- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Gangai Amaran
- Movie name
- Saavi
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Dec 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Thendralae Thendralae' from the film Saavi (1985) is a bittersweet duet about nostalgia, lost time, and acceptance of fate. The lovers recall their past days when life felt as light and joyful as skylarks singing and clouds floating in the sky. As destiny separates them, they ponder whether reunited lovers can ever recapture their old warmth or if past happiness is merely a mirage. Despite the sadness of divergent paths, the male protagonist gracefully wishes well for his beloved, acknowledging that their life's narrative has been reshaped by the play of time.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification (Uruvagappaduthuthal)
“Thendralae thendralae nee ennai naadi vaa”
Addressing the gentle breeze ('Thendral') directly as a living companion and calling upon it to seek them and sing melodies.
Simile (Upamai)
“Vaanampaadigal polavae gaanam paadiya naatgalae”
Comparing the happy past days to singing skylarks and fast-moving clouds.
Metaphor & Rhetorical Question
“Kaanal neeril maangalin thaagam theernthidumo”
Using a mirage ('kaanal neer') to symbolize false hope and unachievable desires for thirsty deer ('maangal').
Second-Letter Rhyme (Edhugai)
“Mayakkum vilainthidum maalaiyil”
Repetition of the second consonant 'y' sound in 'Mayakkum' and 'm' sound in 'Malargal' across consecutive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Gangai Amaran for the 1985 thriller film 'Saavi', this track stands out as a melodious composition elevated by lyricist Vaali's evocative words and the classic vocal pairing of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki.
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