- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- P. Susheela, P. B. Sreenivas
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Kalaikoil
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Jan 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Naan Unnai Serndha Selvam' from the 1964 film Kalaikoil is a timeless romantic duet written by Kannadasan and set to music by the legendary duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy. The song portrays two lovers expressing their deep emotional and spiritual devotion to each other. They view their mutual love as a temple of art where their eyes serve as the entrance and their inner desires chime like temple bells. The female protagonist is beautifully described as embodying the devotion of Seetha, Radha, and Kodhai (Andal) all in one. Through poetic metaphors of music, touch, and divine adoration, the song captures the essence of youthful romance blossoming into eternal companionship.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamai / Metaphor
“Nam kaadhal ullam kalaikoyil / Iru kangal koyilukku vaasal”
Comparing the loving heart to a temple of art ('kalaikoyil') and the eyes to the temple entrance ('koyilukku vaasal').
Allusion / Pura Sanrugal
“Sreeraman nenjil nindra seethai / Malar kannan thedi konda raadhai / Manam urughi soosdi konda kodhai”
Referencing mythological and devotional figures like Sita, Radha, and Kodhai (Andal) to elevate the heroine's romantic devotion.
Eukai / Rhyme & Alliteration
“Un viralgal en azhgai meetum / Un vizhigal en uyirai vaattum”
Use of internal rhyme (Ethukai / Munaip) with 'viralgal', 'vizhigal', and 'kuralum' emphasizing the musical cadence.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kalaikoil (1964) was directed by C. V. Sridhar and featured music composed by Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy. The song 'Naan Unnai Serndha Selvam' remains one of the finest classical-based romantic duets in Tamil cinema history, celebrated for Kannadasan's sublime blend of devotional iconography and romantic poetry.
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