- Lyricist
- R. Parthiban
- Singers
- Haricharan Seshadri, Bamba Bakya
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Iravin Nizhal
- Movie release year
- 2022
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Apr 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song portrays a raw, melancholic expression of heartbreak, insomnia, and disillusionment with romantic love. The protagonist laments how promises of idyllic bliss (metaphorically described as rivers of milk and honey) dissolved into deception and emotional pain. The lyrics reflect a deeply troubled mind struggling to find peace and genuine rest despite surrounding material comforts.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Pun / Double Entendre (Siledai)
“Aana thookkam enga vikkuthunga / Vikkuthunga thondaiyila kenda meenu mullu”
The word 'Vikkuthunga' is used brilliantly as a dual meaning—first as 'they are selling' (vikkiranga) sleeping aids, and then switching to 'hiccuping/choking' (vikkuthu) in the throat like a fishbone.
Wordplay & Metaphor (Uvamai / Yamakam)
“Mullu chinna mullu kadigaram anjula thaan / Periya mulla chinna thambi nenjula thaan”
Clever play on the word 'Mullu', which means both a thorn/fishbone and the hands of a clock. The larger clock hand (periya mullu) is metaphorically transformed into a sharp blade piercing the heart.
Metaphor (Urvagathani)
“Palarum theanarum odumunnu paarthen naan”
'Palarum theanarum' (rivers of milk and honey) represents the sweet, idealistic vision of love that turned out to be a illusion.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Iravin Nizhal' (2022) is widely acclaimed as the world's first non-linear single-shot film, written, directed, and starring R. Parthiban. This song features vocals by Bamba Bakya, making it one of his final recorded tracks before his sudden passing in September 2022.
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