GVM brings 25 years of music and memories to KL

Kuala Lumpur witnessed a night of musical reminiscence on Saturday, as Gautham Vasudev Menon (GVM) celebrated 25 years of his films and music with the event "Ondra Renda - 25 Years of GVM". The concert, held at The Arch Galeries, drew more than 4,500 attendees who traveled back in time to relish the melodies from GVM's 25-year career.

The night was a unique fusion of live performances, heartfelt conversations, and glimpses into GVM's creative process, as the director shared the stage with playback singers like Saindhavi, Karthik, Krish, and Sathya Prakash.

The event commenced with GVM quoting Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken", an apt choice for a director known for his distinctive storytelling. Over the course of three hours, the lineup of popular playback singers brought the songs to life, ranging from romantic ballads to high-energy numbers. GVM himself sang several songs from his films, paying homage to his inspirations and collaborators, including composer Ilaiyaraaja and filmmaker Mani Ratnam.

As the concert progressed, scenes from the corresponding films played on screens behind the stage, reinforcing the connection between the music and the memories it evoked.

For many audience members, the personal anecdotes shared by GVM during the performances added a special touch to the evening. One such fan, Alysha Edward, found the filmmaker's insights into the inspiration behind each song particularly captivating. The night ended on an exuberant note, with the audience dancing to "Ava Enna" from "Vaaranam Aayiram" as GVM reflected on the enduring power of music and art to change the world.