- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- K. S. Chithra, Chorus
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Paadu Nilave
- Movie release year
- 1987
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Dec 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Kuththammaa Nellu Kuththu' is a lively and playful folk-style banter song from the 1987 movie Paadu Nilave, composed by S. A. Rajkumar and written by Vaali. Set against the backdrop of traditional paddy pounding, the song captures a humorous verbal duel between the male and female leads, accompanied by a chorus that teasingly takes sides. The male protagonist boasts about his musical desires and rustic folk melodies, while the female lead playfully mocks his singing ability, comparing his voice to an owl's hoot and contrasting wild rivers with the sacred Cauvery. Through witty folk metaphors and rhythmic banter, Vaali brings out the charm of rural Tamil performing traditions where song, work, and playful rivalry intertwine seamlessy. The song serves as a lighthearted musical exchange that highlights both rural camaraderie and affectionate teasing.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kuththammaa nellu kuththu / Suththammaa poova chuththu”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across lines ('Kuththammaa' and 'Suththammaa').
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Kuththammaa nellu kuththu / Thenmaangu solli kuththu”
Rhyming of the second letter across paired lines ('Kuththammaa' and 'Thenmaangu').
Uvamai (Simile / Metaphor)
“Pallai ilikkum thennaali raaman thaan”
Comparing the male lead's grinning expression to the witty jester Tenali Raman.
Uvamai (Simile)
“Kathaazhaithaan sevvaazhai pol / Kaattaarathaan kaaveri pol”
Comparing aloe vera to red banana flowers and a wild stream to the river Cauvery to emphasize disparity in skill.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Paadu Nilave' (1987) marked the debut of S. A. Rajkumar as a film composer, introducing a fresh folk-pop hybrid sound to Tamil cinema. The lyricist Vaali brilliantly integrated traditional village folk-work rhythm ('Nellu Kuththu' or paddy pounding rhythm) with comical wordplay.
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