thillu Mullu – Rajinikanth’s first comedy
Later Years & Final Works (1990s-2010s)
- 1995 – Aasai (Composed one song)
- 1996 – Kadhal Kottai (Collaboration with Deva)
- 2001 – Kaathale Swasikkum
- 2013 – Thillu Mullu (Remake) – Special Song Contribution
Year-Wise Filmography
1960s – Entry into Malayalam Cinema
- 1964 – Kavyamela (First major Malayalam film)
- 1965 – Odayil Ninnu
- 1966 – Kalithozhi
- 1967 – Jeevitha Samaram
- 1968 – Lakshaprabhu
- 1969 – Virunnukari
1970s – Golden Era in Malayalam Cinema
- 1970 – Kuttavaali
- 1971 – Line Bus
- 1972 – Aromalunni
- 1973 – Ponnapuram Kotta
- 1974 – Chattambi Kalyani
- 1975 – Neela Ponman
- 1976 – Taxi Driver
- 1977 – Thulavarsham
- 1978 – Beedikkunjamma
- 1979 – Avalude Ravukal (Re-recording score)
1980s – Continued Success
- 1980 – Theenalangal
- 1981 – Attimari
- 1982 – Ormakal Marikkumo
- 1983 – Justice Raja
- 1984 – Vikatakavi
- 1985 – Thidambu
- 1986 – Ithu Njangalude Katha
- 1987 – Shruthi
- 1988 – Cheppu
- 1989 – Kaalal Pada
1990s – Occasional Works
- 1990 – Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan
- 1991 – Georgekutty C/O Georgekutty
- 1992 – Sathyavan Savithri
- 1993 – Midhunam (Background Score)
- 1994 – Kudumbakodathi
- 1995 – Sakshyam
2000s & Later Years – Guest Contributions
- 2001 – Rakshasa Rajavu
- 2002 – Phantom (Background Score)
- 2003 – Balettan
Awards and Recognitions
- National Film Award for Best Music Direction – Rickshawkaran (1971)
- Kalaimamani Award (Tamil Nadu Government)
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director – Multiple Wins
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2002)
- Padma Shri (Posthumous Request Made by Fans)
Personal Life & Legacy
- M. S. Viswanathan was one of the most influential composers in Indian cinema.
- His music was known for its melodic richness, orchestration, and variety.
- He mentored several composers, including Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman.
- He passed away on July 14, 2015, but his music remains immortal in Indian cinema.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tujtimT3TH4&pp=ygVAbW9sbHl3b29kIG11c2ljIGRpcmVjdG9yIE0uUy4gVmlzd2FuYXRoYW4gYmlvZ3JhcGh5IGluIG1hbGF5YWxhbQ%3D%3D
