- Lyricist
- Na. Kamarasan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- V. Dakshinamurthy
- Movie name
- Nandha En Nila
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Jan 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Kannukkutty Sellamma' from Nandha En Nila (1977) is a tender expression of affection towards an innocent calf/child. The singer poetically claims that the very sound of the calf calling 'Amma' (Mother) feels like the sacred origin of the Tamil language itself. The lyrics weave deep emotional warmth, portraying the calf as a source of companionship during lonely times and a beacon of hope for brighter days ahead.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Hyperbole / Poetic Metaphor
“Amma amma ennum / Un kural kaettae / Azhagiya thamizh mozhi pirandhadhamma”
Extolling the innocence of the call 'Amma' by poetically suggesting that the beautiful Tamil language was birthed upon hearing it.
Simile (Upamai)
“Malaiyinile kudhichu vandha pulli maanena manasu mayangudhamma”
Comparing the movement of the calf to a lively spotted deer leaping down a mountain side.
Onomatopoeia (Erattai Kilavi)
“Kazhuthu mani kalakalakka varum”
Use of rhythmic sound words 'kalakalakka' to imitate the tinkling sound of the bell around the neck.
Mona (Initial Rhyme / Assonance)
“Kannukkutty sellammaa / Kallamattra ponnamma”
Repetition of starting letter sounds across consecutive lines ('Kannukkutty' and 'Kallamattra').
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by veteran Malayalam music maestro V. Dakshinamurthy, this song showcases the poetic depth of lyricist Na. Kamarasan. It remains one of Tamil cinema's sweetest maternal and tenderly affectionate compositions sung beautifully by S. Janaki.
Keep listening
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