- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam
- Music director
- Gangai Amaran
- Movie name
- Vazhvey Maayam
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful duet features a male lover addressing his beloved as a divine goddess ('Devi Sri Devi') and framing his romantic courtship in the metaphors of temple rituals, camphor worship, and prayer bells. The female protagonist responds with witty resistance, comparing his opportunistic advances to taking a mile when given an inch, and reminding him of mythology where granting boons led to trouble.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagamaithal)
“Devi sri devi un thiruvaai malarnthoru”
The male protagonist compares his romantic devotion to temple rituals, treating his lover as a literal deity ('Devi') and himself as an unordained priest ('Patta podaatha poosari').
Rhyme and Assonance (Edukki / Monai)
“Paavi appaavi un dharisanam dhinasari”
Vaali uses rhyming word pairs like 'Paavi / Appaavi' and 'Meni / Aani pon meni' to create rhythmic cadence.
Mythological Allusion
“Varatha kodutha sivanae thavichan”
The song references Lord Shiva suffering after granting boons (alluding to Bhasmasura), as well as prominent Tamil deities (Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, Abhirami).
Proverbial Metaphor
“Sekku maadu suthi varalaam oor poi seraathu”
The bull tied to an oil press ('Sekku maadu') is used as an idiom for an endless journey going nowhere.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Vazhvey Maayam' (1982) stars Kamal Haasan and Sridevi, with music composed by Gangai Amaran. The song cleverly plays on Sridevi's actual name by addressing her character as 'Devi Sri Devi'.
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