- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- P. Jayachandran, Chinmayi
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Kannathil Muthamittal
- Movie release year
- 2002
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from Mani Ratnam's acclaimed film 'Kannathil Muthamittal' captures the bittersweet essence of adoptive parenthood. The lyrics address a young adopted child, Amudha, who is seeking her biological roots. The speaker affectionally addresses the child as 'thaaiyae' (little mother), marveling at how she brought complete meaning, joy, and emotional complexity to their lives.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Oru deivam thantha poovae … ae”
Comparing the child to a god-given flower ('poovae') and the breath of life ('Swasamaaga').
Simile
“Kaatrai polae nee vanthaayae”
Comparing the sudden and subtle arrival of the child in their lives to the wind ('Kaatrai polae').
Paradox / Antithesis
“Enathu selvam nee … / Enathu varumai nee …”
Juxtaposing opposing concepts like wealth ('selvam') and poverty ('varumai'), or a perfect poem ('kavithai') and a written error ('pizhai'), to highlight the complex emotional nature of adoptive love.
Onomatopoeia
“Nenjil jil jil jil jil”
Use of rhythmic sensory sound-words like 'jil jil' (coolness/delight) and 'dhil dhil' (heartbeat/courage).
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Vairamuthu, this song won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics. It also marked the sensational playback singing debut of Chinmayi Sripaada, who sang the female version of the track.
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