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Isaimozhi
Manthiri Kumari album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Ulavum Thendral

From Manthiri Kumari · 1950

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
Thiruchi Loganathan, Jikki
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Movie name
Manthiri Kumari
Movie release year
1950
Lyrics added on
16 Mar 2022

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Ulavum thendral kaatrinilae
Odamidhae naam magizha oonjalaadudhae
Ulavum thendral kaatrinilae
Odamidhae naam magizha oonjalaadudhae
Alaigal vandhu modhiyae
Aadi undhan paatukendrae thaalam podudhae
Alaigal vandhu modhiyae
Aadi undhan paatukendrae thaalam podudhae
Uyarndha malaiyum umadhu anbin uyarvai kattudhae
Uyarndha malaiyum umadhu anbin uyarvai kattudhae
Idhayam andha malaikku yedhu anbai katatvae
Idhayam andha malaikku yedhu anbai katatvae
Thelindha nerai pondra thooya kaaadhal kondom naam
Thelindha nerai pondra thooya kaaadhal kondom naam
Kalangam adhilum kaanuvaai
Kalangam adhilum kaanuvaai
Kavanam vaithae paar
Kudharkkam pesi ennai mayakka engu kattreroo
Kudharkkam pesi ennai mayakka engu kattreroo
Unadhu kadaikann paarvaai kattum paadam thannilae
Unadhu kadaikann paarvaai kattum paadam thannilae
In the gentle drifting breeze,
this boat rocks like a swing for our joy.
In the gentle drifting breeze,
this boat rocks like a swing for our joy.
The waves come splashing,
dancing and keeping time with your song.
The waves come splashing,
dancing and keeping time with your song.
Even the towering mountain reflects the greatness of your love.
Even the towering mountain reflects the greatness of your love.
Where does that mountain have a heart to show love?
Where does that mountain have a heart to show love?
We share a love as pure as clear water.
We share a love as pure as clear water.
You will find a flaw even in that,
You will find a flaw even in that,
if you look closely!
Where did you learn to charm me with your witty arguments?
Where did you learn to charm me with your witty arguments?
From the lesson taught by the corner of your eyes.
From the lesson taught by the corner of your eyes.
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic song 'Ulavum thendral kaatrinilae' from the 1950 film Manthiri Kumari depicts lovers enjoying a scenic boat ride while engaging in playful, poetic banter. As their boat gently rocks on the water, they marvel at how nature itself—the soft breeze, rhythmic waves, and tall mountains—seems to echo their romantic bliss.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Thelindha nerai pondra thooya kaaadhal kondom naam

The line directly compares their pure love ('thooya kaaadhal') to clear water ('thelindha neer') using the comparison word 'pondra'.

Personification (Uruvagaram)

Alaigal vandhu modhiyae / Aadi undhan paatukendrae thaalam podudhae

The ocean waves are personified as dancers setting a musical beat/rhythm ('thaalam podudhae') to accompany her song.

Metaphor

Uyarndha malaiyum umadhu anbin uyarvai kattudhae

The height of the mountain ('uyarndha malai') is used as a metaphor for the depth and greatness of love.

Did you know?

Trivia

Manthiri Kumari (1950) was directed by American filmmaker Ellis R. Dungan and featured screenplays and dialogues written by M. Karunanidhi. This iconic duet features M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Madhuri Devi on screen, composed by G. Ramanathan and sung by Thiruchi Loganathan alongside Jikki.

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