“AK and Abru Manoj, this one’s for you…”
Some songs can be recognized from just the first line. Some songs, from just the first chord. Some, even the first drumroll. But how often do you recognize a song before the song has even begun?
Every Malayali out there will recognize the iconic “Puttu Paattu” from this line, a dedication, even before the actual song begins. With just this one song, Thakara went from being an ordinary indie band, to a name recognizable by every musician, household and child that has ever eaten a plate of puttu!
While the re-arranged version of ‘Puttu Paattu’ went viral on Music Mojo in 2016, the band first entered the indie music scene more than a decade ago. With the OG ‘Puttu Paattu’ and ‘Podi Penne’ making tides since 2012, the band is responsible for music projects that leave more than just an impression on their audience. Performing mostly in a 5 piece arrangement, Thakara has created indie originals, film music and has collaborated with other brilliant musicians in town on multiple projects. And with ‘Puttu Paattu’ going viral on Music Mojo, Thakara’s fandom expanded exponentially, and the only other thing that gained more traction than the band itself, was the voice of their iconic lead singer, James Thakara.
James Thakara, frontman, founder and lead singer of the band, is single-handedly responsible for the popularity of the song. His uniquely unrefined voice somehow ties the song together and pierces its way into your ears for a delight like none other. Much like the coconut added to the puttu, James Thakara’s voice adds to the song a pleasantly rough texture, and a sweet aftertaste. And the best part? You can find his magic in every song of the band, leaving you craving for more.
Most of Thakara’s discography revolves around life’s simple motto – ‘live, and let live’. And if that wasn’t evident enough, their song ‘GVQ’, a cheeky transliteration of the Malayalam word ‘Jeevikku’ (meaning ‘live’), is all about the idea of harmonious coexistence; to live life to the fullest, non-rivalrous and non-violent. Thakara has a knack for getting into your head with the catchiest loop, and leaving you with a little food for thought. Speaking of food, what better example than ‘Puttu Paattu’. The idea that all the wealth and glory you amass in your lifetime is worth nothing without goodness in your heart – all wrapped up in a track that will have you singing it all day. A reminder to live content with what you have, expressed through something as simple as puttu; if that’s not magic with music, then we don’t know what is.
Track after track, Thakara expresses the unheard cries of society’s stratas that we often choose to forget. Take for example, ‘Pravasi’ (meaning ‘Expatriate’), a song that will resonate with almost every ‘Gulf-kaaran’ family in Kerala. ‘Pravasi’ is the lamentation of every husband, father and son that chose a lonely life in a foreign country, where every bead of sweat meant every penny to their family back home.
If that doesn’t touch you, may we suggest ‘Ammachi’, a track that is sure to tug at more than just a few heartstrings. ‘Ammachi’ talks about the abandoned mothers, the ones who gave their all to their children, and the children who left with it all. The song ends with a beautiful apology from the children, who are now older and in turn abandoned by their kids, asking God to pardon them for the sins of their youth. A simple, but very grounded reminder of the circle of life, that invokes a feeling of despair, nostalgic joy, guilt, and repentance – all packed into a song that you will come back to, over and over again.
Moving onto the more lighthearted tracks, ‘Pavanai Pattu’ was the fun escape you needed during the difficult times of the lockdown. The song took a playful swing at the COVID-19 virus, portraying it as a naughty villain but as with all Thakara songs, there has to be a message in it. And this time, the song touched on the frontline workers of the healthcare industry that put their lives on the line during these difficult times and how their welfare needs to be expressed in actions, not words. For the young and the young at heart who can’t stop reminiscing the good old school days, check out ‘The Back Bencher Returns’. V3K and Thakara have come up with this fun little track that will have you humming it all day. The song is what every ‘back bencher’ wants to tell the world: everyone’s got their own story to tell, so until then, ‘please bear with us?’
One of their lesser-known tracks, and one of their more gripping, political tracks, in our opinion, is Korans Anthem. Derived from a famous proverb in Malayalam that talks about how the poor shall always remain poor, Korans Anthem is a plea of cry. A plea from those left marginalized and betrayed under false promises of political scams. A lyric from the song translates to “You’ve stolen our land, our water, our dignity, and have you not had enough?” What makes this song stand out is left for the end though, in a very creatively subtle nod to the disappointing political circus of today – pure songwriting brilliance is the only way to describe it without spoiling it for you, so we’ll leave that for you to check out.
If you’ve attended Thakara’s live concerts, then you’ve surely headbanged to this rock number of theirs called ‘Paadilla’. Pay closer attention and you’ll realize that ‘Paadilla’ doesn’t just raise the roof, it’s asking you to raise your voice as well. Naming every single social and political action from the past years that has curtailed our freedom to express, enjoy and entertain, ‘Paadilla’ is a sharp statement that rocks the system to the core and ends with a message to its listeners – to be mindful, aware and to exercise caution and wisdom towards political promises. Don’t just be ‘Vocal for Local’, be a ‘Vocal Local’ (if you know, you know).
Going through a breakup? May we suggest ‘Maayum Mumbae’, the latest single that the band has dropped. In collaboration with V3K, the band released this breakup song on the same day their first breakup song came out, 12 years ago. Yes, the classic ‘Podi Penne’. ‘Podi Penne’ was more of a heartbroken lover’s anguish, swearing the worst upon a girl that left him in pieces. 12 years later, a breakup isn’t about the superficial reactions, it’s about the memories, it’s about the emotions and that’s what ‘Maayum Mumbae’is all about – a musical journey that takes you through emotions unexplainable.
Through thick and thin, Thakara has stayed true to its passion, to putting out tracks that make a difference. To create a reputation in a dynamic and volatile industry, at a time when it was difficult to prove your worth, Thakara moved mountains and crossed valleys that musicians today would never understand. When asked about the band and their journey, James Thakara has only one thing to say: ‘The right people, at the right time, at the right place, makes magic’. And to this day, Thakara still makes magic in every track they put out, with their lineup of some incredibly talented artists. With the band’s godfather James Thakara himself as the lead vocalist, Bevan Correya takes on the guitar, John Shibin as the bassist, Ritwick Wilfy Baveria on the drums, Cisco Disco on the synth, and the one and only Abru Manoj as the lyricist, creating magic through every word he pens.
In a world of political correctness, exaggerated sensitivity, and dying freedom of speech, Thakara has found the perfect formula to convey their messages without risking offense. Unapologetic, unabashed and untamed, as music must be. Thakara’s music is an expression of every realm in our society, in its most raw, realistic, stripped version, while still ensuring that their music does what it’s meant to do – entertain the ears, touch the hearts, and leave you lost in thoughts.
And are they done yet? Nowhere close. The band has an EP coming up with four songs, and another three singles almost done and dusted,so don’t forget to keep an eye on their spaces for the latest updates. No doubt that these will leave us in awe and inspiration, just as they always have – In Thakara, We Trust.