- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- Ilayaraja, B. S. Sasirekha
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Alaigal Oivathillai
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Jan 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic romantic duet from 'Alaigal Oivathillai' captures the profound passion and impending heartbreak of young lovers. The song opens with an evocative call to meet at dusk by the seashore—a setting that mirrors the turbulence of their emotions. The lyrics build up with playful hyperbole celebrating the heroine's grace, describing how her smile acts like a full moon rising everywhere and how her beauty eclipses all of nature.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uyarvu Navortchi Ani (Hyperbole)
“Nee malligai poovai soodi kondaal / Rojaavukku kaaichal varum”
Exaggerates the heroine's beauty by claiming that a rose will catch a fever out of jealousy if she wears jasmine.
Uruvagak Ani (Metaphor)
“Kaadhal meengal rendil ondrai / Karaiyil thookki pottaan”
Compares the two lovers to a pair of fish, where the elder brother's order separating them is metaphorically described as pulling one fish out of the water onto land.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Vizhiyil vizhundhu idhayam nuzhaindhu”
Repetition of the 'Vi' sound in 'Vizhiyil' and 'vizhundhu' creates a smooth, lyrical rhythm.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Idhazh kodukkum mutham / Uyir urugum satham”
The words 'mutham' and 'satham' at the end of consecutive poetic thoughts create a soft, musical rhyme.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Alaigal Oivathillai' (1981) was a landmark film directed by P. Bharathiraja, marking the debut of lead actors Karthik and Radha, as well as lyricist Vairamuthu's early award-winning collaborations with Ilaiyaraaja. The soundtrack became an instant phenomenon, with Ilaiyaraaja's blend of carnatic ragas, western orchestration, and folk rhythms defining Tamil film music in the 1980s.
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