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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ulavum Thendral

From Manthiri Kumari · 1950

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
Thiruchi Loganathan, Jikki
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Manthiri Kumari1950

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ulavum thendral kaatrinilaeIn the gentle strolling breeze
Odamidhae naam magizha oonjalaadudhaeThis boat swings like a cradle for us to rejoice
Ulavum thendral kaatrinilaeIn the gentle strolling breeze
Odamidhae naam magizha oonjalaadudhaeThis boat swings like a cradle for us to rejoice
Male
Alaigal vandhu modhiyaeThe waves come crashing in
Aadi undhan paatukendrae thaalam podudhaeDancing and keeping rhythm just for your song
Alaigal vandhu modhiyaeThe waves come crashing in
Aadi undhan paatukendrae thaalam podudhaeDancing and keeping rhythm just for your song
Female
Uyarndha malaiyum umadhu anbin uyarvai kattudhaeEven the towering mountain demonstrates the height of your love
Uyarndha malaiyum umadhu anbin uyarvai kattudhaeEven the towering mountain demonstrates the height of your love
Male
Idhayam andha malaikku yedhu anbai katatvaeWhere is the heart for that mountain to show love?
Idhayam andha malaikku yedhu anbai katatvaeWhere is the heart for that mountain to show love?
Female
Thelindha nerai pondra thooya kaaadhal kondom naamWe share a love as pure as clear water
Thelindha nerai pondra thooya kaaadhal kondom naamWe share a love as pure as clear water
Male
Kalangam adhilum kaanuvaaiYou will find blemishes even in that
Kalangam adhilum kaanuvaaiYou will find blemishes even in that
Kavanam vaithae paarLook closely and pay attention
Female
Kudharkkam pesi ennai mayakka engu kattrerooWhere did you learn to speak sophistry to charm me?
Kudharkkam pesi ennai mayakka engu kattrerooWhere did you learn to speak sophistry to charm me?
Male
Unadhu kadaikann paarvaai kattum paadam thannilaeFrom the lesson taught by your side-long glance
Unadhu kadaikann paarvaai kattum paadam thannilaeFrom the lesson taught by your side-long glance

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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