- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- Shakthisree Gopalan, Lady Kash
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Chekka Chivantha Vaanam
- Movie release year
- 2018
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Aug 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Kalavaani' depicts a playful yet intense game of romantic cat-and-mouse. The protagonist addresses her elusive lover as a clever thief ('kalavaani') who stealthily steals her heart and soul—like someone stealing eyelashes from open eyes without being noticed. He is described as a force of nature, comparable to a whirlwind that cannot be trapped between ten fingers or a slithering snake navigating its own path. Despite the teasing game of chasing and slipping away, the lyrics express deep admiration and submission toward the lover, calling him a 'beautiful hero' ('azhagiya maara'). The song masterfully captures the thrill of love, fascination, and the irrepressible attraction between two individuals who constantly evade and draw near to one another.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Nee…vanthu sendranai / Enai…kandu sendranai / Uyir…vendru sendranai”
Repetition of the ending verb sound 'sendranai' across consecutive lines creates rhythmic flow and harmony.
Adukkuthodar (Reduplication)
“Pidi pidi pidiyena thorathura / Naan vidu vidu viduvena parakkuren”
Repetition of words like 'pidi', 'vidu', 'iru', and 'vazhu' for dramatic rhythm and emphasis on motion.
Atishayokthi (Hyperbole / Metaphor)
“Thirantha kannilae imaiyai thirudum chella kalavaani”
Stealing eyelashes from open eyes exaggerates extreme cunningness and stealthy charm.
Uvamai (Metaphor / Imagery)
“Sutri sutri varum soorakaathu verum paththu viralukidaiyil sikkathu”
Comparing the elusive lover to a whirlwind that cannot be held in hands and a slithering snake.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kalavaani' is featured in Mani Ratnam's 2018 action drama film 'Chekka Chivantha Vaanam'. Composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Vairamuthu, the track uniquely fuses modern electronic dance grooves with traditional Tamil folk vocals performed by Sunitha Sarathy, Senthil Ganesh, and Rajakumari.
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