- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Malaiyoor Mambattiyan
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Chinna Ponnu Selai from the 1983 Tamil movie Malaiyoor Mambattiyan captures a romantic banter between a village outlaw and his lover. The heroine expresses her unconditional devotion, comparing her love to a river flowing without boundaries, ready to follow him anywhere despite the risks. The hero, conscious of his dangerous and unpredictable life on the run, tries to dissuade her, reminding her that he does not even have a peaceful place to rest or a mat to sleep on. Despite his practical resistance, her persistent affection and charm soften his stance. The song beautifully blends rustic romanticism with the poignant reality of an outlaw's life, using nature-based metaphors to illustrate love, freedom, and emotional vulnerability.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Shenbagappoo pola”
Compares the delicate saree of the young girl to the fragrance and beauty of a Shenbagam flower.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vazhi theriyaatha aaru idhu”
Compares life and unguided love to an uncharted river flowing freely without knowing its path.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Mayilae nee po….”
Compares the beloved woman to a graceful peacock ('Mayil').
Rhyme (Edhukai)
“Pudhu vellam searumpothu / Kaattraagi veesum pothu”
Matching secondary consonant sounds across lines ('searumpothu' and 'veesum pothu').
Keep listening
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