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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sundara Kannu

From Malliyam Mangalam · 1961

Lyricist
M. K. Aathmanathan
Singers
K. Jamunarani, A. L. Ragavan
Music director
T. A. Kalyanam
Details
Malliyam Mangalam1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Sundara kannu indhiralogam kattudhuBeautiful eyes build a celestial world of Indra
Mandhiram pottu vandhu manasu vattudhuCasting a spell, it comes and torments the mind
Male :Sundara kannu indhiralogam kattudhuMale: Beautiful eyes build a celestial world of Indra
Mandhiram pottu vandhu manasu vattudhuCasting a spell, it comes and torments the mind
Male
Andharangathai arinju nadakkura pennaeO woman who moves with an understanding of secrets
Ennai aatti veikudhu adimai kolludhu kannaeIt sways me and enslaves me, my dear
Andharangathai arinju nadakkura pennaeO woman who moves with an understanding of secrets
Ennai aatti veikudhu adimai kolludhu kannaeIt sways me and enslaves me, my dear
Female
Vandha vishayathai purinjuikitten vaangaI have understood the purpose of your arrival, come
Adha manasukullae maraichu vachadhu yengaWhy keep it hidden inside your heart?
Vandha vishayathai purinjuikitten vaangaI have understood the purpose of your arrival, come
Adha manasukullae maraichu vachadhu yengaWhy keep it hidden inside your heart?
Adha manasukullae maraichu vachadhu yengaWhy keep it hidden inside your heart?
Female
Sundara kannu indhiralogam kattudhuBeautiful eyes build a celestial world of Indra
Mandhiram pottu vandhu manasu vattudhuCasting a spell, it comes and torments the mind
Male :Sundara kannu indhiralogam kattudhuMale: Beautiful eyes build a celestial world of Indra
Mandhiram pottu vandhu manasu vattudhuCasting a spell, it comes and torments the mind
Male
Andharathilae irundhu irangiDescending from the heavens above
Ingu sundharamaai aada vandhuComing here to dance so beautifully
Jaadai seiyum rambhaIs that Rambha making subtle gestures?
Female :Kaadhal mandhirangalai molindhuFemale: Uttering the spells of love
Thandhirangalai purindhuUnderstanding all the tricks
Vandhu nee mayakkivida vambhaIs it trouble that you come to charm me?
Male
My dear maali life-la jollyMy dear gardener/Maali, life is full of fun
Vandha pinnae ingu enna joliOnce you arrive, what work is left here?
My dear maali life-la jollyMy dear gardener/Maali, life is full of fun
Vandha pinnae ingu enna joliOnce you arrive, what work is left here?
Female
Idea kuttu aachu mani ettuThe idea failed, it is eight o'clock now
Appavukku loosaana nattuFather has a loose screw in his head
Tightaagum varai namma love cuttuUntil it gets tightened, our love is put on pause
Idea kuttu aachu mani ettuThe idea failed, it is eight o'clock now
Appavukku loosaana nattuFather has a loose screw in his head
Tightaagum varai namma love cuttuUntil it gets tightened, our love is put on pause
Male :Oh my godMale: Oh my god!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful duet from Malliyam Mangalam (1961) features lighthearted romance mixed with humorous banter. The male lead praises his beloved's captivating eyes and beauty, comparing her to the heavenly dancer Rambha who mesmerizes him and takes over his heart. In response, the female lead playfully cautions him against using clever tricks and love spells. She banteringly warns him about her father's eccentricities and strict nature, noting that their romantic plans must be put on hold until her father calms down, ending the song on a comic note of frustration from the male lead.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Sundara kannu indhiralogam kattudhu / Mandhiram pottu vandhu manasu vattudhu

Matching second consonants in adjacent lines like 'Sundara' and 'Mandhiram' (nd / ndh).

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / End Alliteration)

Idea kuttu aachu mani ettu / Appavukku loosaana nattu / Tightaagum varai namma love cuttu

Rhyming line endings using english loan words and local slang such as 'kuttu', 'ettu', 'nattu', and 'cuttu'.

Hyperbole (Uruvagaimai / Atsayokthi)

Sundara kannu indhiralogam kattudhu

Comparing the heroine's eyes to Indraloka (heavenly realm) and her presence to Rambha (heavenly nymph).

Did you know?

Trivia

Malliyam Mangalam (1961) features rare early Tamil cinema comedy-duets that blended English loan words ('life-la jolly', 'love cuttu', 'idea', 'loose nut') seamlessly into classic Tamil song structures, reflecting the contemporary urbane conversational language of Madras in the 1960s.

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