MUMBAI: BBC Tamil Service, Tamilosai, is launching a series of programmes that explore the history of music and songs in Tamil movies. The launch will take place on 22 August.

The 15-part series looks at the evolution of Tamil film music through its history of nearly 60 years from its South Indian classical music roots to the present.

BBC Chennai correspondent Sampath Kumar, who is also the producer of the series, was quoted in a press release saying that it is the music that lies at the heart of the commercial success of the multi-million dollar Tamil film industry. Kumar is not only an expert in Tamil film music but is also very passionate about it.

He adds, "Many a Tamil movie has proved to be a box office hit solely on the strength of the music. But just why have the songs in the films captured the people's imagination? What are the origins of Tamil film music? And who are the doyens of the Tamil film music, past and present? This is what we are exploring in the series."

The Tamil film music series is the first of its kind in BBC Tamilosai's output. Peppered with examples of famous music, the series features interviews with veteran music directors, singers and music pundits.

BBC Tamilosais' head Thirumalai Manivannan says the series is going to be a treat for Tamil film fans across the world. "Many Tamil film songs created by famous lyricists like Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram and Kannadasan have acquired a literary status while immortal works of poets like Subramania Bharati and Bharatidasan have been successfully tuned to appeal to mass tastes. With this series we are taking a comprehensive overview of the magical music that has enchanted Tamil film fans for years," he adds.

BBC Tamilosai programmes are available on 31, 41 and 49 metres on short wave at 21:15 IST and 21.45 Sri Lankan time. The series will also be available to Tamil speakers wherever they are on bbctamil.com.