S. P. Venkatesh (also credited as Sangeetharajan; born 5 March 1955) is an Indian music director and composer who primarily works in

Malayalam films Malayalam cinema is an Indian film industry of Malayalam-language motion pictures. It is based in Kochi, Kerala, India. The films produced in Malayalam cinema are known for their cinematography and story-driven plots. In 1982, ''Elippathayam ...

. He was at his prime in the late 80s and 90s, being reputed for his

background score A film score is original music written specifically to accompany a film. The score comprises a number of orchestral, instrumental, or choral pieces called cues, which are timed to begin and end at specific points during the film in order to e ...

s and songs in Malayalam cinema.

Career

Venkatesh's father Pazhani was an accomplished Mandolin player. Earlier in his life, he played guitar, banjo and mandolin, and was an assistant musical director to Shyam and Raveendran during his early days. He was introduced into the Malayalam film industry by

Dennis Joseph Dennis Joseph (20 October 1957 – 10 May 2021) was an Indian scriptwriter and director known for his work in Malayalam films. He was active during the 1980s and early 1990s. He frequently collaborated with directors Joshi and Thambi Kannanthan ...

, with his first break coming in the film ''

Rajavinte Makan ''Rajavinte Makan'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language gangster film directed and produced by Thampi Kannanthanam and written by Dennis Joseph. It stars Mohanlal as crime boss Vincent Gomes, and also features Suresh Gopi, Ratheesh, Ambika ...

'', directed by

Thampi Kannanthanam Thampi Kannanthanam (11 December 1953 – 2 October 2018) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer and actor, who worked in Malayalam cinema. He has directed 16 films. Personal life Thampi was born on 11 December 1953 as the sixth son ...

. The film and the songs in it were big hits, and Venkatesh subsequently became a regular collaborator of Thampi's, resulting in a series of hit musical albums during the 1990s. His most well-known film scores include '' Indrajaalam'', ''

Kilukkam ''Kilukkam'' () is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language musical romantic comedy film directed by Priyadarshan and written by Venu Nagavalli. The story set in Ooty revolves around tourist guide Joji ( Mohanlal) and photographer Nishchal ( Jagathy ...

'', ''

Minnaram ''Minnaram'' () is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Priyadarshan from a story by Cheriyan Kalpakavadi. The film stars Mohanlal, Shobana, and Thilakan, with Sankaradi, K. P. Ummer, Jagathy Sreekumar, ...

'', '' Spadikam'', '' Dhruvam'', ''

Kauravar ''Kauravar'' is a 1992 Indian Malayalam-language gangster action thriller film, directed by Joshiy, written by Lohithadas, starring Mammootty, Vishnuvardhan, Thilakan, Murali, Anju, Babu Antony and Bheeman Raghu. The film was remade in Tel ...

'', '' Johnnie Walker'', ''

Kizhakkan Pathrose ''Kizhakkan Pathrose'' (Malayalam: കിഴക്കൻ പത്രോസ്) is a 1992 Malayalam film, directed by T. S. Suresh Babu, starring Mammootty in the title role. The musical score and songs were composed by S. P. Venkatesh. The fi ...

'', and ''

Hitler Adolf Hitler (; 20 April 188930 April 1945) was an Austrian-born German politician who was dictator of Nazi Germany, Germany from 1933 until Death of Adolf Hitler, his death in 1945. Adolf Hitler's rise to power, He rose to power as the le ...

''. He has also handled the orchestration for many other music directors. He composed background scores for films for which songs were composed by other composers, such as ''

Devasuram ''Devaasuram'' () is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by Ranjith. It stars Mohanlal, Revathi, and Napoleon, with Innocent, V. K. Sreeraman, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Augustine in supporting r ...

'' He has also scored for some Bollywood and Bengali films. In 1993, he won the

Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director The Kerala State Film Award The Kerala State Film Awards are the film awards for a motion picture made in Kerala. The awards started in 1969 by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala and since 1998 the awards have b ...

for his work in '' Paithrukam'' and ''Janam''.

Filmfare Award for Best Music Director The Filmfare Best Music Album Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to the best composer/arranger of a soundtrack. This category was first presented in 1954. Naushad Ali was the fi ...

for his work in '' Paithrukam'' In 1999, he notably recorded nine songs in a single day for the unreleased Tamil film ''Ithu Mudivithillai'' starring

Babu Ganesh Babu Ganesh is an Indian film actor-director, who has worked in Tamil films. In his films, he has often attempted to handle as many aspects related to filmmaking — being credited for story, screenplay, dialogue, lyrics, music, singing, editing ...

and Vichithra.

