- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Muthal Mariyathai
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Jan 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful folk song from the movie 'Muthal Mariyathai' celebrates rural romance through vibrant imagery of countryside nature. Using a lively call-and-response format between the male voice and chorus, the song lists elements of village life—parrots, ripe fruits, lake shores, ears of sorghum, and grove cuckoos—setting a lush, joyful backdrop.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Padhungi ninnuruchaam / Odhungi ninnukichaam / Thottadhum ottikichaam / Maththalam kottikichaam”
The repetitive ending suffix '-ichaam' / '-uchaam' creates a rhythmic, conversational, and storytelling rhythm typical of Tamil folk ballads.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Padhungi ninnuruchaam / Odhungi ninnukichaam”
The second consonant 'dhu' (டூ/து sound) in 'Pa-dhu-ngi' matches 'O-dhu-ngi', creating traditional Tamil phonetic harmony.
Metaphor / Cultural Imagery
“Selaiyil sandhanam / Vettiyil kungumam / Thottadhum ottikichaam”
Sandalwood (sandhanam) and vermillion (kungumam) represent purity and marital auspiciousness; their cross-staining on clothing serves as a metaphor for intimate physical union.
Personification
“Ava padhunga kandu / Kuruvi rendu / Odhungi ninnukichaam”
The pair of sparrows are personified as coy onlookers who step aside politely upon noticing the young woman hiding.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Muthal Mariyathai' (1985) is a landmark Tamil film directed by Bharathiraja, featuring music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vairamuthu. The song uses authentic folk rhythm structures and rural dialect, perfectly depicting the rustic village setting of the film.
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