- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Vani Jairam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Vaazhnthu Kattukiren
- Movie release year
- 1975
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Aug 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from the film 'Vaazhnthu Kattukiren' uses the ancient Tamil epic 'Silappatikaram' as a powerful allegory for modern relationship struggles. Lyricist Kannadasan draws parallels between the narrative of Kovalan, Kannagi, and Madhavi in the coastal city of Poompuhar (Kaveri Poompattinam) and the theatrical, fleeting nature of human relationships. The song contrasts the burning intensity of duty with the soothing comfort of true affection, ultimately portraying life as a stage performance where roles dissolve once the curtain falls.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Allegory (Uvamanam)
“Kannagi vaazhavanthaal adhaiyum Madhavi kaana vanthaal”
The lyrics draw extensive parallels to the classical epic Silappatikaram, invoking characters Kannagi and Madhavi to describe the protagonist's emotional turmoil.
Simile (Upamai)
“Maalai aninthavar sooriyan polae ... venmathi polae”
Compares the husband to the harsh, burning sun and the lady to the gentle, soothing full moon.
Etukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Thiruvum manamum saernthathuthaanae / Thirumanam endruraippaar”
Classical Tamil poetic tradition where the second letter of consecutive lines rhymes (Thiruvum / Thirumanam).
Metaphor (Uruvakam)
“Antha naadagam mudinthu thiraiyum vizhunthaal / Iruvarum pirivathundu”
Life and marriage are metaphorically presented as an onstage play where actors part ways after the curtain drops.
Did you know?
Trivia
Lyricist Kannadasan frequently wove classical Sangam and post-Sangam literature into contemporary film songs. By linking the movie's plot to 'Silappatikaram', he elevated a modern marital drama into a literary narrative. The song was set to a mesmerizing melody by M. S. Viswanathan and rendered with exceptional classical control by Vani Jairam.
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