Penning songs with grace and elan

The songs of period drama Kayamkulam Kochunni are still playing on the lips of Malayalis — especially the romantic number Kalariyadavum Chuvadinazhakum.

Lyricist Shobin Poypadathu is on cloud nine. Shobin was thrilled when he got the offer to pen songs for the movie, which portrays the life of the 18th century ‘Robin Hood of Kerala’. Shobin had already written lyrics for a movie, an album and many devotional songs, but working with the much-awaited Rosshan Andrrews movie was definitely a big deal.

“Rosshan Andrrews called me on July 21 last year, asking me to write songs for Kayamkulam Kochunni. I went to his home where he explained the story, its period and the situation. Before working on the lyrics, I made a detailed research on the subject in books and other sources,” says Shobin. Writing songs for a movie set in the 18th century was a challenge, which he loved.

“It was definitely a challenging task, but not difficult. The happiest part of my life is engaging in creativity. I put in my best efforts while writing. I love that pain, which gives me pleasure and satisfaction,” he adds.  

Shobin, Malayalam teacher at SDPY Higher Secondary School, Palluruthy, did his masters in Malayalam literature and he also has an M.Phil degree. M.K. Arjunan master is Shobin’s mentor and inspiration. Shobin has penned 25 songs, most of them devotional numbers composed by Arjunan master. He was also the music director of 101 Chodyangal, Shobin’s first project.

Shobin says he loved working with Rosshan Andrrews. “He knew exactly what he wanted. He had a clear idea about the characters and the situations. He wanted the songs to present them perfectly. About the music, he had an opinon about the songs and the situations. The information he provided helped me a lot in my work,” he says.

Presently, Shobin has completed the lyrics of two songs for the upcoming movie Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam. Mejo Joseph is the music composer of the film. The theme song sung by American singer Grady Long.