- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Per Sollum Pillai
- Movie release year
- 1987
- Lyrics added on
- 31 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Thapputhandaa' is a playful, romantic duet from the 1987 Tamil movie 'Per Sollum Pillai', featuring a humorous verbal duel between the male and female leads. The male protagonist teasingly warns the female lead that staying too close to him might tempt him into misbehaviour ('thapputhandaa'), urging her to stay away while secretly enjoying her proximity. In response, the female lead mockingly challenges his threats, asking him to clarify what mischievous acts he intends to commit. The song weaves playful banter, romantic tension, and witty retorts, capturing a classic playful courtship dynamic characteristic of 1980s Tamil cinema music.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai (Simile)
“Udukkai yeda pola / Iduppa konjam paathaa”
Compares the narrow waist of the woman to the shape of an 'Udukkai' (a hour-glass shaped traditional drum).
Metaphor
“Thuduppaa irundha en poo udambu / Aduppaagi poyaachu pan madangu”
Compares the body transformed by passion to a hot burning hearth/stove ('Aduppaagi poyaachu').
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kitta irundhaa ennam kedudhu / Ketta padukka enna chududhu”
Rhyming of the second letter ('tt') in 'Kitta' and 'Ketta'.
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Thuduppaa irundha en poo udambu”
Repetition of initial consonant sound 'Th' in 'Thuduppaa' and 'Thapputhandaa'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Per Sollum Pillai' (1987) stars Kamal Haasan and K. R. Vijaya, with music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The lyrics were penned by Gangai Amaran, showcasing his signature folk-infused, colloquial lyricism.
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