- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- A. M. Rajah, P. Susheela
- Music director
- A. M. Rajah
- Movie name
- Then Nilavu
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 22 May 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Nilavum malarum paaduthu' from Then Nilavu (1961) is a charming romantic duet that captures a playful and tender conversation between two lovers. Set against the romantic backdrop of nature where the moon and flowers seem to sing and breezes blow, the song reflects the heady, dreamy state of being deeply in love. The lovers engage in a poetic dialogue questioning whether love built on smiles can withstand obstacles, including parental disapproval.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification
“Nilavum malarum paaduthu”
The moon (Nilavu) and the flower (Malar) are given human qualities of singing.
Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Nilai mayangi mayangi”
The repetition of 'mayangi' highlights the deep intensity of being intoxicated with love.
Metaphor
“Kanai thoduthu thoduthu Mirattum kannaal”
Glances from the eyes are metaphorically compared to sharp arrows ('kanai') shot from a bow.
Iyaipu (Rhyming ends)
“Nilaiththu vaazhumaa / tholvi kaanumaa”
The lines end with matching rhyming sounds ('vaazhumaa' and 'kaanumaa').
Did you know?
Trivia
Then Nilavu (1961), directed by C. V. Sridhar and starring Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala, was one of the earliest Tamil feature films to be shot extensively on location in Jammu & Kashmir. The memorable soundtrack was composed by singer-music director A. M. Rajah, who also rendered the male vocal tracks alongside P. Susheela.
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