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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aaramba Kalathil Athu

From Arangetram · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
P. Susheela, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Arangetram1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aarambha kaalathil adhu irukkumIn the initial phase, that is how it will be
Aarambha kaalathil adhu irukkumIn the initial phase, that is how it will be
Ammamma adhilae yedhu irukkumOh my, what else is hidden within it?
Male :Unakkum enakkum nerukkam thuvakkamMale: Between you and me, intimacy begins
Aarambha kaalathil bayam irukkumIn the initial phase, there will be fear
Ammamma adhilae sugam irukkumOh my, in that fear, there lies pleasure
Ammamma adhilae sugam irukkumOh my, in that fear, there lies pleasure
Male
Chinna chinna macham ondruA tiny, small mole
Un udhattin mel irundhu ennaiyae paarpadhenWhy is it sitting on your lip and watching me?
Chinna chinna macham ondruA tiny, small mole
Un udhattin mel irundhu ennaiyae paarpadhenWhy is it sitting on your lip and watching me?
Female :Kanni thandha mutham ondruFemale: The kiss given by the maiden
Kaanavillai innum endru idhazhai ketpadhenWhy does she ask her lips if it is missing already?
Kanni thandha mutham ondruThe kiss given by the maiden
Kaanavillai innum endru idhazhai ketpadhenWhy does she ask her lips if it is missing already?
Male
Kettaal tharuven keladi kannaeIf you ask, I will give it, my dear girl
Kettaal tharuven keladi kannaeIf you ask, I will give it, my dear girl
Female :Kelaamal thandhaal ennaFemale: What if you gave it without me asking?
Male
Aarambha kaalathil bayam irukkumIn the initial phase, there will be fear
Ammamma adhilae sugam irukkumOh my, in that fear, there lies pleasure
Ammamma adhilae sugam irukkumOh my, in that fear, there lies pleasure
Male
Thottil itta mottu irandu thulli thulliTwo buds in a cradle, bouncing gently
Nenjai thottu ennaiyae velvadhenWhy do they touch my heart and conquer me?
Thottil itta mottu irandu thulli thulliTwo buds in a cradle, bouncing gently
Nenjai thottu ennaiyae velvadhenWhy do they touch my heart and conquer me?
Female
Kaadhalarukku bodhai vandhu kann irandumAs lovers get intoxicated, both their eyes
Mella mella edhaiyoo solvadhenSlowly and softly convey something unspoken
Kaadhalarukku bodhai vandhu kann irandumAs lovers get intoxicated, both their eyes
Mella mella edhaiyoo solvadhenSlowly and softly convey something unspoken
Male
Maeniyai parthaal gyaaniyum saranamLooking at such physical grace, even an enlightened sage would surrender
Maeniyai parthaal gyaaniyum saranamLooking at such physical grace, even an enlightened sage would surrender
Female :Adhuthaane penn enbathuFemale: Isn't that the very nature of a woman?
Female
Aarambha kaalathil adhu irukkumIn the initial phase, that is how it will be
Ammamma adhilae yedhu irukkumOh my, what else is hidden within it?
Male :Unakkum enakkum nerukkam thuvakkamMale: Between you and me, intimacy begins
Aarambha kaalathil bayam irukkumIn the initial phase, there will be fear
Ammamma adhilae sugam irukkumOh my, in that fear, there lies pleasure
Ammamma adhilae sugam irukkumOh my, in that fear, there lies pleasure

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Aarambha Kaalathil from the film Arangetram (1973) is a playful and sensual romantic duet between lovers reflecting on the beginnings of intimacy. The song captures the delicate mix of hesitation, fear, and thrill that accompanies early love, concluding that the initial nervousness only heightens romantic pleasure. Through vivid poetic imagery—such as a mole on the lips, subtle glances, and gentle touch—lyricist Kannadasan articulates the gradual deepening of physical and emotional connection. The track underscores how feminine charm and romantic enchantment are powerful enough to disarm anyone, creating a timeless musical conversation about passion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetitive Words)

Chinna chinna macham ondru

The repetition of words like 'Chinna chinna' (tiny tiny), 'Thulli thulli' (bouncing bouncing), and 'Mella mella' (softly softly) adds rhythmic melody and emphasizes sensory details.

Personification

Un udhattin mel irundhu ennaiyae paarpadhen

The facial mole on the lip is personified as an active observer watching the lover ('ennaiyae paarpadhen').

Hyperbole (Exaggeration)

Maeniyai parthaal gyaaniyum saranam

The lyrics exaggerate the power of feminine beauty by stating that even an enlightened sage (Gyaani) would surrender upon beholding it.

Metaphor

Thottil itta mottu irandu thulli thulli

Describing feminine beauty or grace as 'mottu irandu' (two buds) in a cradle serves as a delicate physical metaphor.

Did you know?

Trivia

Arangetram (1973), directed by the legendary K. Balachander, marked the prominent adult debut of Kamal Haasan as well as actress Jayachitra. The film dealt with bold social themes for its era, and its soundtrack composed by V. Kumar with lyrics by Kannadasan remains a celebrated classic in Tamil cinema.

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