Ponni Nadhi
From Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 · 2022
- Lyricist
- Ilango Krishnan
- Singers
- A. R. Rahman, A. R. Reihana, Bamba Bakya
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Details
- Ponniyin Selvan – Part 12022
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Ohh.. Kavariyaal neermadikku | Oh, for the lap of the water adorned with fans, |
| Ambaramaai anaiyeduthaan | He built a dam as vast as the sky. |
| Female | |
| Neer satham ketadhumae | As soon as the sound of water is heard, |
| Nel poothu nikkum | Paddy fields blossom in response. |
| Uli saththam ketadhumae | As soon as the sound of the chisel is heard, |
| Kal poothu nikkum | Stones blossom into sculpture. |
| Pagai satham ketadhumae | As soon as the sound of enmity is heard, |
| Vil poothu nikkum | Bows blossom ready for war. |
| Chozhathin perumaikoora | To recount the greatness of the Chola empire, |
| Sol poothu nikkum | Words blossom eloquently. |
| Male | |
| Ponni nadhi paakanumae | I must see the Ponni (Kaveri) river! |
| Chorus :Theeyari esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari esamaari (folk chant) |
| Male :Pozhudhukkulla | Male: Before the sun sets, |
| Chorus :Theeyari esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari esamaari |
| Male | |
| Kanni pengal kaananumae | I must see the maiden girls, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male :Kaatraippola | Male: Swiftly like the wind, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male :Pottal Kadandhu | Male: Crossing the open plains, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamari |
| Male :Puzhudhi Kadandhu | Male: Crossing the dusty roads, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamari |
| Male :Tharisu Kadandhu | Male: Crossing the barren lands, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamari |
| Male :Karisal Kadandhu | Male: Crossing the black soil fields, |
| Chorus :Veeram Velanja Mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male | |
| Andho naan ivvazhaginilae.. | Alas, amidst all this beauty... |
| Chorus :Haiye semba semba | Chorus: Hey semba, semba! |
| Male :Kaalam marandhadhenna.. | Male: Why have I forgotten time? |
| Chorus :Haiye | Chorus: Haiye! |
| Male :Hoo oo oo oo | Male: Hoo oo oo oo |
| Manne un maarbil kidakka | To lie on your chest, my native soil, |
| Chorus :Pachai naranja mannu | Chorus: Soil filled with lush green, |
| Male | |
| Achho oor aasai mulaika | Oh, a desire sprouts within me, |
| Chorus :Manju thoorum mannu | Chorus: Soil where mist sprinkles, |
| Male :En kaalam kaniyadho | Male: Will my time come to fruition? |
| Chorus :Kokku pootha mannu | Chorus: Soil where white herons blossom, |
| Male | |
| En kaalgal thaniyadho | Will my tired feet find rest? |
| Chorus :Vella manasu mannu | Chorus: Soil of pure white hearts, |
| Male :Sembanee | Male: Pure crimson stream, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Thathatthada thathatthada thathatthada | Thathatthada thathatthada thathatthada (rhythmic gallop sound) |
| Thadavane sel.. | Gallop ahead and go! |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male | |
| Ponni Magal | Daughter of Kaveri, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Chorus | |
| Laali lallaa laali lalla laali lalla | Laali lallaa laali lalla laali lalla (lullaby chant) |
| Paadi sellum | Singing along as she flows, |
| All :Veera chozhapuri | All: Oh heroic Chola city, |
| Paarthu viraivaai nee | Look swiftly, |
| Chorus | |
| Thaavu azhaga | Leap gracefully, |
| Thaavum nadhiyaai | Like a leaping river, |
| Saga.. kanavai.. mudida.. | Fulfill this lifelong dream! |
| Male | |
| Ponni nadhi paakanumae | I must see the Ponni river! |
| Chorus :Theeyari esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari esamaari |
| Male :Pozhudhukkulla | Male: Before the day ends, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male :Kanni pengal kaananumae | Male: I must see the maiden girls, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male :Kaatrai Pola | Male: Swift as the wind, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male :Sekka sagappi | Male: Bright red-complexioned girl, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male :Nenjil irudi | Male: Residing deep in the heart, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male :Retta suzhachi | Male: Girl with double whorls of hair, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male :Otti irudi | Male: Stuck close to my heart, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male | |
