- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- Jassie Gift
- Music director
- Vidyasagar
- Movie name
- Mozhi
- Movie release year
- 2007
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Dec 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Sevvanam Selai Katti' is an energetic, upbeat track from the 2007 Tamil film 'Mozhi', composed by Vidyasagar with lyrics by Vairamuthu and sung by Jassie Gift. The song captures the hero's sudden, overwhelming infatuation upon catching a brief glimpse of a striking, fiery woman walking down the street. Draped in red like the evening sky, her fierce presence leaves him stunned, mesmerized, and eager to discover her identity. Throughout the verses, Vairamuthu weaves colorful imagery comparing her strength and beauty to historical and literary icons like Rani Mangammal, Kannagi, and Bharathiyar's poetry, as well as modern attributes like knowing computers and karate. The protagonist daydreams about winning her heart through music, humor, and romantic affection, turning a passing sight into an exuberant anthem of fascination.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Chendradhu veethiyilae / Manam nindradhu paathiyilae / Enai kondradhu paarvaiyilae”
Matching end sounds ('veethiyilae', 'paathiyilae', 'paarvaiyilae') create a rhythmic, melodic flow in the pallavi.
Metaphor / Visual Imagery
“Sevvanam selai katti ... Minsaram minnal vetti”
Comparing the heroine's red saree to 'Sevvanam' (red dusk/evening sky) and her movement to 'Minsaram minnal' (electric lightning).
Historical & Literary Allusions
“Yaaro... aval mangammalin vaalai ... Kannagiyin pethi ... Subramaniya bharathiyin sotrai thindru”
References to historical figures Rani Mangammal, Tamil epic heroine Kannagi, and poet Subramaniya Bharathi to emphasize her boldness and character.
Oxymoron / Paradox
“Kallulla malligaiyo / Mullulla thamairaiyo”
Juxtaposition of opposing ideas like a jasmine flower containing alcohol/intoxication or a lotus flower having sharp thorns.
Monaï (Initial Alliteration)
“Sollaalae sokka vaipen / Jokkaalae sikka vaipen / Sollamal thottu vaipen”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Sollaalae', 'Sikka', 'Sollamal' in consecutive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Sevvanam Selai Katti' features the distinctive, energetic vocals of Jassie Gift and was composed by Vidyasagar for the critically acclaimed film 'Mozhi' (2007), produced by Prakash Raj and directed by Radha Mohan. The song's high energy contrasts warmly with the movie's sweet, quiet storyline featuring a deaf-mute protagonist (played by Jyothika) and a music director (played by Prithviraj Sukumaran).
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Mozhi
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.