- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Indian
- Movie release year
- 1996
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Jul 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply romantic duet depicting the anguish of separation and the comforting promise of reunion between lovers. Through evocative imagery of nature—drizzling rain, gentle breezes, and mirages—the lyrics capture the pain of longing where days feel like sleeping on thorns or chasing false hope. The protagonists express their desire to overcome this emotional distance and become an inseparable part of each other's existence, promising lifelong protection, togetherness, and complete devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Thinam naanthaan en anbae / Mullil paduthen”
Describing painful emotional longing as 'sleeping on thorns' (Mullil paduthen) and 'drinking a mirage' (Kaanal neerai kudiththen) vividly illustrates desperate, unfulfilled yearning.
Simile (Uvamai)
“Unthan kaalil metti pol / Kooda nadappen”
Comparing closeness to a toe-ring (metti) on the foot that travels along everywhere, symbolizing perpetual companionship.
Personification
“Unnaiyae unnaiyae naan enni / Venthathai sonnathaa poongaattru”
Attributing human actions to the southern breeze (thendral) and sweet wind (poongaattru) as messengers delivering love and heartaches.
Second-Letter Rhyme (Ethirai)
“Annamae annamae naan solli / Unnaiyae unnaiyae naan enni”
Rhyming of the second letter 'n' in consecutive lines ('Annamae' and 'Unnaiyae') creates classical Tamil phonetic rhythm.
Did you know?
Trivia
Featured in the iconic 1996 blockbuster film 'Indian', directed by Shankar and starring Kamal Haasan. The film's soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics penned by legendary poet Vaali, showcasing a seamless blend of traditional Tamil poetic tropes with modern musical arrangements.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Indian
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.