Style and orchestration

Venkatesh's song compositions feature extensive use of acoustic guitar, bass guitar and violin orchestra, and his background scores feature synth-based orchestra fused with traditional strings. He also used symphonic style strings orchestration in most of his songs.

Filmography

Malayalam films

* spadikam 4k (2022) * '' Aanandha Bhairavi'' (Tamil&Hindi) 2020 Music * '' Velleppam'' (2020) (songs, bgm) * '' Ek Don ki Prem Kahani '' (2020, Music) * '' Thomson Villa'' (2014, music) * ''

Ginger Ginger (''Zingiber officinale'') is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems (false stems made of the rolled bases of ...

'' (2013, music) * '' 9 KK Road'' (2010, music) * '' Koottukar'' (2010, music) * '' Patham Nilayile Theevandi'' (2009, music) * '' Bharya Onnu Makkal Moonnu'' (2009, background) * ''

Detective A detective is an investigator, usually a member of a law enforcement agency. They often collect information to solve crimes by talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical evidence, or searching records in databases. This leads th ...

'' (2007) * ''

Pathaka ''Pathaaka'' is a 2006 Indian Malayalam film, directed by K. Madhu. The film stars Suresh Gopi, Navya Nair, Sai Kumar and Lalu Alex in lead roles. The film had musical score by Tej. Cast *Suresh Gopi as G.T/C.M George Thariyan * Manoj K J ...

'' (2006) (background music) * ''

Kilukkam Kilukilukkam ''Kilukkam Kilukilukkam'' () is a 2006 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed by Sandhya Mohan and written by Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas. It is a sequel to the 1991 film ''Kilukkam''. The film stars a new cast of Kunchacko Bob ...

'' (2006) * ''

Pandippada ''Pandippada'' () is a 2005 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film written and directed by Rafi Mecartin. The film stars Dileep in the lead role while Navya Nair, Prakash Raj, Rajan P. Dev, Harisree Asokan, Salim Kumar, Cochin Haneefa, ...

'' (2005) (background music) * ''

Iruvattam Manavaatti ''Iruvattam Manavaatti'' is a Malayalam language political romantic film. It was released on 4 February 2005. Kunchacko Boban played veterinary doctor Goutham's role in this movie.https://www.webindia123.com/movie/regional/iruvattam/index.htm ...

'' (2005) (background music) * ''

Junior Senior Junior Senior were a Danish pop duo. The duo consisted of Jesper "Junior" Mortensen (vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, drums, percussion) (born 7 February 1977) and Jeppe "Senior" Laursen (vocals, programming) (born 25 December 1975). ...

'' (2005) (background music) * ''Mambazhakalam'' (2004) (Background music) * ''

Runway According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft". Runways may be a man-made surface (often asphalt, concrete ...

'' (2004) (background music) * '' Vajram'' (2004) (background music) * '' Agninakshathram'' (2004) (background music) * ''

Maratha Nadu The Marathi people (Marathi: मराठी लोक) or Marathis are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group who are indigenous to Maharashtra in western India. They natively speak Marathi, an Indo-Aryan language. Maharashtra was formed as a M ...

'' (2004) (background music) * hungama(hindi)2003 bgm * ''

Jagathi Jagathish in Town ''Jagathy Jagadeesh in Town'' is a 2002 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Nissar, starring Jagathy Sreekumar and Jagadish in the lead role, both of them playing dual roles. The comedy flick revolves around pairs of twin brothers born to the s ...

'' (2002) * ''

Videsi Nair Swadesi Nair ''Videshi Nair Swadeshi Nair'' is a Malayalam film directed by Paulson. Jagadish plays the lead role in the film. Plot Vindhyan is an unemployed village person who lives in the childhood memories of his cousin and lover Neelima, who is settled i ...

'' (2002) * ''Level Cross'' (2001) * ''

Kakkakuyil ''Kakkakuyil'' () is a 2001 Indian Malayalam-language heist comedy-drama film written and directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Lissy. It stars Mohanlal and Mukesh. The film features songs composed by Deepan Chatterji and background score ...

'' (background music) (2001) * ''

Dubai Dubai (, ; ar, wikt:دبي, دبي, translit=Dubayy, , ) is the List of cities in the United Arab Emirates#Major cities, most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated of the 7 ...

