- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. Janaki, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Mouna Ragam
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Apr 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Pani Vizhum Iravu from Mouna Ragam (1986) is a poetic duet expressing intimate longing, romantic desire, and the burden of loneliness. Set in a misty, tranquil night where nature—from the drenched moon to the sleepless breeze—mirrors human passion, the song illustrates how separation turns soft comfort into painful sorrow. The lovers reflect on how solitude is meaningless and how their souls must unite, just as water naturally nourishes the root of a tree. Through evocative imagery, the track highlights the transition from restless isolation to the welcoming of sweet togetherness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification
“Poongaatrum thoongaadhu”
The gentle breeze is personified as being awake and unable to sleep ('Poongaatrum thoongaadhu').
Metaphor
“Male :Poovizhi imai moodaamal”
Eyes are poetically compared to delicate flower blossoms ('Poovizhi').
Antithesis / Contrast
“Thanimaiyae po… Inimaiyae vaa..”
Contrasting solitude (Thanimai) and sweetness (Inimai) to emphasize emotional desire.
Paradox / Oxymoron
“Aasai kollaamal kollum”
Desire is described as killing without physically taking a life ('kollaamal kollum').
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali, 'Pani Vizhum Iravu' was rendered by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki. Set primarily in Raga Natabhairavi, the track highlights director Mani Ratnam's signature atmospheric night aesthetic in Mouna Ragam.
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