- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Pulan Visaranai
- Movie release year
- 1990
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Nov 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Ilamaikku Enna Vilai is an iconic, alluring track from the 1990 Tamil crime thriller film Pulan Visaranai. Composed by Ilaiyaraaja and sung by S. Janaki with lyrics by Gangai Amaran, the song revolves around the themes of youth, beauty, and intimate yearning. The lyrics poetically question the price of youthfulness and sweetness, establishing that such moments of passion and vitality are priceless. Throughout the song, nature imagery—such as the dancing breeze, bloomed flowers, and cool waters—is juxtaposed with romantic longing as a young woman eagerly awaits her beloved. S. Janaki's expressive vocal delivery brings out the sensual and intoxicating nature of the composition.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Moonaikku (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Ilamaikku enna vilai / Inimaikku enna vilai”
Repetition of initial vowel sound 'I' across consecutive lines (Ilamaikku / Inimaikku).
Anaphora (Repetitive Refrain)
“Ilamaikku enna vilai / Adhai yaar arivaar”
Repeated use of the refrain lines to emphasize the priceless nature of youth.
Personification
“Aadi paadum thendraloo / Alli anaikka theduthu”
Attributing human actions like dancing, singing, and seeking an embrace to the gentle breeze (thendral).
Metaphor
“Malarndha poo idhu paadudhu raagam”
Comparing the young woman in her prime to a fully bloomed flower singing a melody.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pulan Visaranai (1990), directed by R. K. Selvamani starring Vijayakanth, was one of the biggest blockbusters of the year inspired by real-life crime stories. The song featured famous dancer Disco Shanti in a memorable performance, with S. Janaki's vocal modulation and Ilaiyaraaja's rhythmic arrangement turning it into a popular romantic classic of the 1990s.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Pulan Visaranai
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.