- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Vani Jairam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Oh Manju
- Movie release year
- 1976
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Avanum Avalum' from the 1976 film 'Oh Manju' explores the dark, intense, and primal spectrum of romantic attraction and physical passion. Written by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan, the song begins by questioning the sweet union of minds in love before delving deeper into the overwhelming madness of lust and raw desire. Kannadasan masterfully portrays how unrestrained passion can transform a gentle romantic relationship into a predatory act, highlighting the fine line between human emotion and animalistic drive. The recurring refrain serves as a philosophical query, asking whether true love is merely this physical dance or something far deeper.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis / Contrast
“Mudhalil manidhan mudivil mirugam”
Striking contrast between humanity and savagery within love and lust.
Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)
“Aadal endraal adhu thaana”
Rhyming of the second character 'da' in 'Aadal' and 'Kaadhal'.
Moonaai (Initial letter rhyming)
“Avan kootil adaippaan pinbu vaatti eduppaan”
Repetition of initial vowel sounds creating rhythm across lines.
Metaphor
“Nadanam valarum palarum thodarum”
Depicting intense lust as a wild dance ('Nadanam') and an enslaving cage ('Kootil').
Did you know?
Trivia
The 1976 movie 'Oh Manju' was directed by CV Sridhar, starring Master Sekhar and Vidhubala. The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan (MSV) with lyrics penned by Kannadasan, who was known for embedding deep philosophical commentary on human psychology even within seductive or provocative track situations.
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