- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singers
- A. M. Rajaa, P. Susheela
- Music director
- T. R. Pappa
- Movie name
- Mallika (1957 film)
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Aug 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This romantic duet depicts a playful and affectionate dialogue between two lovers. The male lover calls out to his beloved, seeing her as the very embodiment of joy and light playing before his eyes. Overwhelmed by her presence, he admits to forgetting himself in love. The female partner gently cautions him, reminding him that even deep love requires patience and restraint. Reassured by her wisdom, the male promises never to cross her words, comparing her love to a boat that safely carries him to the shore of happiness. Moved by his devotion, the female partner confesses that his supportive words have caused her own emotions to overflow like a river breaching a dam, solidifying their mutual devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Unadhanbenum padagin thunaiyinaal”
The lyricist compares the lady's love to a boat ('padagu') that guides the protagonist safely to the shore of happiness.
Metaphor / Visual Imagery
“Anai meeriyae vellam paayudhae”
Overwhelming emotions are metaphorically described as a flood ('vellam') breaking past a dam ('anai').
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Manam naadiya mangai vantha pin”
Repetition of the 'Ma' sound in 'Manam' and 'mangai' creates a rhythmic, pleasant flow.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Thunai aagiya umadhu sollinaal / Anai meeriyae vellam paayudhae”
The second letter 'nai' in 'Thunai' and 'Anai' rhymes across adjacent lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Mallika' (1957) is a Tamil film starring Gemini Ganesan and Padmini. The film's soundtrack was composed by T. R. Pappa, and the lyrics were penned by the famed poet A. Maruthakasi. This duet captures the classic mid-20th-century Tamil cinema aesthetic of literary, nature-inspired romantic dialogue.
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