- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Manorama
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Ratha Thilagam
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Mar 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic comedic track from Ratha Thilagam (1963) features a playful yet concerned wife pleading with her husband not to step out, describing a series of increasingly absurd bad dreams (nightmares) she had about him. Through ridiculous scenarios—like being ambushed by women, chased by cats, tripping on a tiny blade of grass, and marching off to 'the town of no return'—she hilariously lists bad omens to keep him by her side. Written by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan, the song blends marital banter with clever comic exaggeration. While referencing death and military imagery (fitting the war-drama backdrop of the film), the tone remains lighthearted, satirical, and rhythmic.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Epizeuxis / Repetition
“Pogaathae pogaathae”
The immediate repetition of 'Pogaathae pogaathae' and 'En kanava en kanava' emphasizes desperation and playful affection.
Hyperbole (Exaggeration)
“Oru pullu thadukki nee viluga kanden”
Tripping over a single blade of grass and falling is an exaggerated, comedic bad omen used for humorous effect.
Euphemism / Metaphor
“Nee thirumbaadha oorukku nadakka kanden”
'Thirumbaadha oor' (the town of no return) is a poetic euphemism for death or the afterlife.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Nadakka kanden nadakka kanden”
The repetitive refrain ending with 'kanden' across lines creates a strong verbal cadence and rhythmic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Ratha Thilagam (1963) was a war-drama film directed by Dada Mirasi, set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan. This song serves as a light comedic break amidst the patriotic theme of the movie.
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