'' (2001) (background music) * ''

Aayiram Meni ''Aayiram Meni'' is a 1999 Indian Malayalam film, directed by I. V. Sasi, starring Manoj K. Jayan and Urvashi in the lead roles. Cast * Manoj K. Jayan as Babuttan * Divya Unni as Mallika * Urvashi as Alice * Lalu Alex as Varkey * Jagadish ...

'' (1999) * '' Vazhunnor'' (1999) (background music) * '' Alibabayum Arara Kallanmarum'' (1998) (background music) * '' Amma Ammayiamma'' (1998) (background music) * ''Mayajalam'' (1998) * '' Oro Viliyum Kathorthu'' (1998) * '' Bhoopathi'' (1997, music) * '' Maasmaram'' (1997, music) * '' Virasat'' (Hindi/1997)(background music) * ''Ekkareyanente Manasam'' (1997) * ''

Hitler Brothers ''Hitler Brothers'' is a 1997 Indian Malayalam-language action film directed by Sandhya Mohan and produced by E. Unni Krishnan. The film stars Prem Kumar, Jagathy Sreekumar, Mala Aravindan and A. C. Zainuddin in the lead roles. The film has mu ...

'' (1997, music) * ''

Lelam ''Lelam'' (Malayalam: ''ലേലം'', en, The Auction) is a 1997 Indian Malayalam-language action drama directed by Joshiy and written by Renji Panicker. It stars Suresh Gopi and M. G. Soman with Siddique, N. F. Varghese, Nandini, Maniya ...

'' (1997) (background music) * '' Nagarapuranam'' (1997) * ''

Superman Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book '' Action Comics'' #1 ( cover-dated June 1938 and pu ...

'' (1997, music) * ''Swarnakireedam'' (1996, music) * '' Kaathil Oru Kinnaram'' (1996) * '' Swapna Lokathe Balabhaskaran'' (1996, music) * ''

Aadyathe Kanmani ''Aadyathe Kanmani'' () is a 1995 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film directed by Rajasenan. Plot Balachandran Unnithan (Jayaram) is a singer who falls in love with Ambika( Sudha Rani), a singer from his own troupe and they both get ma ...

'' (1995) (Also for the Kannada remake: ''

Muddina Kanmani ''Muddina Kanmani'' is a 1997 Indian Kannada-language drama film, directed and produced by Ravi Kottarakara The film stars Shiva Rajkumar, Sai Kumar, Shilpa and Maathu. The film was a remake of director Rajasenan's Malayalam film '' Aadyathe ...

'' (1997)) * ''

Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava ''Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava'' () is a 1995 Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama film directed by Rajasenan and written by Rafi Mecartin. It stars Jayaram, Narendra Prasad, Rajan P. Dev, Kasturi and Sangita. The movie was remade in Telugu as '' ...

'' (1995, music) * '' Avittam Thirunaal Aarogya Sriman'' (1995) * ''

Kalamasseriyil Kalyanayogam ''Kalamasseriyil Kalyanayogam'' is a 1995 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Balu Kiriyath, starring Mukesh and Charmila in the lead roles. Cast * Mukesh as Balachandran * Charmila as Ashwathy Nair * Premkumar as Prakashan * Narendra Prasad a ...

'' (1995) (background music) * ''Kidilol Kidilam'' (1995, music) * ''

Kusruthikaatu ''Kusruthikaatu'' is a 1995 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Suresh Vinu and produced by Mani C. Kappan. The film stars Jayaram, Kanaka, Jagathy Sreekumar, Oduvil Unnikrishnan and Chippy in lead roles. The musical score of the film was comp ...

'' (1995) (background music) * ‘’ chandralekha’’ (1997) * '' Manthrikam'' (1995) * '' Puthukkottayile Puthumanavalan'' (1995, music) * ''

Sphadikam ''Spadikam'' () is a 1995 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film written and directed by Bhadran and produced by R. Mohan through Shogun Films. Dialogues were written by Rajendra Babu. The film stars Mohanlal and Thilakan with Urvashi, Sp ...

'' (1995) * '' Mannar Mathai Speaking'' (1995/music) * ''Highway'' (1995/music) * ''Vishnu'' (1994) (background music) * ''Bheesmacharya'' (1994/music) * ''Kambolam'' (1994/music) * '' Kashmeeram'' (1994) (background music) * ''

'' (1994/music) * ''Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu'' (1994/music) *'' Kabooliwala'' (1994/music) *Gandharvam (1993/Music) * '' Sainyam'' (1993/music) * '' Paithrukam'' (1993/music) * '' Sopanam'' * '' Valsalyam'' (1993/music) * '' Dhruvam'' (1993/music) * '' Vendar danialState Licency '' (1993/music) * ''Customs Diary'' (1993) (background music) * ''Ethu Manju Kaalam'' (1993) * ''Injakkadan Mathai & Sons'' (1993/music) * ''Janam'' (1993/music) * ''Journalist'' (1993/music) * ''

Devaasuram ''Devaasuram'' () is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by Ranjith. It stars Mohanlal, Revathi, and Napoleon, with Innocent, V. K. Sreeraman, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Augustine in supporting ro ...

