(Translation on request for SN)
Radhakrishnan aka Radha was raised as a girl by his grandmother who longed for a girl grandchild. As an adult, he behaves effeminately with an interest in wearing make up and jewelry. He mostly hangs out with the girls in the neighborhood and takes part in group dances with them. Malu is his best friend from childhood. When Malu starts catching the interest of local men, Radha realizes he likes her too and he’s really happy to know the feeling is mutual. They consummate their love for each other in the song. One of my favorites in the 2000s, especially the lyrics. Beautifully sung by Shahabaz and Sujatha.

To listen to the song, click play:

Chaanthu kudanjoru sooryan maanathu
Pottu thodunnoru naanam theerathu
[Showering vermilion, the sun in the sky
A shyness wearing a bindi, on the shore]
Chaanthu kudanjoru sooryan maanathu
Pottu thodunnoru naanam theerathu
[Showering vermilion, the sun in the sky
A shyness wearing a bindi, on the shore]
Nin chudu nishwasathin kaattathu
Ennile enne arinju ee arikathu
[In the breeze that is your hot breath
I am getting to know my own soul closely]

Chaanthu kudanjoru sooryan maanathu
Pottu thodunnoru naanam theerathu
[Showering vermilion, the sun in the sky
A shyness wearing a bindi, on the shore]

Vellinila vala ninnunde ponnu udal vannu pothinjoru nerathu
Veendum enikku oru poonthira aakanam ennoru moham nenjathu
[The net of silver moonbeam, when it comes to cover your beautiful body
To become a(n ocean) wave (on the beach) again, is a wish in my heart]
Munpo nee thottal vaadum, pinnale melle koodum
poovaalan meenine pole
[Before, you (used to) get offended soon, then slowly come behind me
like a beautiful tailed fish]
Innaake maari poyi, mullellam vanne poye
puthiyapla kaaraye pole
[Today you are so different, you have grown some thorns
like a new bridegroom kaara fish]
Uppin kaipaanu annu ee kavilathu
Ippol enthoru madhuram chundathu!
[It used to be the bitterness of salt on your cheeks then
But now how sweet does your lips taste!]

Chaanthu kudanjoru sooryan maanathu
Pottu thodunnoru naanam theerathu
[Showering vermilion, the sun in the sky
A shyness wearing a bindi, on the shore]

Vennshila kondu menanjathu poloru sundari nin mani maarathu
Kannukal enthinu udakki valikkana choondakal aayi nin chaarathu?
[Sculpted off a white stone, hey beauty, on your chest
Why have my eyes become a fishing rod which hooks and pulls, near you?]
Kol ellam maayum neram pangaayam melle veeshi
nee ninte thoniyil aeri
[After the storm ends, rowing your oars
getting on your boat]
Poramo nalloru naalil omal poo thaaliyum aayi?
annu ente ponnarayan nee!
[Will you come with a beautiful thaali* on an auspicious day?
then you will become my favorite fisherman (husband)!]
Anthi mayangi velukkana samayathu
Kanmani, nee en valayil ponmuthu!
[When it starts to become lighter after the night,
You will be the pretty pearl in my fishing net!]

Chaanthu kudanjoru sooryan maanathu
Pottu thodunnoru naanam theerathu
[Showering vermilion, the sun in the sky
A shyness wearing a bindi, on the shore]
Chaanthu kudanjoru sooryan maanathu
Pottu thodunnoru naanam theerathu
[Showering vermilion, the sun in the sky
A shyness wearing a bindi, on the shore]
Nin chudu nishwasathin kaattathu
Ennile enne arinju ee arikathu
[In the breeze that is your hot breath
I am getting to know my own soul closely]

Chaanthu kudanjoru sooryan maanathu
Pottu thodunnoru naanam theerathu
[Showering vermilion, the sun in the sky
A shyness wearing a bindi, on the shore]

*Thaali is a gold pendant which signifies marriage. Thali on a thread is tied by the bridegroom on the bride’s neck during the wedding ceremony.

+ Image copyright to the original uploader.