- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- P. Unnikrishnan, Harini
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Kadhal Virus
- Movie release year
- 2002
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Aug 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Sonnaalum Ketpadhillai' from Kadhal Virus (2002) is a playful and deeply expressive romantic duet composed by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Vaali. The song centers around the theme of an uncontrollable heart that reveals its inner feelings of love despite the protagonist's repeated attempts to suppress and hide them. The heroine laments that no matter how many times she commands her maiden heart to stay quiet, it betrays her secret by yielding to true love. The hero responds with poetic metaphors comparing her to the dawn, light, and a river flowing to the ocean, acknowledging that feelings naturally surface just like flowers rising to the top of water. Ultimately, the song celebrates the inescapable truth of love triumphing over restraint.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Alliteration)
“Ellaam therindhirundhum / Ennai purindhirundhum”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds in consecutive lines ('Ellaam therindhirundhum' / 'Ennai purindhirundhum').
Metaphor (Uruvagandham)
“Vizhi chiraiyil pidithaai”
Comparing eyes to a prison ('Vizhi chiraiyil pidithaai').
Simile (Uvamai)
“Nadhiyena naan nadandhen”
Comparing the progression of love to a river flowing over dams to reach the sea ('Nadhiyena naan nadandhen').
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by A.R. Rahman and written by legendary lyricist Vaali, 'Sonnaalum Ketpadhillai' features vocals by Unnikrishnan and Harini. The film 'Kadhal Virus' marked the debut of actor Richard Rishi and was directed by Kathir, who previously collaborated with Rahman on hit musical films like 'Kadhal Desam' and 'Kadhalar Dhinam'.
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