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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
Movie name
Uthama Puthiran – 1958 Film
Movie release year
1958
Lyrics added on
12 Jun 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Mannulagellaam ponnulagaaga
Maaridum vaelai maalaiyil leelai
Aa… aa…aa…aa….aa…aa….
Sennira vaanam ponnoli thannai
Sindhuvadhaalae minnidum solai
Aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa…
Mannulagellaam ponnulagaaga
Maaridum vaelai maalaiyil leelai
Maanguyil un polae kilai maelae
Jodiyaai gaanam paadudhae
Ullaasam thaedudhae ullaasam thaedudhae
Poongodi than maelae
Thavazhndhodum thendralaal
Thaaviyaadudhae thaen vandai thaedudhae
Thaen vandai thaedudhae
Thaengiya neeroottrum ilangaattrum
Eedilla inbam thaanadi thunbam yaedhadi
Mannulagellaam ponnulagaaga
Maaridum vaelai maalaiyil leelai
Kaaranamillaamal alai polae
Nenjilae inbam meerudhae
En ennam maarudhae en ennam maarudhae
Kaarigai un vaazhvil ilam kaadhal
Thondridum kaalam thaanammaa
Idhil naanam yaenamma idhil naanam yaenamma
Kaanum idam ellaam ezhil veesum
Kaatchiyaal inbam thaanadi kaeli yaenadi
When the whole earth turns into a world of gold,
At this evening hour, magical moments unfold.
Aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa…
As the crimson sky showers its golden glow,
The lush garden sparkles and shines.
Aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa…
When the whole earth turns into a world of gold,
At this evening hour, magical moments unfold.
Just like you, the cuckoo perched on the branch
Sings sweet melodies with its mate,
Seeking pure joy, seeking pure joy.
As the gentle breeze glides softly
Over the flowering vine,
It sways and dances, searching for the honeybee,
Searching for the honeybee.
The calm spring waters and the cool breeze
Bring unmatched joy, my friend—how could there be any sorrow?
When the whole earth turns into a world of gold,
At this evening hour, magical moments unfold.
Without any reason, like rising waves,
Happiness overflows within my heart,
And my thoughts are changing, my thoughts are changing.
Pretty girl, the season for young love
Has finally arrived in your life,
Why be so shy about it? Why be so shy?
Everywhere I look, beauty fills the air,
This sight brings pure joy, my friend—why tease me so?
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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.

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