- Lyricist
- Aalangudi Somu
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- V. Kumar
- Movie name
- Naanal
- Movie release year
- 1965
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Jun 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Ennathaan Paaduvathu is a reflective, emotional song from the 1965 film Naanal, composed by V. Kumar with lyrics by Aalangudi Somu and sung by P. Susheela. The song portrays the inner dilemma and hesitation of a protagonist standing before a crowd, grappling with feminine modesty, fear, and emotional turmoil. Through her song, she expresses how difficult it is to perform or express joy under the weight of public scrutiny and internal angst. She uses dramatic imagery—such as having her hands metaphorically bound in handcuffs—to signify her complete helplessness in worshiping the Divine or reaching out to her beloved, while pleading for understanding and deliverance from her plight.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Aani)
“Ennathaan paaduvathu / Naan eppadithaan aaduvadhu”
The opening lines frame questions that express internal struggle and helplessness rather than seeking direct answers.
End Rhyme / Refrain (Iyaibu Todai)
“Kaavalai meeravum thunivu illai / Adhan kaaranam kooravum mudiyavillai”
Lines in this stanza consistently end with the negative suffix '-illai', creating rhythmic unity and emphasizing helplessness.
Metaphor (Urvagam)
“En iru kaigalil vilangu anindhaal”
The phrase compares societal or emotional constraints directly to wearing physical handcuffs on one's hands.
Did you know?
Trivia
Naanal (1965) was directed by K. Balachander and featured music composed by V. Kumar, who was one of Balachander's early frequent musical collaborators. Lyricist Aalangudi Somu skillfully crafted the lyrics to double as both a stage performance song and an expression of the heroine's trapped situation.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Naanal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.