- Lyricist
- Uma Devi
- Singers
- Ananthu, Pradeep, Swetha Mohan
- Music director
- Santhosh Narayanan
- Movie name
- Kabali
- Movie release year
- 2016
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Nov 2016
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Maaya Nadhi is a deeply moving romantic ballad from Kabali that captures the emotional reunion of an elderly couple after decades of painful separation. It depicts the overwhelming surge of joy, relief, and vulnerability when two soulmates discover that their bond has survived time, distance, and suffering. Despite aging and gray hair, their love blossoms with unyielding strength, proving that true affection remains eternal. The lyrics beautifully juxtapose the protagonist's worldly power as a feared leader against his utter helplessness in the face of time and lost love. Reuniting with his wife restores his purpose and emotional vitality, allowing years of suppressed grief to wash away like a river overflowing its banks.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Maaya nathi indru maarbil vazhiyuthe”
'Maaya nathi' (Mystical River) represents the sudden, overwhelming surge of emotions flooding the protagonist's chest upon reunion.
Personification & Metaphor
“Kalam ennum veeranidam en kodiyai naan ezhanthen”
'Kalam ennum veeran' personifies Time as an invincible warrior to whom even a powerful ruler must surrender his flag.
Simile (Uwamai)
“Neer vazhiyae meengalai pol”
'Neer vazhiyae meengalai pol' compares the loss of loved ones to fish being helplessly swept away along a water current.
Simile (Uwamai)
“Manal orrum mazhaiyaai madi methu vizhava vaa”
'Manal orrum mazhaiyaai' compares resting on the loved one's lap to rain soaking seamlessly into dry sand.
Visual Imagery
“Thooya naraiyilum kadhal malaruthe”
'Thooya naraiyilum kadhal malaruthe' creates a poignant visual contrast between white/gray hair of old age and the fresh blossoming of youthful love.
Did you know?
Trivia
Penned by lyricist K. Uma Devi, 'Maaya Nadhi' received widespread critical acclaim for its poetic depth and sensitive portrayal of romance in late adulthood. Uma Devi became one of the prominent female voices in contemporary Tamil lyric writing through this iconic soundtrack composed by Santhosh Narayanan.
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