- Lyricist
- K. D. Santhanam
- Singer
- Banumathy
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Ambikapathy (Old)
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Feb 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Kannilae Iruppadhenna is a charming romantic song from the 1957 Tamil historical film Ambikapathy, featuring Sivaji Ganesan and P. Bhanumathi. Composed by G. Ramanathan with lyrics by K. D. Santhanam, the song features the male protagonist admiring his beloved's beauty using classical Sangam-style imagery and playful praise.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vanna mugha vennilavil”
Comparing the heroine's face to a full moon ('Vennilav') and her teeth to jasmine buds ('Mullai').
Refrain (Anaphora / Madakku)
“Kanni ilamaanae”
The term 'Kanni ilamaanae' (young doe-like maiden) is repeated consistently at the end of every alternate line as a rhythmic call and refrain.
Hyperbole (Ushaiyokthi)
“Kaalayarai kattudharkko”
Exaggerating her dark long hair as ropes meant to tie up and capture young men.
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Trivia
The 1957 film Ambikapathy was a major hit retelling the legendary romance of medieval Tamil poet Kambar's son Ambikapathy and Princess Amaravathi. The song is celebrated for its traditional Tamil poetic tropes and melody set by legendary composer G. Ramanathan.
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