| Sozha silaithaan ivalo | Is she a sculpted Chola statue? |
| Chorus :Semba | Chorus: Semba! |
| Male :Sola karuthaai sirichaa | Male: When she smiles with her dark, radiant face, |
| Chorus :Semba | Chorus: Semba! |
| Male :Eezha minnal unnala | Male: Because of that lightning from Lanka, |
| Chorus :Semba | Chorus: Semba! |
| Male :Naanum rasichida aagatha | Male: Can't I admire and enjoy her? |
| Chorus :Amba | Chorus: Arrow! |
| Male :Koodathae | Male: Do not stay back! |
| Chorus :Amba | Chorus: Arrow! |
| Male | |
| Hoo oo oo | Hoo oo oo |
| Kadalukkedhu oivu | Does the ocean ever rest? |
| Chorus :Semba | Chorus: Semba! |
| Male :Kadamai irukudhu ezhundhuru | Male: Duty calls, get up! |
| Chorus :Semba | Chorus: Semba! |
| Male :Seeripaindhudu ambaaga | Male: Pounce ahead like an arrow! |
| Chorus :Semba | Chorus: Semba! |
| Male :Kaala thangam ponaalae | Male: If precious time slips away, |
| Chorus :Semba | Chorus: Semba! |
| Male :Thambiyae ennaalum varumoda | Male: Oh brother, will it ever return? |
| Male | |
| Nanjaigalae punjaigalae | Wetlands and drylands, |
| Rambaigalai vinji nirkkum vanjigalae | Damsels who surpass even heavenly apsaras (Rambha), |
| Nanjaigalae punjaigalae | Wetlands and drylands, |
| Rambaigalai vinji nirkkum vanjigalae | Damsels who surpass even heavenly apsaras, |
| Male | |
| Ponni nadhi paakanumae | I must see the Ponni river! |
| Chorus :Theeyari esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari esamaari |
| Male :Pozhudhukkulla | Male: Before the sun sets, |
| Chorus :Theeyari esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari esamaari |
| Male :Kanni pengal kaananumae | Male: I must see the maiden girls, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male :Kaatrai Pola | Male: Swift as the wind, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male :Sekka sagappi | Male: Bright red-complexioned girl, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male :Nenjil irudi | Male: Residing deep in the heart, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male :Retta suzhachi | Male: Girl with double whorls, |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male :Otti irudi | Male: Stuck close to my heart, |
| Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari | Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari |
| Male | |
| Andho naan-ivvazhaginilae | Alas, amidst all this beauty... |
| Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu | Chorus: Land where valor grows! |
| Male :Ho oh oh.. | Male: Ho oh oh.. |
| Chorus :Ha..aa..aa | Chorus: Ha..aa..aa |
| Male :Ho oh oh.. | Male: Ho oh oh.. |
| Chorus :Ha..aa..aa | Chorus: Ha..aa..aa |
| Male :Ho oh oh.. | Male: Ho oh oh.. |
| Chorus :Ha..aa..aa | Chorus: Ha..aa..aa |
ஓ.. காவிரியால் நீர்மடிக்கு
அம்பரமாய் அணையெடுத்தான்
Oh, for the lap of the water adorned with fans,
He built a dam as vast as the sky.
நீர் சத்தம் கேட்டதுமே
நெல் பூத்து நிக்கும்
உளி சத்தம் கேட்டதுமே
கல் பூத்து நிக்கும்
பகை சத்தம் கேட்டதுமே
வில் பூத்து நிக்கும்
சோழத்தின் பெருமை கூற
சொல் பூத்து நிக்கும்
As soon as the sound of water is heard,
Paddy fields blossom in response.
As soon as the sound of the chisel is heard,
Stones blossom into sculpture.
As soon as the sound of enmity is heard,
Bows blossom ready for war.
To recount the greatness of the Chola empire,
Words blossom eloquently.
பொன்னி நதி பாக்கணுமே
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
பொழுதுக்குள்ள
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
கன்னி பெண்கள் காணணுமே
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
காற்ற போல
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
பொட்டல் கடந்து
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
புழுதி கடந்து
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
தரிசு கடந்து
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
கரிசல் கடந்து
குழு :
வீரம் வௌஞ்ச மண்ணு
அந்தோ நான் இவ்வழகினிலே
குழு :
ஹையே செம்பா செம்பா
காலம் மறந்ததென்ன
குழு :
ஹையே ...
I must see the Ponni (Kaveri) river!
