- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- V. Kumar
- Movie name
- Arangetram
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Aug 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Aandavanin Thottathilae' from K. Balachander's 'Arangetram' (1973) is a poignant yet philosophical commentary on society's hypocrisy, female laughter, and human destiny. Sung by P. Susheela with music by V. Kumar and lyrics by Kannadasan, the protagonist reflects on how nature inherently smiles and laughs, yet societal norms restrict and judge a young woman's laughter and freedom.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification
“Aandavanin thottathilae azhagu sirikkuthu”
Attributing the human action of smiling/laughing ('sirikkuthu') to abstract and natural concepts like beauty ('azhagu'), youth ('ilamai'), cranes ('kokku'), fish ('meen'), and crabs ('nandu').
Monorhyme / Second-letter Rhyme (Ethukai)
“Vendum mattum kulungi kulungi”
The Tamil poetic practice of matching second letters across lines, seen in 'Vendum' and 'Andha' / 'Kulathai' and 'Adhai'.
Metaphor / Allegory
“Kulam kulama thavam irundhu kokku sirikkudhu”
Using animal behavior (crane watching fish, fox preying on crab) as a metaphor for predatory human relationships and deceitful societal hierarchies.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Arangetram' was a path-breaking drama film directed by K. Balachander that launched Kamal Haasan in an adult prominent role. The soundtrack composed by V. Kumar produced several hits, with 'Aandavanin Thottathilae' standing out for P. Susheela's dramatic laughter cues embedded within her vocal performance.
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