- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- V. Kumar
- Movie name
- Nalla Penmani
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Jan 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Oru Naal Kettathu' is an intimate, joyful expression of romantic fulfillment by a woman who has finally reunited with her husband. She celebrates obtaining the love and passion she had been yearning for. The lyrics depict her joy as her husband tenderly embraces her and seals their intimacy, leaving her overwhelmed with ecstasy. The track touches upon themes of marital fidelity, karmic continuation ('vittakkurai thottakurai'), and shared secret moments between lovers. Lyricist Vaali uses elegant metaphors of night poetry and lip nectar, rendered with deep sensuality by P. Susheela under V. Kumar's melodious composition.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Mannan kai thottu thottu / Muthirai ittu ittu”
The repetition of 'thottu thottu' (touching repeatedly) and 'ittu ittu' (sealing repeatedly) highlights continuous tender affection.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Pitham konda pathiniyin... / Nitham adhu theligindra...”
The second letter 'th' rhymes between 'Pitham' and 'Nitham'.
Monai (First Letter Rhyme)
“Mannan kai thottu thottu / Muthirai ittu ittu”
The starting 'M' sound in 'Mannan' and 'Muthirai' creates a harmonious Monai.
Metaphor
“Idhazhin madhuvai allai kudithavan”
'Idhazhin madhu' compares the sweetness of a kiss/lips to nectar or honey.
Cultural/Philosophical Idiom
“Vittakkurai thottakurai thodarnthu”
'Vittakkurai thottakurai' refers to the Tamil cultural concept of karmic ties left unfinished in previous births continuing into the present life.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is composed by V. Kumar, a prominent music director in Tamil cinema during the 1960s and 1970s who was often referred to as 'Mellisai Maamani' for his simple yet haunting melodies. The rendition by P. Susheela is celebrated for capturing the delicate balance of sensuality and classical grace, enhanced by Vaali's evocative Tamil lyricism.
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