- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- C. S. Jayaraman
- Music director
- T. R. Pappa
- Movie name
- Kuravanji
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Sept 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This verse describes a dramatic plight where a gentle maiden named Valli suffers immense cruelty at the hands of a deceitful man who treats her like crushed sugarcane. Unwilling to endure further suffering, she chooses to leave, willing to face death rather than dishonor. Seeing her distress, a valiant young man steps forward to offer his companionship and support. To safeguard this brave youth on his noble quest, a Kuravanji (gypsy woman) rises up with a binding pledge of protection and guidance, highlighting themes of sacrifice, heroism, and divine/destined guardianship.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Aalaiyitta karumbagha aakivaitha kayavanukku”
The poet compares the suffering woman's exploitation to sugarcane crushed inside a heavy juice mill ('Aalaiyitta karumbagha').
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Thol kodukka kaalai thunai nadanthaan”
The term 'Kaalai' (bull) is used metaphorically to denote a brave, strong, and noble young man.
Epanalepsis / Narrative Repetition (Thodarmoyil)
“Poovirundha valli purappataal endrarindhu”
Line 4 ends with 'Poovirundha valli purappataal', which is immediately repeated at the start of line 5 to create narrative continuity and dramatic rhythm.
Second Letter Rhyme (Etukai)
“Maalaiyitta mangai mayanginaal”
The second consonant 'la'/'li' rhymes harmoniously across 'Aalaiyitta', 'Maalaiyitta', and 'Maaliyidu'.
Did you know?
Trivia
This dramatic narrative verse from the film 'Kuravanji' (1960) features iconic theatrical renditions by veteran singer C. S. Jayaraman, set to music by T. R. Pappa. Lyricist Kannadasan utilizes classical poetic structures (reminiscent of traditional Kuravanji theatrical literature) to tell a modern cinematic story.
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