- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- L. R. Eswari
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Vanambadi
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Jul 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful and lively song from 'Vanambadi' (1963) centers around a cheerful conversation teasing a young woman who seems visibly glowing with the excitement of love. The narrator inquisitively asks her friend who her secret lover was, what sweet secrets he imparted, and why she is overcome with such overwhelming happiness. The lyrics paint a romantic picture of the heroine's long hair reaching her feet, her cautious and delicate steps, and her shy, expressive eyes that carry devotion like a sacred 'Kavadi'. As the rhythm picks up, the friend lightheartedly teases her about gazing into the mirror, swaying back and forth in romantic preoccupation, and playfully demands to know the truth about who visited and who the other woman mentioned might be. Kaviarasar Kannadasan blends classical poetic metaphors with spirited social banter, capturing the blissful shyness and infectious joy of young love.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Nilladi nilladi kannadiyo / Ennadi ennadi solladiyo / Munnadi pinnadi podadiyo”
The line endings repeat the rhyming suffix '-adiyo', creating a melodic and rhythmic cadence.
Uvamai Ani (Simile)
“Veladi poladi thodi varamal”
Compares the sharp, piercing gaze of the lover's eyes to spears ('vel').
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Kaadhal kaavadi thookum kangal irandai”
Metaphorically describes the eyes as carrying the burden/offering of love ('Kaadhal Kavadi').
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Kaadhal kaavadi thookum”
Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'K' in 'Kaadhal' and 'Kaavadi'.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Vanambadi' (1963) stars S. S. Rajendran and Devika in lead roles. The film's music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and the lyrics were penned by the legendary poet Kannadasan. This song showcases Kannadasan's ability to incorporate traditional Tamil poetic descriptions (such as 'Aaradi koondhal' or 6-foot hair, traditionally considered an ideal of beauty) into catchy, accessible film music.
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