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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mannulagellam Ponnulagaga

From Uthama Puthiran – 1958 Film · 1958

Lyricist
Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
Singers
P. Susheela, Jikki
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Uthama Puthiran – 1958 Film1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mannulagellaam ponnulagaagaAs the entire earth turns into a golden world,
Maaridum vaelai maalaiyil leelaiIn the evening hours when playfulness abounds,
Female
Aa… aa…aa…aa….aa…aa….Ah… ah… ah… ah… ah… ah…
Sennira vaanam ponnoli thannaiBecause the crimson sky scatters its golden light,
Sindhuvadhaalae minnidum solaiThe grove sparkles and shines,
Female
Aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa…Ah… ah… ah… ah… ah… ah… ah… ah…
Mannulagellaam ponnulagaagaAs the entire earth turns into a golden world,
Maaridum vaelai maalaiyil leelaiIn the evening hours when playfulness abounds,
Female
Maanguyil un polae kilai maelaeLike you, the cuckoo bird on the mango branch,
Jodiyaai gaanam paadudhaeSings together as a pair,
Ullaasam thaedudhae ullaasam thaedudhaeSeeking joy, seeking joy,
Female
Poongodi than maelaeUpon the flowering creeper,
Thavazhndhodum thendralaalBy the breeze that gently crawls,
Thaaviyaadudhae thaen vandai thaedudhaeIt sways and leaps, searching for the honeybee,
Thaen vandai thaedudhaeSearching for the honeybee,
Female
Thaengiya neeroottrum ilangaattrumThe pooled spring water and the cool young breeze,
Eedilla inbam thaanadi thunbam yaedhadiProvide matchless pleasure, my dear; where is any sorrow?
Female
Mannulagellaam ponnulagaagaAs the entire earth turns into a golden world,
Maaridum vaelai maalaiyil leelaiIn the evening hours when playfulness abounds,
Female
Kaaranamillaamal alai polaeWithout any reason, like rising waves,
Nenjilae inbam meerudhaeHappiness overflows in the heart,
En ennam maarudhae en ennam maarudhaeMy thoughts are changing, my thoughts are changing,
Female
Kaarigai un vaazhvil ilam kaadhalOh maiden, young love in your life,
Thondridum kaalam thaanammaaThis is the time for it to dawn, my dear,
Idhil naanam yaenamma idhil naanam yaenammaWhy be shy about this? Why be shy about this?
Female
Kaanum idam ellaam ezhil veesumEvery place in sight radiates charm and beauty,
Kaatchiyaal inbam thaanadi kaeli yaenadiThis sight brings pure happiness, my dear; why mock it?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic duet from Uthama Puthiran celebrates the serene enchantment of the golden hour at twilight and the sweet awakening of young love. The lovers marvel at how the setting sun bathes the entire landscape in a warm golden glow, turning the earth into a magical realm. They observe nature—cuckoos singing in pairs on mango trees, flowering creepers dancing in the gentle breeze, and honeybees seeking nectar—and draw parallels to their own blossoming romantic feelings. Overwhelmed by a wave of inexplicable joy, they shed their shyness and embrace the beauty and happiness around them.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Simile)

Kaaranamillaamal alai polae / Nenjilae inbam meerudhae

Compares the sudden overflow of joy in the heart to the rising waves of the ocean using 'polae'.

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Sennira vaanam ponnoli thannai / Sindhuvadhaalae minnidum solai

The second consonant 'n' (ன/ந்) rhymes across lines, creating a rhythmic harmony in Tamil poetry.

Visual Imagery

Mannulagellaam ponnulagaaga Maaridum vaelai maalaiyil leelai

Paints a vivid picture of the red twilight sky transforming the earth into a glistening golden grove.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by G. Ramanathan and written by Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam, this iconic song from Uthama Puthiran (1958) features Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. The song is sung by T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela and remains one of the finest classical duet compositions depicting nature and romance in early Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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