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari (folk chant)
Male: Before the sun sets,
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
ஹோ ஓ ஓ ஓ
மண்ணே உன் மார்பில் கிடக்க
குழு :
பச்சை நெறஞ்ச மண்ணு
அச்சோ ஓர் ஆச முளைக்க
குழு :
மஞ்சு தோறும் மண்ணு
என் காலம் கனியாதோ
குழு :
கொக்கு பூத்த மண்ணு
என் கால்கள் தணியாதோ
குழு :
வெள்ள மனசு மண்ணு
I must see the maiden girls,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male: Swiftly like the wind,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male: Crossing the open plains,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamari
Male: Crossing the dusty roads,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamari
Male: Crossing the barren lands,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamari
Male: Crossing the black soil fields,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
செம்பனே
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
குழு :
.......................
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
Alas, amidst all this beauty...
Chorus: Hey semba, semba!
Male: Why have I forgotten time?
Chorus: Haiye!
Male: Hoo oo oo oo
To lie on your chest, my native soil,
Chorus: Soil filled with lush green,
பொன்னி மகள்
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
குழு :
லாலி லல்லா லாலி லல்லா லாலி லல்லா
பாடி செல்லும்
அனைவரும் :
வீரா சோழ புரி
பார்த்து விரைவாய் நீ
Oh, a desire sprouts within me,
Chorus: Soil where mist sprinkles,
Male: Will my time come to fruition?
Chorus: Soil where white herons blossom,
தாவு அழகா
தாவும் நதியாய்
சகா.. கனவை ..முடிடா
Will my tired feet find rest?
Chorus: Soil of pure white hearts,
Male: Pure crimson stream,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Thathatthada thathatthada thathatthada (rhythmic gallop sound)
Gallop ahead and go!
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
பொன்னி நதி பாக்கணுமே
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
பொழுதுக்குள்ள
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
கன்னி பெண்கள் காணணுமே
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
காற்ற போல
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
Daughter of Kaveri,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
செக்க செகப்பி
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
நெஞ்சில் இருடி
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
ரெட்ட சுழச்சி
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
ஒட்டி இருடி
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
Laali lallaa laali lalla laali lalla (lullaby chant)
Singing along as she flows,
All: Oh heroic Chola city,
Look swiftly,
சோழ சிலைதான் இவளோ
குழு :
செம்பா
சோல கருதாய் சிரிச்சா
குழு :
செம்பா
ஈழ மின்னல் உன்னால
குழு :
செம்பா
நானும் ரசிச்சிட ஆகாதா
குழு :
அம்பா
கூடாதே
குழு :
அம்பா
Leap gracefully,
Like a leaping river,
Fulfill this lifelong dream!
ஓகோகோ கடலுக்கேது ஓய்வு
குழு :
செம்பா
கடமை இருக்குது எழுந்திரு
குழு :
செம்பா
சீறி பாய்ந்திடும் அம்பாக
குழு :
செம்பா
கால தங்கம் போனாலே
குழு :
செம்பா
தம்பியே என்னாலும் வருமோடா
I must see the Ponni river!
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
Male: Before the day ends,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male: I must see the maiden girls,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male: Swift as the wind,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male: Bright red-complexioned girl,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male: Residing deep in the heart,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male: Girl with double whorls of hair,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male: Stuck close to my heart,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
நஞ்சைகளே புஞ்சைகளே
ரம்பைகளை விஞ்சி நிற்கும் வஞ்சிகளே
நஞ்சைகளே புஞ்சைகளே
ரம்பைகளை விஞ்சி நிற்கும் வஞ்சிகளே
Is she a sculpted Chola statue?
Chorus: Semba!
Male: When she smiles with her dark, radiant face,
Chorus: Semba!
Male: Because of that lightning from Lanka,
Chorus: Semba!
Male: Can't I admire and enjoy her?
Chorus: Arrow!
Male: Do not stay back!
Chorus: Arrow!
பொன்னி நதி பாக்கணுமே
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
பொழுதுக்குள்ள
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
கன்னி பெண்கள் காணணுமே
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
காற்ற போல
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
Hoo oo oo
Does the ocean ever rest?
Chorus: Semba!
Male: Duty calls, get up!
Chorus: Semba!
Male: Pounce ahead like an arrow!
Chorus: Semba!
Male: If precious time slips away,
Chorus: Semba!
Male: Oh brother, will it ever return?
செக்க செகப்பி
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
நெஞ்சில் இருடி
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
ரெட்ட சுழச்சி
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
ஒட்டி இருடி
குழு :
தீயாரி எசமாரி
Wetlands and drylands,
Damsels who surpass even heavenly apsaras (Rambha),
Wetlands and drylands,
Damsels who surpass even heavenly apsaras,
அந்தோ நான் இவ்வழகினிலே
குழு :
வீரம் வெளஞ்ச மண்ணு
ஹோ ஓ ஹோ ஓ
குழு :
ஹா..ஆஆ..
