- Lyricist
- Vignesh Shivan
- Singer
- Sid Sriram
- Music director
- Anirudh Ravichander
- Movie name
- Naanum Rowdy Dhaan
- Movie release year
- 2015
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Dec 2016
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Ennai Maatrum Kadhale' explores the transformative and overwhelming nature of love. The protagonist ponders why his lover entered his life only to leave him broken, yet he finds resilience in her cherished memories. Love is described as an inevitable, illusionary trap ('maayavalai') that every human succumbs to, asserting that a life without experiencing emotional turmoil or vulnerability is incomplete. Simultaneously, the lyrics humorously define the protagonist's identity as a 'good rowdy'—someone who aspires to be tough yet refuses violence, has a pure heart, and makes time for love. Ultimately, love serves as a powerful force that changes him, transforming his pain into strength and defining his unique persona.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Ada kadhal enbadhu maayavalai..”
Love is directly compared to a 'maayavalai' (illusionary/magical net) that entangles everyone.
Oxymoron / Paradox
“Vella ullam konda nalla rowdy dhaan”
Combines 'rowdy' (typically associated with violence and crime) with 'vella ullam' (pure/white heart) and 'nalla' (good), creating a humorous contrast.
Anaphora (Repetition)
“Ennai maatrum kadhalae..”
The phrase 'Ennai maatrum kadhalae' is repeated sequentially to emphasize the core theme of love's power to alter a person.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Kaththi illa ratham illa rowdy dhaan / Kaadhalikka neram ulla rowdy dhaan”
Both lines begin with the similar sound ('Ka'), creating a rhythmic flow in the verse.
Keep listening
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