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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mappillaikku

From Netrikkan · 1981

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, P. Susheela
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Netrikkan1981

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaaa….aaa….aaa….aaa….Aaaa....aaa....aaa....aaa....
Female
Maappillaikku maaman manasuThe groom has the heart of a maternal uncle,
Maamanukko kaaman manasuWhile the uncle has the lustful heart of Kama (Cupid),
Maappillaikku maaman manasuThe groom has the heart of a maternal uncle,
Maamanukko kaaman manasuWhile the uncle has the lustful heart of Kama (Cupid),
Puthiya oru jodi porutham pala kodiA newly formed pair with millions of suitable matches,
Puthiya oru jodi porutham pala kodiA newly formed pair with millions of suitable matches,
Paruva vayadhu kadandha piragum thudikkiraBeating passionately even after crossing the age of youth,
Female
Maappillaikku maaman manasuThe groom has the heart of a maternal uncle,
Maamanukko kaaman manasuWhile the uncle has the lustful heart of Kama (Cupid),
Female
Nadandha varai vayasukku poruthamillaiWhat has happened so far lacks appropriateness of age,
Nadakkum kadhai manasukku amaidhiyillaiThe ongoing story brings no peace to the mind,
Nadandha varai vayasukku poruthamillaiWhat has happened so far lacks appropriateness of age,
Nadakkum kadhai manasukku amaidhiyillaiThe ongoing story brings no peace to the mind,
Male
Vithaitha vidhai mulaithadhu maaravillaiThe seed that was sown and sprouted has not changed,
Aaaa….aaa…aaa….aaa….aaa…aaa…aaa…aaa…Aaaa....aaa...aaa....aaa....aaa...aaa...aaa...aaa…
Vithaitha vidhai mulaithadhu maaravillaiThe seed that was sown and sprouted has not changed,
Vithaithu vittu thudippadhil laabam illaiThere is no point in grieving after having sown the seed,
Thasarathaa… purinthatha…Oh Dasaratha... did you understand?
Harikathaa therinthathaa…Do you know the story of Harikatha?
Enakkum unakkum purintha varaiyil puriyattumLet it be understood as far as you and I can grasp it,
Female
Maappillaikku maaman manasuThe groom has the heart of a maternal uncle,
Maamanukko kaaman manasuWhile the uncle has the lustful heart of Kama (Cupid),
Male
…………………………...
Female
Katravargal ezudhiya kavidhaiyilumEven in poetry composed by the well-educated,
Matravargal kuraigalai kaanbadhunduOthers tend to find faults,
Katravargal ezudhiya kavidhaiyilumEven in poetry composed by the well-educated,
Matravargal kuraigalai kaanbadhunduOthers tend to find faults,
Male
Kutram ena sonnadhu sonnadhudhaanWhat was declared a fault remains a fault,
Netrik kannith thirandhavan kandadhudhaanIt was witnessed by the one who opened his third eye,
Sivanidam thunindhavan evanidam anjuvaanOne who dared to stand up to Lord Shiva, whom will he fear?
Ulagam muzudhum arindha kadhaikku vilakkamaaDoes a story known to the entire world need an explanation?
Female
Maappillaikku maaman manasuThe groom has the heart of a maternal uncle,
Maamanukko kaaman manasuWhile the uncle has the lustful heart of Kama (Cupid),
Both :Puthiya oru jodi porutham pala kodiBoth: A newly formed pair with millions of suitable matches,
Paruva vayadhu kadandha piragum thudikkiraBeating passionately even after crossing the age of youth,
Maappillaikku maaman manasuThe groom has the heart of a maternal uncle,
Maamanukko kaaman manasuWhile the uncle has the lustful heart of Kama (Cupid).

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie Netrikkan serves as a witty, satirical exchange that highlights the contrast between youth and age, morality, and desire. Through playful yet sharp lyrical banter, the characters debate human flaws, aging desires, and responsibility, making references to epic tales and philosophical concepts.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Maappillaikku / Maamanukko

The second consonant sound matches between adjacent lines, creating rhythmic harmony.

Mythological Allusion

Netrik kannith thirandhavan kandadhudhaan / Sivanidam thunindhavan evanidam anjuvaan

References to Lord Shiva opening his third eye ('Netrik kan') and the poet Nakkeerar's boldness, as well as King Dasaratha.

Wordplay / Contrast

Maappillaikku maaman manasu / Maamanukko kaaman manasu

Contrasting 'Maaman' (maternal uncle/elder) with 'Kaaman' (Lord of desire/Cupid) to highlight late-life romantic desires.

Did you know?

Trivia

Netrikkan (1981) was directed by S. P. Muthuraman and stars Rajinikanth in a memorable dual role as a womanizing middle-aged father and his righteous son. The film's soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with memorable lyrics penned by Kannadasan.

Keep listening

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