Though scores of films have come after it, Jerry Amaldev started his career with Navodaya’s historic Malayalam film ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’ in 1980. The movie remains a hallmark in Malayalam film music for its ‘Naushadian’ lilt and music that strongly holds on to its local flavor despite Western nuances. Its fresh melodies and off beat orchestration were the first attempt of Jerry Amaldev, who had just returned from the United States after completing his Master of Fine Arts Degree in Composition at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. After the unprecedented success of 'Manjil Virinja Pookal', he was honored with a state award. Well-versed in Hindustani and Western Classical music, Jerry blended the spirit of both schools in such a way as to strike a new note.