- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- Vijay Yesudas
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Kadal
- Movie release year
- 2012
- Lyrics added on
- 31 Aug 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Chithirai Nela is an inspiring motivational song from Mani Ratnam's film Kadal (2012), composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu. The song uses nature's solitary forces—such as the single Chithirai full moon, the solitary sky, and the singular Creator—to reassure the listener that being alone is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of unique purpose and strength. It urges the protagonist to take courageous strides and reach for the heavens despite life's hardships.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (Rhyming Endings / Anaphora)
“Thuyarathil irunthae Kaaviyam thondrum / Tholviyil irunthae Gnyanangal thondrum”
The repetitive structural ending '-irunthae' paired with 'thondrum' across lines creates a rhythmic cadence, emphasizing how adversity gives birth to noble outcomes.
Personification
“Suriyan marainthaal Vilakondru sirikkum”
Giving human emotions such as 'smiling' to inanimate objects like a lamp and hope symbolizes warmth and light in moments of obscurity.
Extended Metaphor
“Puthaikindra vidhaiyum ... Bhoomiyum kooda Thaazh thirakkum”
The buried seed breaking open the latch of the earth serves as a metaphor for human perseverance triumphing over heavy structural burdens.
Monai / Ethugai (Wordplay & Alliteration)
“Ettu vai makka / Ettu vachu aagasam”
The clever repetition of 'Ettu' (step/eight) creates both rhythmic momentum and a powerful call to action.
Did you know?
Trivia
Featured in Mani Ratnam's 2012 drama Kadal, the song is composed by A. R. Rahman and sung by Vijay Prakash with lyrics by Vairamuthu. It serves as a narrative anchor for the protagonist's growth, encouraging resilience and self-reliance against all odds.
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