- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- P. Leela
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Rani Lalithangi
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Nov 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from the 1957 Tamil film 'Rani Lalithangi' directly challenges the traditional patriarchal proverb 'Kallanaalum kanavan, pullanaalum purushan' (A husband must be accepted even if he is as emotionless as a stone or as insignificant as grass). The protagonist questions whether women should blindly submit to marital slavery in the name of duty, arguing that a true marriage requires intellectual and emotional compatibility rather than blind obedience.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uwamai)
“Malarum manamum polae”
Compares an ideal couple to a flower and its natural fragrance, emphasizing harmony and mutual fitting.
Contrast / Antithesis
“Malaiyum maduvum aanaal”
Contrasts a towering mountain with a deep ditch to describe an extreme mismatch between two partners.
Metaphor / Simile
“Kiliyai pondra azhagai”
Compares feminine youthful beauty to a bright, graceful parrot.
Rhetorical Questioning
“Penn kadamaiyin peraalae / Naam adimai paduvathaa”
Uses probing questions to challenge societal expectations of female subservience in marriage.
Alliteration & Rhyme (Emonai)
“Kal endraalum kanavanaa / Pullendraalum purushanaa”
Employs repeating consonant patterns (Kal/Pull) to critique traditional adages rhythmically.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics directly subvert an ancient Tamil proverb traditionally used to preach unconditional marital endurance to women. Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass turned it into a powerful feminist statement, set to music by G. Ramanathan and sung by P. Leela.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Rani Lalithangi
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.