- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Karnan
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Jan 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the classic movie Karnan (1964) captures the poignant lament of Subhangi, the wife of King Karna. Addressing her close companion (thozhi), she gently questions the nature of her husband's justice. While Karna is widely praised for his nobility, righteousness, and untiring commitment to solving every subject's problem, he completely neglects his personal life and his wife's loneliness in the inner quarters.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhukai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Than uyir polae / Mannuyir kaappaan”
The second consonant 'n' (ன்) rhymes between 'Than' and 'Mann', creating a rhythmic flow.
Monai (First-letter alliteration)
“Aranmanai arivaan / Ariyanai arivaan”
The opening sound 'A' repeats in 'Aranmanai' and 'Ariyanai'.
Contrast / Irony
“Varugindra vazhakkai theerthu mudippaan / Manaiviyin vazhakkai manadhilum ninaiyaan”
Presents a stark thematic contrast between Karna solving the world's disputes while completely ignoring his wife's grievance.
Rhetorical Question (Vinai)
“Idhu thaanoo ungal mannavan needhi…”
Subhangi repeatedly asks if this neglect constitutes true kingly justice, emphasizing her longing and emotional pain.
Keep listening
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