- Lyricist
- Piraisoodan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Vellaiya Thevan
- Movie release year
- 1990
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Mar 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Nalla Isai Thattu' from the 1990 movie Vellaiya Thevan is an alluring and playful romantic song sung by S. Janaki and composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The heroine uses vivid musical imagery—comparing herself and her yearning to a fresh vinyl record and a captivating rhythm—to invite her lover to embrace romance without hesitation or thriftiness. Throughout the track, the lyrics utilize sensory metaphors such as a sealed honey pot, ripe mangoes, midnight rooster calls, and rhythmic breathing to express deep intimacy and affectionate longing, urging the lover to break his silence and unite with her.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Moodi vaiththa thaen kudamthaan”
Compares her alluring self and love to a sealed pot of sweet honey ('Moodi vaiththa thaen kudam') waiting to be savored.
Extended Metaphor
“Haei nalla isai thattu puththam pudhu mettu”
Uses musical components ('isai thattu', 'mettu', 'thaalam') as a metaphor for love, bodily rhythm, and romance.
Simile (Uvamai)
“Neththi pottu pola ennai”
Compares her desired closeness to being placed prominently and sacredly like a vermilion bindi ('neththi pottu') on the forehead.
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Sikki konda ilasu sikkanamum edhukku”
Matching second consonants across successive words creating rhythmic harmony ('Sikki' / 'Sikkanamum').
Did you know?
Trivia
Vellaiya Thevan (1990) stars Ramki and Kanaka. The song features expressive vocal nuances by legendary playback singer S. Janaki, whose playful dynamics match Ilaiyaraaja's vibrant folk-pop orchestrations.
Keep listening
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