- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Ponnunjal
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Dec 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from 'Ponnunjal' expresses the heroine's eager anticipation for her upcoming marriage. Addressing natural elements like parrots, clouds, lotus flowers, and beetles, she requests them to act as messengers (Thoodhu) to convey her deep love and desire for an early wedding to her beloved. Through rich metaphors of betel leaf and betel nut, turmeric, and honey-filled blossoms, lyricist Kannadasan vividly depicts traditional Tamil bridal shyness mixed with joyful longing for romance and marital union.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Thoodhu (Personification / Messenger Device)
“Thulli varum muthu killaigalae”
Addressing inanimate elements and birds like parrots ('muthu killaigalae') and clouds ('megangal') to carry romantic messages to the lover.
Upamai (Simile)
“Pachai vanna vettrilai pol”
Comparing the heroine's fluttering feelings and green attire to a green betel leaf ('Pachai vanna vettrilai pol').
Emon / Monai (Alliteration & Rhyme)
“Vellam odattum pennidam koorattum”
Harmonious initial letter rhyming in 'Vellam' and 'Ullam' across lines 20 and 21.
Uruvagam (Imagery & Metaphor)
“Thanga meengalae thaamarai poovilae”
Visual imagery of golden fish in a lotus pond, symbolizing romantic abundance and beauty.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Ponnunjal' (1973) stars Sivaji Ganesan and Usha Nandini. The soundtrack was composed by the legendary duo M. S. Viswanathan - T. K. Ramamoorthy (MSV), featuring lyrics by Kannadasan. This popular track 'Nalla Kaariyam' was sung by T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela.
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