- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. S. Bagavathi
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Manapanthal
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Mar 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the film Manapanthal (1961) is a deeply emotional dirge mourning the loss of a devoted mother. The lyrics reflect on the immense sacrifices the mother made throughout her life—giving birth, nurturing, guiding her children when they strayed, and welcoming a new daughter-in-law into the family with hope for better times. The grief peaks in describing the cruelty of fate and Death (Kaalan) taking her away just when life was about to blossom with happiness. The bereaved children express complete helplessness and disorientation, wondering how they will carry on without the sole anchor and understanding soul in their lives.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai) & Ethereal Metaphor
“Raagangal polae oliyirukka uruvizhanthaai”
Compares the mother's soul after cremation to 'ragas' (melodies)—something that retains a beautiful, harmonious presence/sound but lacks a physical body.
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Ullam kaniyum munnae paavi avan Kaai parithaanae”
Death taking away a life before happiness was fulfilled is poetically described as plucking an unripe fruit ('kaai') before it ripens ('kani').
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kann moodi kadhai mudithaai / Kanalodu uravu kondaai”
Matching initial consonant sounds 'K' across words in the line for musical cadence.
Contrast / Irony
“Un pon udalai theeyinilae anaithu vittayae”
Contrasts the mother's gentle habit of hugging her children with flowers and bindi against her body being consumed/embraced by cremation flames.
Did you know?
Trivia
Manapanthal (1961) was directed by V. N. Reddy and written by Kannadasan himself. The movie was a remake of the Telugu film 'Laila Majnu' / contemporary family dramas of the era. The musical score for this iconic film was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics written by Kannadasan showcasing his mastery in crafting tragic philosophical laments.
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