- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Pen Jenmam
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Nov 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a lively and romantic rural folk duet from the film 'Pen Jenmam' (1977), written by lyricist Vaali. The heroine expresses her sweet torment and week-long longing for her beloved cousin (mama). She uses vivid imagery of the lush countryside—swaying paddy saplings and gentle breezes—to describe how feelings and desires are blooming and dancing in her heart.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Kazhani mettil naaththaaduthu / Naathu mela kaaththaduthu”
The line endings use repeating rhythmic suffixes 'naaththaaduthu', 'kaaththaduthu', and 'koththaadudhu' to create a catchy musical cadence.
Uvamai (Metaphor)
“Ottu potta maambalamae / Oththakallu mookuthiyae”
The male character affectionately compares his lover to a sweet 'grafted mango' (Ottu potta maambalamae) and a decorative mango leaf swaying at the door of his heart.
Ethukai (Second-letter Agreement)
“Ottu potta maambalamae / Oththakallu mookuthiyae”
The second consonant sound matches across lines, such as 'Ottu' and 'Oththa', adding melodic consistency characteristic of Tamil lyrics.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pen Jenmam (1977) features classic rural Tamil romantic poetry by Vaali, who frequently utilized authentic village metaphors like 'naathu' (crops) and 'maavilai' (mango leaf decorations) to express romantic intimate emotions in Tamil cinema.
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