- Lyricist
- Ilandevan
- Singers
- Anuradha Sriram, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Deva
- Movie name
- Kalki
- Movie release year
- 1996
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Ezhudhugiren Oru Kaditham' from the movie Kalki (1996) is a deeply poignant poetic letter written by a woman who cannot physically bear children to her imagined, unborn daughter. Though she never experienced a physical pregnancy, her maternal instincts nurture this child within her heart and imagination. She addresses her imaginary daughter as a miraculous impossibility—a lotus blooming on a rock or a sun rising at midnight. As the song unfolds, it shifts from maternal affection to profound life advice. She encourages her imaginary daughter to live with grace, joy, and wisdom like a skylark, while also warning her about the harsh, hypocritical realities of society. She urges her to be strong, stand up for her rights, face hardships head-on, and shine like an unyielding flame. It stands as a powerful blend of maternal tenderness, emotional longing, and female empowerment.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Paradox / Oxymoron (Muran / Virudha Ani)
“Maladiyin magalae”
Presents a logical contradiction—a 'barren woman' having a 'daughter'—to emphasize emotional and spiritual motherhood over biological reality.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Paarayil malarndha thaamaraiyae / Iravanil yezhundha sooriyanae”
Directly compares the child to impossible phenomena (a lotus blooming on a rock, a sun rising at night) to highlight the miraculous nature of her imaginary presence.
Simile (Uvamai)
“Puravai pola saanthamaai”
Compares the child's desired demeanor to a peaceful dove ('puravai pola').
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Muthu muthu magalae / Mugam kaanaatha magalae”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Mu' across successive lines to create rhythmic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is featured in the 1996 Tamil drama film 'Kalki', directed by the legendary K. Balachander. Composed by Deva with lyrics by Ilandevan, the track evokes the signature emotional depth and progressive female perspective typical of K. Balachander's cinema.
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