- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Music director
- P. Aadhinarayana Rao
- Movie name
- Manalane Mangaiyin Bakkiam
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Sept 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Mannathi Mannarum is a celebrated dance song from the 1957 Tamil film Manalane Mangaiyin Bakkiam, composed by P. Adinarayana Rao and written by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass. Sung with classical precision by P. Leela along with a chorus, the song celebrates the enchanting power and supreme charm of femininity. It proclaims that even mighty rulers and formidable armies surrender effortlessly to a woman's subtle, captivating gaze.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“En munnae pandhaaga aadidumae”
Compares a mighty army to a harmless, bouncing ball playing before a woman, emphasizing feminine charm over brute military power.
Edukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Mannathi mannarum kannalae pesi / Thannalae yengiduvaar nam valaiyil”
The second letter 'nna' rhymes across consecutive lines (Mannathi / Thannalae), providing a melodious flow to the Tamil verse.
Monai (First Letter Alliteration)
“Mannathi mannarum kannalae pesi”
Repetition of the initial letter 'Ma' in 'Mannathi mannarum' creates rhythmic harmony in opening the phrase.
Did you know?
Trivia
This film was made simultaneously in Telugu as 'Suvarna Sundari' (1957) with the same musical score by P. Adinarayana Rao. The Telugu counterpart 'Hayi Hayiga Aamani Sagagane' was equally iconic. The graceful dance picturization featuring Anjali Devi remains one of the finest classic dance sequences in South Indian cinema.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Manalane Mangaiyin Bakkiam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.