- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Vellikizhamai Viratham
- Movie release year
- 1974
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Nov 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful duetting track from 'Vellikizhamai Viratham' features a lighthearted debate between traditional modesty and modern romance. The female lead advocates for delicacy, traditional values, and keeping womanhood modest like a pearl inside an oyster shell, while the male lead argues that modern times herald a new wave of open admiration, where youthful charm and beauty should be displayed and celebrated.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Ponnai polae poovai polae”
Compares a woman to gold and flowers ('Ponnai polae poovai polae') to emphasize how delicate and valuable she is.
Metaphor & Imagery
“Sippikullae muthupolae”
Compares modesty in womanhood to a precious pearl protected inside an oyster shell ('Sippikullae muthupolae').
Onomatopoeia (Erattai Kilavi / Rhythm)
“Jillu jillu kulu kulu”
Use of repetitive rhythmic sounds like 'Jillu jillu', 'kulu kulu', 'Palapala', 'thalathalaa' to evoke tactile and sensory sensations of freshness and sparkle.
Second Letter Rhyme (Edukku)
“Ponnai polae poovai polae / Pennai ennaalum kaiyaala vendum”
Matching second consonants across lines ('Ponnai' / 'Pennai') creating poetic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by the legendary music director duo Shankar-Ganesh, 'Vellikizhamai Viratham' (1974) was a popular hit directed by R. Thyagarajan. The song playfully incorporates English words ('Charming beautiful') alongside native rhythmic Tamil beats, reflecting the early 1970s trend of blending Western pop phrases with traditional melody.
Keep listening
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