- Lyricist
- Namakkal R. Balu
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Kadavulin Kuzhandhai
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Dec 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song expresses the tender longing and emotional plea of a lover addressing her beloved Krishna. She questions his apparent coldness and indifference, asking whether his heart has turned to stone while she continuously pine for his affection. She appeals to his compassion, inviting him to listen to her song of devotion and love. Through beautiful imagery of nature—comparing herself to a breeze seeking a flower, and their bond to harmony and sweetness—she urges him to cast aside his needless anger. She believes that a single loving glance from him can dispel all sorrow, pleading for reconciliation and a lasting reunion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Kannaa manam kallo”
The lover compares her beloved's heart to stone ('manam kallo') to highlight his indifference, and compares herself to a wind seeking a flower ('Malarai naadi varum maarutham naanae').
Simile (Uwamai)
“Paruva kaattriloru pambaram polae”
The line 'Paruva kaattriloru pambaram polae' uses 'pambaram polae' (like a spinning top) as a explicit simile to describe how her emotions are tossed around in the seasonal wind.
Alliteration & Rhyme (Egal / Monai)
“Kanivudane kadhal geedham kelaayo”
The repetition of the initial consonant sounds and end-rhymes across lines like 'Kannaa', 'Kanivudane', and 'Kannodu' adds a rhythmic and melodic quality to the lyrical flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by legendary music director G. Ramanathan, 'Kannaa manam kallo' features the iconic vocals of P. Susheela. The film 'Kadavulin Kuzhandhai' (1960) showcases classical Karnatic-influenced orchestration that was characteristic of G. Ramanathan's golden era of Tamil film music.
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