- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Vani Jairam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Lalitha
- Movie release year
- 1976
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Oct 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Kalyaanamae Oru Pennoduthaan from the 1976 Tamil film Lalitha is a expressive track composed by M. S. Viswanathan, written by Kannadasan, and sung by Vani Jairam. The song serves as a passionate and firm assertion by a wife regarding the sacred, monogamous nature of marriage, affirming that her husband's life is inextricably linked to hers regardless of societal gossip or external interference. Through rich literary references to Tamil love traditions (such as oodal and koodal), Kannadasan illustrates the depth of marital bond and intimate affection, contrasting societal perceptions of grief with the deep joy of marital fulfillment in the bedchamber.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Pun / Double Entendre (Punaas)
“Palli paadam thaayodu mudiyum Palli mudiyaathandro”
Kannadasan cleverly plays on the homonym 'Palli', referring both to school ('palli-koodam') where motherly guidance ends and to the bedchamber ('palli-yarai') where lifelong intimacy begins.
Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)
“Oodal konjam naduvil vanthaal koodal sugamaavathu”
Rhyming of the second consonant in Tamil poetry, seen between 'Oodal' (lovers' tiff) and 'Koodal' (reunion).
Paradox / Contrast (Muran)
“Manjal ponaal thilagam kalainthaal... Palliyaraiyil irandum kalainthaal Paavai vaazhntaal enbaar”
The lyricist contrasts how losing turmeric and thilagam outside signifies tragedy, whereas their dishevelment inside the nuptial chamber signifies a fulfilled, vibrant life.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song features classic Kannadasan wordplay on the word 'Palli', distinguishing academic learning from marital intimacy. Rendered by Vani Jairam for music director M. S. Viswanathan, the track remains a celebrated example of philosophical yet romantic Tamil film lyricism from the 1970s.
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