- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Uyire
- Movie release year
- 1998
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Nenjinilae from the movie Uyire captures the delicate emotions, bashful anticipation, and deep romantic yearning of a young woman on the brink of marital intimacy. The song uses poetic imagery to contrast the traditional accoutrements of a bride—turmeric, vermilion, silk sarees, and flowers—with their sensual, playful surrender during moments of private affection with her beloved.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Nenjinilae nenjinilae oonjalae”
Compares the fluttering emotional excitement within the heart to a swaying swing (oonjal).
Visual Imagery
“Sivanthadhae en manjalae”
Evokes a striking image of blushing shyness where the yellow turmeric on the face turns red with heat and passion.
Hyperbole & Personification
“Vaannila naanumae mugilizhuthu kan moodumae”
Compares her eyes closing in intimacy to the moon pulling clouds like a veil to hide itself.
Rhetorical Questioning (Vinaa Aani) & Paradox
“Dheepangal anaipathae Pudhiya porul naam theda thaan”
Uses a series of romantic questions to explain that bridal adornments exist to be playfully undone in love, and extinguishing light allows one to discover new light.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by A.R. Rahman for Mani Ratnam's 1998 film Uyire (the Tamil release of Dil Se..), this song was rendered by legendary singer S. Janaki alongside Suresh Peters, with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu. Its Hindi original 'Jiya Jale' was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. The track famously blends traditional Kerala folk vocal patterns (malamalapa) with modern orchestral arrangements.
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