- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Pattina Pravesam
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Sept 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Vaan Nilaa Nilaa Alla' is a iconic romantic song composed by M. S. Viswanathan, sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, and written by Kannadasan for K. Balachander's film Pattina Pravesam (1977). The protagonist compares the literal moon in the sky with the radiance of his beloved, declaring that true beauty and illumination lie in her youth and love rather than in celestial bodies or material objects. Through poetic inquiries, the lyricist explores where divine joy and fulfillment reside—whether in stone idols, wealth, physical comfort, or in the soft speech, smile, and affection of a devoted partner. In her absence, the protagonist describes himself as a waning moon, emphasizing his emotional dependence on her presence.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Naan theintha venilaa…”
Directly compares the protagonist's emotional state without his lover to a waning moon (theintha venilaa).
End Rhyme / Iaibu (இயைபுத் தொடை)
“Deivam kallilaa / Oru thogaiyin sollilaa / Ponnilaa pottilaa”
Extensive use of the suffix sound '-ilaa' across successive line endings creates a seamless, lyrical flow.
Rhetorical Questioning
“Deivam kallilaa / Oru thogaiyin sollilaa”
Uses philosophical questions comparing sacred/material concepts to feminine grace to highlight the sublime nature of love.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by M. S. Viswanathan and rendered by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, 'Vaan Nilaa Nilaa Alla' from Pattina Pravesam (1977) is revered as one of Kannadasan's finest display of end-rhyme scheme (Iaibu Thodai) built continuously around the sound pattern 'ilaa'.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
Spot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.