ஹோ ஓ ஹோ ஓ
குழு :
ஹா..ஆஆ..
ஹோ ஓ ஹோ ஓ
குழு :
ஹா..ஆஆ..
I must see the Ponni river!
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
Male: Before the sun sets,
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
Male: I must see the maiden girls,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male: Swift as the wind,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male: Bright red-complexioned girl,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male: Residing deep in the heart,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male: Girl with double whorls,
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male: Stuck close to my heart,
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Alas, amidst all this beauty...
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male: Ho oh oh..
Chorus: Ha..aa..aa
Male: Ho oh oh..
Chorus: Ha..aa..aa
Male: Ho oh oh..
Chorus: Ha..aa..aa
Ohh.. Kavariyaal neermadikku
Oh, for the lap of the water adorned with fans,
Ambaramaai anaiyeduthaan
He built a dam as vast as the sky.
Neer satham ketadhumae
As soon as the sound of water is heard,
Nel poothu nikkum
Paddy fields blossom in response.
Uli saththam ketadhumae
As soon as the sound of the chisel is heard,
Kal poothu nikkum
Stones blossom into sculpture.
Pagai satham ketadhumae
As soon as the sound of enmity is heard,
Vil poothu nikkum
Bows blossom ready for war.
Chozhathin perumaikoora
To recount the greatness of the Chola empire,
Sol poothu nikkum
Words blossom eloquently.
Ponni nadhi paakanumae
I must see the Ponni (Kaveri) river!
Chorus :Theeyari esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari (folk chant)
Male :Pozhudhukkulla
Male: Before the sun sets,
Chorus :Theeyari esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
Kanni pengal kaananumae
I must see the maiden girls,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male :Kaatraippola
Male: Swiftly like the wind,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male :Pottal Kadandhu
Male: Crossing the open plains,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamari
Male :Puzhudhi Kadandhu
Male: Crossing the dusty roads,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamari
Male :Tharisu Kadandhu
Male: Crossing the barren lands,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamari
Male :Karisal Kadandhu
Male: Crossing the black soil fields,
Chorus :Veeram Velanja Mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Andho naan ivvazhaginilae..
Alas, amidst all this beauty...
Chorus :Haiye semba semba
Chorus: Hey semba, semba!
Male :Kaalam marandhadhenna..
Male: Why have I forgotten time?
Chorus :Haiye
Chorus: Haiye!
Male :Hoo oo oo oo
Male: Hoo oo oo oo
Manne un maarbil kidakka
To lie on your chest, my native soil,
Chorus :Pachai naranja mannu
Chorus: Soil filled with lush green,
Achho oor aasai mulaika
Oh, a desire sprouts within me,
Chorus :Manju thoorum mannu
Chorus: Soil where mist sprinkles,
Male :En kaalam kaniyadho
Male: Will my time come to fruition?
Chorus :Kokku pootha mannu
Chorus: Soil where white herons blossom,
En kaalgal thaniyadho
Will my tired feet find rest?
Chorus :Vella manasu mannu
Chorus: Soil of pure white hearts,
Male :Sembanee
Male: Pure crimson stream,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Thathatthada thathatthada thathatthada
Thathatthada thathatthada thathatthada (rhythmic gallop sound)
Thadavane sel..
Gallop ahead and go!
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Ponni Magal
Daughter of Kaveri,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Laali lallaa laali lalla laali lalla
Laali lallaa laali lalla laali lalla (lullaby chant)
Paadi sellum
Singing along as she flows,
All :Veera chozhapuri
All: Oh heroic Chola city,
Paarthu viraivaai nee
Look swiftly,
Thaavu azhaga
Leap gracefully,
Thaavum nadhiyaai
Like a leaping river,
Saga.. kanavai.. mudida..
Fulfill this lifelong dream!
Ponni nadhi paakanumae
I must see the Ponni river!
Chorus :Theeyari esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
Male :Pozhudhukkulla
Male: Before the day ends,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male :Kanni pengal kaananumae
Male: I must see the maiden girls,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male :Kaatrai Pola
Male: Swift as the wind,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male :Sekka sagappi
Male: Bright red-complexioned girl,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male :Nenjil irudi
Male: Residing deep in the heart,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male :Retta suzhachi
Male: Girl with double whorls of hair,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male :Otti irudi
Male: Stuck close to my heart,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Sozha silaithaan ivalo
Is she a sculpted Chola statue?
