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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannukkul Minnal

From Genova · 1953

Lyricist
Suratha
Singers
A. M. Rajah, P. Leela
Music directors
M. S. Vishwanathan, M. S. Gnanamani, T. A. Kalyanam
Details
Genova1953

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kannukkul minnal kaattumShowing lightning inside the eyes,
Deiva kadhal jothiyaeO divine flame of love!
Kannukkul minnal kaattumShowing lightning inside the eyes,
Deiva kadhal jothiyaeO divine flame of love!
Male
Silaipola mounam neeyaeYou maintain a statue-like silence,
Silaipola mounam neeyaeYou maintain a statue-like silence,
Seivathaeno maanaeWhy do you do this, my dear one?
Jodiyaaga paaduvomaeLet us sing together as a pair,
Vaasa roja vaa vaaCome, fragrant rose, come, come!
Jodiyaaga paaduvomaeLet us sing together as a pair,
Vaasa roja vaa vaaCome, fragrant rose, come, come!
Male
Kannukkul minnal kaattumShowing lightning inside the eyes,
Deiva kadhal jothiyaeO divine flame of love!
Kannukkul minnal kaattumShowing lightning inside the eyes,
Deiva kadhal jothiyaeO divine flame of love!
Female
Nilaavi naam ulaavidum neramaeAt this time when we stroll in the moonlight,
Karai thaavum alaipolae hae…hae….Like waves leaping onto the shore, hae... hae...
Enai konjavae vantha thootharaeO messenger who came to fondle me,
Female
Kannaadiyaal oviyam thanaiyae hae haeEven if a painting is covered by glass, hae hae,
Maraiththaal theriyaatho…oo…oo…Will it not still be visible if hidden?
Naanarivaenae ungalI know your nature,
Jaalam pothum pothumaeEnough, enough of your playful magic!
Naanarivaenae ungalI know your nature,
Jaalam pothum pothumaeEnough, enough of your playful magic!
Female
Thiththikkum inbamae hae…hae…O sweet delight, hae... hae...
Vendi vanthaenae haeI came seeking and longing for you, hae!
Thaamathamaeno thangaWhy this delay, my golden...
Padhumaiyae enai neeyae...doll? Is it fair for you...
Thavikka viduvathu thagumo...to leave me yearning in distress?
Male
Ponvandu poovai thedi vanthaalWhen a golden beetle comes seeking a flower,
Kelvi ketpathoIs it right to question it?
Ponvandu poovai thedi vanthaalWhen a golden beetle comes seeking a flower,
Kelvi ketpathoIs it right to question it?
Male
Maanin paarvai pesuthaeThe deer-like gaze speaks,
Female :Idhazhil oliyai veesuthaeFemale: Light radiates from the lips,
Male :Maanin paarvai pesuthaeMale: The deer-like gaze speaks,
Female :Idhazhil oliyai veesuthaeFemale: Light radiates from the lips,
Male
Vanna poovin roopamaeForm of a colorful flower,
Female :Vaana chanthira deepamaeFemale: O moonlamp of the sky!
Male :Vanna poovin roopamaeMale: Form of a colorful flower,
Female :Vaana chanthira deepamaeFemale: O moonlamp of the sky!
Male :NaathamaeMale: O resonant sound!
Female :GeethamaeFemale: O divine song!
Male :NaathamaeMale: O resonant sound!
Female :GeethamaeFemale: O divine song!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic duet from 'Genova' (1953) portrays a romantic conversation between two lovers under the moonlit sky. The male protagonist compares his beloved to a divine light, a fragrant rose, and a golden doll, gently coaxing her out of her quiet bashfulness so they can sing and rejoice together. The female lover playfully responds, acknowledging his loving advances while teasing him about his charm and magical words. Through metaphors of nature—waves leaping to the shore, golden beetles seeking flowers, and moonlight filling the night—the song captures the joy, playful bantering, and deep romantic connection between the pair.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile / Metaphor)

Silaipola mounam neeyae

Comparing the heroine's silence to a lifeless, still statue ('Silaipola mounam').

Uruvagamy (Metaphor)

Kannukkul minnal kaattum / Deiva kadhal jothiyae

Comparing love to a divine glowing light ('Deiva kadhal jothiyae') and eyes emitting sparks like lightning ('Kannukkul minnal').

Uruvagamy (Metaphor)

Ponvandu poovai thedi vanthaal

Describing the lover as a golden beetle ('Ponvandu') seeking the beloved flower ('Poovai').

Anuprasa (Alliteration)

Ponvandu poovai thedi vanthaal

Repetition of the soft 'p' sound in 'Ponvandu poovai'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Genova (1953) marked the debut film of M. S. Viswanathan (as part of the music team with M. S. Gnanamani and T. A. Kalyanam) prior to his legendary duo partnership with T. K. Ramamoorthy. The film was a trilingual release starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and B. S. Saroja.

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