- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Suseela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kungumam
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Feb 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Poonthotta kaavalkaaraa from the 1963 film Kungumam is a poignant romantic track expressed through rich visual metaphors by master lyricist Kannadasan. The female protagonist yearningly addresses her lover, comparing him to a garden guardian who has neglected his blossoms or forgotten the sweet mangoes of his grove. She laments the frustration of unfulfilled waiting using allegories of a temple chariot procession devoid of its deity and river floods that recede before quenching the thirsty farm fields.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Poonthotta kaavalkaaraa / Maanthoppu kaavalkaaraa”
Comparing the beloved to the keeper of a flower garden and a mango grove to represent his role as protector and keeper of her affection.
Symbolism
“Thaer kandaal thaerae kandaal / Silaiyadhilae illaiyae raajaa”
The chariot lacking an idol symbolizes a life or heart empty of its beloved king.
Ethirai (Second letter rhyme)
“Malai melae mazhai vizhundhu / Vaigaiyilae vellam vandhu”
Rhyming scheme on second letters in Tamil poetry (Malai / Vaigai, Vayal / Vandha).
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is from the 1963 Tamil movie Kungumam, starring Sivaji Ganesan and S. S. Rajendran. The music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan and the lyrics were penned by Kannadasan, showcasing his signature use of deep nature-based allegories for human emotions.
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