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Lyrics & meaning

Kaatru Varum

From Naanum Manithan Thaan · 1964

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singers
P. B. Sreenivas, S. Janaki
Music director
G. K. Venkatesh
Details
Naanum Manithan Thaan1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Humming(Humming)
Male
Kaatru varum kaalam ondruThere is a season when the breeze arrives,
Nadhi oottru varum neram ondruthere is a time when the river spring flows,
Nadhi oottru varum neram ondruthere is a time when the river spring flows,
Female
Kaadhal varum paruvam ondruthere is an age when love blossoms,
Kaadhal varum paruvam ondruthere is an age when love blossoms,
Adhil kanindhu varum uravum ondruand there is a relationship that ripens from it.
Female
Kaatru varum kaalam ondruThere is a season when the breeze arrives,
Male :Nadhi oottru varum neram ondruMale: There is a time when the river spring flows.
Male
Vaanil varum nilavu ondruThere is one moon that appears in the sky,
Adhu valarndhu varum sugamum ondruand there is a joy that grows alongside it.
Female
Kann irandil kaatchi ondruThere is one sight for both eyes,
Kadavul avan aatchi ondruand there is one reign of God.
Female
Kaatru varum kaalam ondruThere is a season when the breeze arrives,
Male :Nadhi oottru varum neram ondruMale: There is a time when the river spring flows.
Female
Aasaiyudan nerungi vandhuComing close with desire,
Anaithidavae thudithathondruthere was a heart yearning to embrace.
Male :Androru naal arugil nindruMale: Standing nearby that day,
Azhagudanae sirithathondruthere was one who smiled beautifully.
Male
Kaatru varum kaalam ondruThere is a season when the breeze arrives,
Nadhi oottru varum neram ondruthere is a time when the river spring flows.
Male
Anbu karam thandhu nammaiOffering a hand of love to us,
Anaithida or anna unduthere is an elder brother to embrace us.
Nammai anaithida or anna unduThere is an elder brother to embrace us.
Female :Karunai thandhu thangai ennaiFemale: Bestowing grace and protecting me, the sister,
Kaathida nee kanna unduyou are there like Lord Krishna.
Male
Kaatru varum kaalam ondruThere is a season when the breeze arrives,
Nadhi oottru varum neram ondruthere is a time when the river spring flows,
Female
Kaadhal varum paruvam ondruthere is an age when love blossoms,
Adhil kanindhu varum uravum ondruand there is a relationship that ripens from it.
Male
Kaatru varum kaalam ondruThere is a season when the breeze arrives,
Nadhi oottru varum neram ondruthere is a time when the river spring flows.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kaatru Varum Kaalam Ondru from the 1964 film Naanum Manithan Thaan uses poetic metaphors of natural cycles—such as the seasonal breeze, flowing springs, and the waxing moon—to portray the natural evolution of human emotions, love, and life stages. Written by Panchu Arunachalam and set to music by G. K. Venkatesh, the lyrics weave love and familial affection into a calm, universal harmony. Toward the latter half, the song highlights the protective, selfless bond between an elder brother and sister, comparing the brother's loving guardianship to Lord Krishna. The gentle rendition by P. B. Sreenivas and S. Janaki brings out both romantic warmth and affectionate filial devotion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme / Epistrophe)

Kaatru varum kaalam ondru / Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

The repetitive use of the word 'ondru' at the end of consecutive lines creates a poetic rhythm and emphasizes unity across natural occurrences.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Vaanil varum nilavu ondru / Adhu valarndhu varum sugamum ondru

The rising moon in the sky is used as a metaphor for the gradual growth of inner joy and love.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kann irandil kaatchi ondru / Kadavul avan aatchi ondru

Matching initial consonant sounds ('Ka') in 'Kann' and 'Kadavul' create rhythmic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

This track showcases an early collaboration involving veteran composer G. K. Venkatesh and lyricist Panchu Arunachalam. G. K. Venkatesh is historically prominent not only for his memorable classical compositions in Tamil and Kannada cinema, but also for having Maestro Ilaiyaraaja as his assistant and guitarist during this era.

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