- Lyricist
- Ambikapathi
- Singers
- P. Leela, K. V. Janaki
- Music directors
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, C. R. Subbaraman
- Movie name
- Mohini (1948 film)
- Movie release year
- 1948
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Sept 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful track from the 1948 movie Mohini features female friends (sakhis) engaging in a humorous banter while observing a man. They tease one another by comparing his appearance to various Hindu deities. One companion thinks he looks like the handsome Lord Murugan (Velan), while another humorously dismisses that and claims he is like Krishna who steals women's clothes. A third friend points out his pot belly, laughingly concluding he resembles Lord Ganesha instead. As the conversation progresses, the friends lightheartedly debate who the man is actually staring at and whose love he seeks. The song captures classic Tamil poetic wit, light romantic teasing, and humorous divine metaphors.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upama (Simile)
“Velanaippol kaanudhadi”
Compares the man directly to Lord Murugan using 'ppol' (like/as).
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Aahaa ivar yaaradi / Ennai aalavarum baalavadi / Velanaippol kaanudhadi”
Multiple lines end with the rhyming suffix '-adi' ('yaaradi', 'baalavadi', 'kaanudhadi').
Allusion / Metaphor
“Saelaigal paavaadaigal melaadaigal Kondodum kallan / Gananaadhar avadhaaram”
References mythological figures (Krishna stealing robes of gopis, Ganesha's belly) as allegories for comic physical description.
Did you know?
Trivia
Mohini (1948) is a historical Tamil film starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and V. N. Janaki. The music for the film was jointly scored by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and C. R. Subbaraman, and it featured comedic/dialogue-driven musical compositions that were popular in early South Indian cinema.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Mohini (1948 film)
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.