- Lyricist
- Lyricist Not Known
- Singer
- M. L. Vasanthakumari
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Manthiri Kumari
- Movie release year
- 1950
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant tribute song from the classic 1950 film 'Manthiri Kumari' honors the supreme sacrifice of the heroine, Amudhavalli. Having married a deceitful and wicked man, she endures severe marital suffering and wrongful accusation. However, when her husband poses a dire threat to the country, she puts state duty above personal love and slays him on a cliff to protect the nation and uphold righteousness. The song eulogizes her supreme sacrifice, immortalizing her in the hearts of the citizens. It portrays her grave as a shrine of virtue where the people pay tribute with tears and flowers, celebrating her courage and tragic devotion to justice.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagami)
“Kaanbavar yaarumae kangalin geethamae”
Describing the heroine as 'kangalin geethamae' (a song/melody for the eyes) and 'oviyamae aaginaai' (became a portrait in the heart) metaphorically elevates her memory to immortal art.
Alliteration (Monai)
“Theeyon mel kaadhal kondae illara vaazhvilae / Theeradha thuyaram kandaai veen pazhi maevinaai”
The repetition of initial 'Thee' sound ('Theeyon' / 'Theeradha') creates a rhythmic, musical emphasis on the sorrow caused by the villain.
Paradox / Irony
“Nadhanai kondrumae needhithanai naatinaai”
The act of killing her own husband ('Nadhanai kondrumae') to establish righteousness ('needhithanai naatinaai') highlights the dramatic moral conflict and patriotic sacrifice.
Did you know?
Trivia
Manthiri Kumari (1950) was adapted by M. Karunanidhi from the classic Tamil Buddhist epic 'Kundalakesi'. The climax where the heroine deceives her husband and pushes him off a cliff to save the kingdom is one of the most famous and landmark scenes in early Tamil cinema history.
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