'' (1993) (background music) * ''Pravachakan'' (1993/music) * ''Sowbhagyam'' (1993/music) * ''Sthreedhanam'' (1993/music) * '' Daddy'' (1992/Music) * ''Johnnie Walker'' (1992) * ''Kouravar'' (1992) * ''Kizhakkan Pathrose'' (1992/music) * ''Mahanagaram'' (1992) (background music) * ''Ennodishtam Koodamo'' (1992) * ''Kaazhchakkppuram'' (1992) (background music) * ''Cheppadividya'' (1992/Music) * ''Nadodi'' (1992/music) * ''

'' (1991/music) * ''Thudar Katha'' (1991/music) * ''Koodikazhca'' (1991/music) * ''

Kuttettan ''Kuttettan'' is a 1990 Malayalam romantic comedy movie, directed by Joshiy and written by A. K. Lohithadas. The film stars Mammootty, Saritha, Urvashi, Lizy, Maathu, Sukumari, Jagadish, Murali and Jagannatha Varma. Plot Vishnu is a rich ...

'' (1990) * ''Appu'' (1990) (background music) * '' No.20 Madras Mail'' (1990) (background music) * ''Indrajaalam'' (1990/music) * ''

Vyooham ''Vyooham'' is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language action film, directed by Sangeeth Sivan, starring Raghuvaran, Sukumaran, Captain Raju, Babu Antony, Urvashi, Rajan P. Dev and Parvathy Jayaram. It was the debut directorial of Sangeeth Sivan. T ...

'' (1990) * '' Mahayanam'' (1989) (background music) * '' Douthyam'' (1989) * ''Puthiya Karukkal'' (1989/music) * ''

Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar ''Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar'' () is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language political thriller film directed by Thampi Kannanthanam, written by Dennis Joseph, and produced by Joy Thomas under the company Jubilee Productions. It features Mohanlal, Sur ...

'' (1987/music) * ''Naradhan Keralathil'' (1987) * ''P. C. 369'' (1987) * ''Vazhiyorakkazhchakal'' (1987/music) * ''Vilambaram'' (1987) * ''Rareeram'' (1986) (background music) * ''

'' (1986/music) * ''

Desatanakkili Karayarilla ''Deshadanakkili Karayarilla'' () is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Padmarajan. It stars Mohanlal, Karthika, Shari and Urvashi. The film tells the story of two school girls who eloped while on a school tri ...

'' (background music) * ''Vivahitare Itihile'' (1986) * ''Janakeeya Kodathi'' (1985)

Tamil films

*'' Otru'' (2021) *''

Tiruppur Tiruppur or Tirupur ( ) is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Tiruppur is the administrative headquarters of Tiruppur district and the fifth largest city as well as an urban agglomeration in Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of Noyyal Ri ...

'' (2010) (Background music only) *'' Unakkaga En Kadhal'' (2010) (Background music only) *''

Mandabam ''Mandabam'' is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by R. Senthamil Arasu. The film stars S. T. Tamilarasan and Siniya, with Nizhalgal Ravi, Shanmugasundaram, O. A. K. Sundar, Vadivukkarasi, Srinivasan and Gowthami Vembunathan p ...

'' (2010) (Background music only) *'' Pinju Manasu'' (2009) (Background music only) *'' Kasimedu Govindan'' (2008) (Background music only) *'' Muni'' (2007) (Background music only) *''

Iruvar Mattum ''Iruvar Mattum'' () is a 2006 Indian Tamil language thriller film directed by Dwaraki Raghavan. The film stars Abhay and Sunitha Varma. The film, produced by R. Jagadish, had musical score by Vijay Antony and was released on 30 November 200 ...

'' (2006) (Background music only) *'' Remote'' (2004) *''

Bheeshmar ''Bheeshmar'' is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language crime film directed by actor Ranjith, making his directorial debut. The film stars Ranjith and Devayani, with Rami Reddy, Riyaz Khan, Anu Mohan, Ilavarasu, Vasu Vikram, Sadiq and Baby Prahasitha ...

