- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Sumai Thangi
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 28 May 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from Sumai Thangi (1962), penned by Kannadasan, explores a young woman's introspective questions and doubts about her prospective soulmate. Drawing parallels from Indian mythology and literature—Krishna and Radha, Rama and Sita, Kovalan and Kannagi (Kothai)—she wonders if the man destined for her will match these heroic figures in devotion, nobility, and strength. Through playful yet deeply philosophical questioning, the lyrics probe into his true nature: Will he be loyal to a single woman, or will his feelings fade once his desires are fulfilled? Is he genuinely loving, robust in character like a teak tree, and devoted, or merely an accomplished charmer? Kannadasan deftly encapsulates the mixture of anticipation, desire, and emotional caution that accompanies romantic expectations.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethirghai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Raadhaikkettra kannano / Seethaikkettra raamano / Kothaikkettra kovalan yaaro”
The second consonant sound 'tha' repeats across consecutive opening lines (Raadhaikkettra, Seethaikkettra, Kothaikkettra), providing rhythmic harmony.
Uvamai (Simile)
“Avan thaekku marathaipola urundu thirandu nirppaano”
Comparing the physical stature and strength of the man to a firm, well-rounded teak tree ('thaekku marathaipola').
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Azhagu kottaikkettra kaavalan yaaro”
Comparing the woman's beauty and maidenhood to a fortress ('azhagu kottai') that requires a worthy guard ('kaavalan').
Vinaavu (Rhetorical Questioning)
“Illai aasai theerumbothu nenjam maarugindravano”
The entire lyric relies on continuous rhetorical questions to convey curiosity, anxiety, and ideal romantic expectations.
Did you know?
Trivia
Sumai Thangi (1962) was directed by C. V. Sridhar and featured music composed by the iconic duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. This lively track was sung by S. Janaki and P. Susheela. Lyricist Kannadasan famously integrated epic romantic archetypes (Krishna-Radha, Rama-Sita, Kovalan-Kannagi) into contemporary film songs to highlight timeless emotional themes.
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