(Initiative with @eli.kutty on Instagram for #learnthroughlyrics)
Kalyani, daughter of a wealthy NRI father, gets ready to marry her boyfriend against his wishes. He cuts her off from the inheritance and that prompts the boyfriend to ditch her. Dad has second thoughts and he decides to visit Kalyani and her new husband to give his blessings. Kaimal, her local guardian finds Vishnu, a small time crook in need of money, to pose as Kalyani’s husband for a few days. Kalyani is disgusted by Vishnu but has no other options since she wants to pretend she is happy with her new life.
This very popular song from the movie Chithram sung by M.G. Sreekumar and Sujatha Mohan, starts with a the humorous interaction by the couple which is hostile in close-up but very romantic when her father watches from afar. There are many iconic dialogues before this song when the pair tries to one up each other while following various customs for the newlyweds set up by the local tribal community.
To listen to the song, click play:
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
Njan innu eduthu veche, ente vettila thaambaalathil
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East
I took and kept it in my betel leaf arrangement today]
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
Njan innu eduthu veche, ente vettila thaambaalathil
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East
I took and kept it in my betel leaf arrangement today]
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East]
Nalla thalir vettila nulli vellam thalichu veche
Vekkam pokela nannayi njan vetti arinju veche
[I picked a good tender betel leaf and sprinkled water on it
And quickly cut up the tobacco into neat strips]
Ini nee ennu ente arikil varum?
[Now when you will come near me?]
Kili paadum kulir raavil njaan arikil varaam
Parayu nee mrudu meni enthu pakaram tharum?
[In the pleasantly chilly night with bird songs, I’ll come near you
Tell me, hey soft body, what will you give in return?]
Nalla thatha kili chundan vettila nooru onnu thechu tharaam
Ente palliyarayude vaathil ninakku thuranne tharaam
[I’ll give you a parrot beak shaped betel leaf applied with limestone paste
I’ll open the door to my bedroom for you]
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
Njan innu eduthu veche, ente vettila thaambaalathil
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East
I took and kept it in my betel leaf arrangement today]
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East]
Kannil vilakkum vechu rathri enneyum kaathirikke
Thekke thodikku arikil kaalocha thirichu arinjo?
[While you waited with luminous eyes at night
Did you recognize my footfalls near the Southern part of the yard?]
Arikil vannu enne ethirettu nee
[You came near to welcome me]
Thulunaadan* poompattu virichu vechu
Manimaaran ee raavil enthu pakaram tharum?
[I’ll spread the finest silk for you
What will you give me in return, my dearest?]
Ninne ketti pidichu njan chenthalir chundathu muttham tharum
Oru krishnathulassi poo nulli mudi thumbil chaarthi tharum
[I’ll embrace you and give kisses on your tender red lips
I’ll pinch off a holy basil flower and adorn your hair tip]
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
Njan innu eduthu veche, ente vettila thaambaalathil
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East
I took and kept it in my betel leaf arrangement today]
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
Njan innu eduthu veche, ente vettila thaambaalathil
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East
I took and kept it in my betel leaf arrangement today]
Doore kizhakku dikkin maanikya chempazhukka
[The ruby red fruit far away in the East]
*Thulunadu or Tulunadu is the name of the area which encompasses Kasargode, the nothernmost state in Kerala and the adjacent Southern parts of Karnataka. They are considered to be the producers of best silk in India.
+ Image copyright to the original uploader.