'' (2003) *''Vadakku Vaasal'' (2003) *''Ammaiyappa'' (2002) *''

Game A game is a structured form of play, usually undertaken for entertainment or fun, and sometimes used as an educational tool. Many games are also considered to be work (such as professional players of spectator sports or games) or art (suc ...

'' (2002) *''

Nee Enthan Vaanam ''Nee Enthan Vaanam'' () is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language thriller film directed by R. K. Suresh. The film stars Vignesh, Reshma and Charan Raj, with Vadivelu, Rocky, Telephone Satyanarayana, Bhaskar, Kumarimuthu and Omakuchi Narasimhan playing ...

'' (2000) *''

Adutha Kattam ''Adutha Kattam'' () is a 1999 Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Sarath, and produced by Ajmal Hassan. The film stars Raja Ravindra and Yuvarani, while Vijayakumar and Cochin Haneefa appear in supporting roles. Featur ...

'' (1999) *''Maru Visaranai'' (1995) *'' Idhuthanda Sattam'' (1992) *'' Theechatti Govindan'' (1991) *'' Vigneshwar'' (1991) *'' Nanbargal'' (1991) *''

Salem Vishnu ''Salem Vishnu'' is a 1990 Tamil-language action film written, produced and directed by Thiagarajan in his directorial debut. The film stars Thiagarajan and Rupini. It had musical score by Sangeetha Rajan and was released on 16 February 1990. ...

'' (1990) *''

Pathimoonam Number Veedu ''Pathimoonam Number Veedu'', also known as ''13am Number Veedu'', is a 1990 Tamil-language horror film directed by Baby. The film stars Nizhalgal Ravi, Sadhana and Lalitha Kumari. It was released on 15 June 1990 and became a success. The f ...

'' (1990) *''

Paattali Magan ''Paattali Magan'' () is a 1990 Indian Tamil language drama film directed by Senthilnathan and produced by Kovai mani. The film stars Arjun, Sindhu and M. N. Nambiar. The film a had musical score by Sangeetha Rajan and was released on 16 Feb ...

'' (1990) *''En Kanavar'' (1989) *''Kaaval Poonaigal'' (1989) *'' Poovukkul Boogambam'' (1988)

Kannada films

*''Veera Ranachandi'' (2017) *'' Suli'' (2016) *'' Aithalakkadi'' (2010) (BGM only) *''Amrutha Vani'' (2007) (BGM only) *'' Z'' (1999) (BGM only) *''Nilukada Nakshatra'' (1995) *''

'' (1996) *''

Megha Mandara ''Megha Mandara'' is a 1992 Indian Kannada-language romance film directed by K. V. Jayaram and produced by Meenakshi Jayaram. The film is based on the novel of the same name written by H. Girijamma. The film stars Ambarish, Malashri and Anjana ...

'' (1992) *''Aragini'' (1992) *''Hosa Raaga'' (1992) *''Keralida Kesari'' (1991) *'' Sundarakanda'' (1991) *'' Ashwamedha'' (1990) *''Ekalavya'' (1990) *'' Panchama Veda'' (1990) *''Poli Kitty'' (1990) *''Sharavegada Saradara'' (1989) prema yuddha-1981 *''Madhuri'' (1989)

Bengali films

Hindi films

*''

Kyon Ki ''Kyon Ki'' () is a 2005 Indian romantic drama film written and directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Sunil Manchanda and Mukesh Talreja, with Orion Pictures serving as distributor. The film is a remake of Priyadarshan's own 1986 Malayalam fil ...

'' (2005) (Background Score Only) *''

Hungama Hungama may refer to: * ''Hungama'' (1971 film), a Bollywood comedy film * ''Hungama'' (2003 film), a Bollywood comedy * ''Hungama'' (2005 film), a Telugu comedy film * Hungama TV, an Indian children's television channel * Hungama Digital Media ...

'' (2003) (Background Score Only) *''

Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar ''Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar'' () is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language comedy film directed by Priyadarshan. This story of the film is an remake of the Mohanlal-starrer movie ''Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam'' with a dog explosion comedy sequenc ...

'' (2001) (Background Score Only) *'' Virasat'' (1997) (Background Score Only) *'' Gardish'' (1993) (Background Score Only) *'' Muskurahat'' (1992) (Background Score Only)

References

External links

*
www.gomolo.in profile

SP Venkitesh at MSI
{{DEFAULTSORT:Venkatesh, S. P. Music directors Indian guitarists Living people Filmfare Awards South winners 1955 births Malayalam film score composers Tamil film score composers Kannada film score composers