- Lyricist
- Kambadasan
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Laila Majnu
- Movie release year
- 1950
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Dec 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant tragedy song from the classic film 'Laila Majnu' (1950) captures the heartbreak of Majnu as he watches his beloved depart. Metaphorically referring to Laila as a young green parrot ('paingili'), he laments her journey across the harsh desert while carrying deep affection in her heart. He reflects on the cruel turn of fate that brought an end to their fleeting moments of love—words once spoken bright as lightning—leaving him behind trapped in a raging storm of sorrow, grieving his destiny for the rest of his life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Paranthu selluthae en paingilaiyathae”
Addressing the beloved as 'paingilai' (young green parrot) symbolizes gentleness, beauty, and innocence.
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Soga puyalil naan suzhla”
'Soga puyal' compares the overwhelming feeling of sorrow to a destructive storm in which the lover is trapped.
Monaai (மோனை / Alliteration)
“Paranthu selluthae... Paasamellaam nenjil kondae / Paalai meethilae”
Repetition of the initial 'Pa' sound ('Paranthu', 'Paasamellaam', 'Paalai') creates rhythmic musicality.
Imagery & Simile
“Minnalin oliyilae / Sonna nesa mozhigalai”
Comparing fleeting moments of tender love words to the momentary bright flash of lightning ('Minnalin oliyilae').
Did you know?
Trivia
'Laila Majnu' (1950) starred lead actor T. R. Mahalingam, who was celebrated for his rich, high-pitched Carnatic vocals. He sang this mournful track himself under the music direction of S. V. Venkatraman, with lyrics written by the acclaimed poet Kambadasan.
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