Chorus :Semba
Chorus: Semba!
Male :Sola karuthaai sirichaa
Male: When she smiles with her dark, radiant face,
Chorus :Semba
Chorus: Semba!
Male :Eezha minnal unnala
Male: Because of that lightning from Lanka,
Chorus :Semba
Chorus: Semba!
Male :Naanum rasichida aagatha
Male: Can't I admire and enjoy her?
Chorus :Amba
Chorus: Arrow!
Male :Koodathae
Male: Do not stay back!
Chorus :Amba
Chorus: Arrow!
Hoo oo oo
Hoo oo oo
Kadalukkedhu oivu
Does the ocean ever rest?
Chorus :Semba
Chorus: Semba!
Male :Kadamai irukudhu ezhundhuru
Male: Duty calls, get up!
Chorus :Semba
Chorus: Semba!
Male :Seeripaindhudu ambaaga
Male: Pounce ahead like an arrow!
Chorus :Semba
Chorus: Semba!
Male :Kaala thangam ponaalae
Male: If precious time slips away,
Chorus :Semba
Chorus: Semba!
Male :Thambiyae ennaalum varumoda
Male: Oh brother, will it ever return?
Nanjaigalae punjaigalae
Wetlands and drylands,
Rambaigalai vinji nirkkum vanjigalae
Damsels who surpass even heavenly apsaras (Rambha),
Nanjaigalae punjaigalae
Wetlands and drylands,
Rambaigalai vinji nirkkum vanjigalae
Damsels who surpass even heavenly apsaras,
Ponni nadhi paakanumae
I must see the Ponni river!
Chorus :Theeyari esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
Male :Pozhudhukkulla
Male: Before the sun sets,
Chorus :Theeyari esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari esamaari
Male :Kanni pengal kaananumae
Male: I must see the maiden girls,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male :Kaatrai Pola
Male: Swift as the wind,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male :Sekka sagappi
Male: Bright red-complexioned girl,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male :Nenjil irudi
Male: Residing deep in the heart,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Male :Retta suzhachi
Male: Girl with double whorls,
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male :Otti irudi
Male: Stuck close to my heart,
Chorus :Theeyari Esamaari
Chorus: Theeyari Esamaari
Andho naan-ivvazhaginilae
Alas, amidst all this beauty...
Chorus :Veeram velanja mannu
Chorus: Land where valor grows!
Male :Ho oh oh..
Male: Ho oh oh..
Chorus :Ha..aa..aa
Chorus: Ha..aa..aa
Male :Ho oh oh..
Male: Ho oh oh..
Chorus :Ha..aa..aa
Chorus: Ha..aa..aa
Male :Ho oh oh..
Male: Ho oh oh..
Chorus :Ha..aa..aa
Chorus: Ha..aa..aa
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
The song 'Ponni Nadhi' serves as a vibrant introduction to the Chola kingdom and the protagonist Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan as he journeys towards the heart of Chola territory along the banks of the Kaveri (Ponni) river. Through rich imagery of agricultural prosperity, warrior culture, architecture, and scenic landscapes, the song glorifies the Chola land as a realm where nature, art, and valor thrive together in harmony.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Mondhai / Anaphora (Repetition of blossoming metaphor)
“Nel poothu nikkum... Kal poothu nikkum... Vil poothu nikkum... Sol poothu nikkum”
The lyricist uses 'poothu nikkum' (stands blooming) across different lines to show how water blooms crops, chisels bloom sculptures, enmity blooms bows, and praise blooms words.
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming in Tamil prosody)
“Neer satham... Nel poothu... Uli saththam... Kal poothu...”
The second letters 'er' / 'el' / 'il' / 'ol' match pattern structures in successive lines (Neer, Nel, Uli, Kal, Pagai, Vil, Sol).
Hyperbole (Uruvagaimai / Exaggeration)
“Rambaigalai vinji nirkkum vanjigalae”
Describing Chola women as surpassing Rambha, the celestial apsara in Hindu mythology.
Personification
“Ponni Magal... Laali lallaa... Paadi sellum”
The river Ponni (Kaveri) is personified as a daughter ('Ponni Magal') who sings lullabies while running.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Ponni Nadhi' marks the grand introduction of Vandiyadevan (played by Karthi) in Mani Ratnam's epic film adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy's legendary Tamil novel 'Ponniyin Selvan'. Composer A. R. Rahman provided lead vocals himself for this track, blending traditional Tamil folk rhythm chants like 'Theeyari Esamaari' with epic orchestral arrangement.
Keep listening
More from Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1