- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sakalakala Vallavan 1982
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Ilamai Idho Idho' is an iconic, high-energy party track that celebrates youthfulness, charm, and multi-talented swagger. The protagonist proudly proclaims himself as 'Sakalakala Vallavan' (a master of all arts and disguises), showcasing his abilities in dancing, singing, martial arts, wrestling, and winning over hearts. The song serves as an exuberant anthem welcoming the New Year while celebrating youthful vigor and playful confidence.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Rhyme
“Ilamai idho idho / Inimai idho idho”
Repetition of identical parallel phrasing 'idho idho' at the end of consecutive lines creating a catchy rhythm.
Metaphor
“Vaalibathil manmadhan / Rasigaigalin indhiran”
The protagonist compares himself to Lord Manmadhan (God of Love) and King Indra to highlight his charm among admirers.
Monai (Alliteration)
“Kuthuvathil sooran naan / Kusthigalil veeran naan”
Assonance/Alliteration on initial sound 'Ku' across consecutive line starts.
Allusion / Filmography Reference
“Ek duje ke liye ... Kalathoorin kannamma ... Kalyaana raman thaan”
Lyricist Vaali cleverly references Kamal Haasan's iconic hit movies like 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye', 'Kalathur Kannamma', and 'Kalyanaraman'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Ilamai Idho Idho' from Sakalakala Vallavan (1982), composed by Ilaiyaraaja, sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, and written by Vaali, is widely considered the ultimate New Year anthem in Tamil Nadu, traditionally played across media at midnight every December 31st. Lyricist Vaali wove references to actor Kamal Haasan's real-life career landmarks directly into the lyrics.
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