- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singers
- S. Janaki, K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Gangai Amaran
- Movie name
- Pattu Selai
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Aug 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This romantic duet expresses the enchantment and playful courtship between two lovers. The heroine sings about how her lover has mesmerized her with his glances as if using a magical spellbinding powder ('sokku podi'). She regrets the time lost before realizing her deep affection and expresses her desire to embrace married life with him. The male protagonist echoes her feelings, admitting that her alluring gaze hypnotized him as well. Through sweet metaphors of virgin innocence, bedchamber lessons, and sweet sugarcane, the song captures the blossoming physical and emotional intimacy between the couple.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae”
Compares the delicate, sweet interaction of the lovers to a tiny ant clinging to red sugarcane.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Poovaana nenja neththu maranthaen / Ponnaana unna sekka maranthaen”
Compares the heart to a tender flower and the lover to pure gold.
Alliteration & Monai
“Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae”
Repetition of initial consonants ('So', 'Senn', 'Sithth') creates rhythmic melody.
Anaphora / Rhyme (Edhugai)
“Kattilarai paadam kittavillaiyae / Kanni ilam maanai thottathillaiyae”
Rhyming line endings ('kittamillaiyae', 'thottathillaiyae', 'illaiyae') enhance lyrical flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed and written by Gangai Amaran for the 1985 Tamil film 'Pattu Selai', this song features the legendary vocal pairing of S. Janaki and K. J. Yesudas, known for their expressive delivery in romantic village-style folk duets.
Keep listening
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