- Lyricist
- Kuyilan
- Singer
- P. B. Sreenivas
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Engal Selvi
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Dec 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant lamentation from 'Engal Selvi' reflects on the tragic outcome of misplaced trust and emotional neglect. A devoted woman placed all her faith in her partner, while he remained preoccupied with societal opinions, work, and superficial judgments based on appearances. Her continuous longing for affection went unfulfilled, leading to her tragic demise as she surrenders to the earth.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Unnai nambi avalirunthaal / Kannai nambi thavaru seithaai / Mannai nambi saranadainthaal”
Repetition of the second consonant sound 'nn' across opening lines creating rhythmic harmony: Unnai, Kannai, Mannai.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Unnai nambi avalirunthaal / Oorai nambi neeyirunthaai”
Striking contrast between her complete emotional trust in him versus his distraction by societal opinion and work.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Thuyaram parisaai thanthuvittaal”
Repetition of trailing verb structures like 'thanthuvittaal', 'marainthuvittaal', and 'sendru vittaal' to emphasize finality and grief.
Refrain / Anaphora
“Unnai nambi avalirunthaal”
The line 'Unnai nambi avalirunthaal' is repeated constantly throughout the song as a central emotional anchor.
Did you know?
Trivia
Engal Selvi (1960), starring Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, featured music by the legendary K. V. Mahadevan. Lyricist Kuyilan penned these deeply emotional lyrics, which were rendered soulfully by P. B. Sreenivas, making it a classic track depicting remorse and tragic love.
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