Ponni Nadhi is more than a song. It’s a lively folk anthem that draws you into the world of the past. In Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, A.R. Rahman, AR Raihanah, and the late Bamba Bakya blend their voices to create a rich, energetic sound. Right from the start, the track sets a tone of movement and grandeur, making it a strong introduction to the Chola kingdom.
| Single | Ponni Nadhi |
| Album Name | Ponniyin Selvan Part – 1 |
| Singer | A.r.rahman, Ar Raihanah, Bamba Bakya |
| Lyricist | Ilango Krishnan |
| Music Writer | A.r.rahman |
| Video Cast | Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Prabhu, R Sarath Kumar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Rahman, Radhakrishnan Parthiban |
| Release Date | November 14, 2022 |
The meaning of Ponni Nadhi becomes clear in its translated lyrics. Ilango Krishnan’s writing tells two stories at once: a journey across dry lands and a deeper look into the spirit of the Chola dynasty. Phrases like “All words flower to sing poems of the Chola land” show respect and turn a travel song into a tribute to culture and history.
Ponniyin Selvan Part – 1’s Ponni Nadhi Lyrics English (Translation)
O Kaveriyal Neermadikku Ambaramai Anaiyeduthan
The Chola dam drapes the sacred River Ponni.
Neer Satham Ketadhume Nel Poothu Nikkum
Crops blossom to the sound of the flowing river
Uli Satham Ketadhume Kal Poothu Nikkum
Stones sharpen to the soul of the chisel.
Pagai Satham Ketadhume Vil Poothu Nikkum
Bows stretch to the soul of the enemy.
Chozhathin Perumaikoora Sol Poothu Nikkum
All words flower to sing poems of the Chola land.
Ponni Nadhi Pakanume Theeyari Esamari, Pozhudhukkulla Theeyari Esamari
I must see the river ‘Ponni’ before the sun goes dull.
Kanni Pengal Kananume Theeyari Esamari, Katraippola Theeyari Esamari
I must admire the lovely beauties, as silent as the breeze.
Pottal Kadandhu Theeyari Esamari, Puzhudhi Kadandhu Theeyari Esamari
Crossing barren lands, crossing dusty lands,
Tharisu Kadandhu Theeyari Esamari, Karisal Kadandhu Veeram Velanja Mannu
Crossing parched lands.
Andho Nan Ivvazhaginile Semba Semba, Kalam Marandhadhenna
Beauty makes me lose the track of the time.
Manne Un Marbil Kidakka Pachai Naranja Mannu
O land, as I lie upon your chest, lush green fields.
Achho Oor Aasai Mulaika Manju Thoorum Mannu
Desires stir in me.
En Kalam Kaniyadho Kokku Pootha Mannu
Will time turn in my favor?
En Kalgal Thaniyadho Vella Manasu Mannu
Will my legs never tire?
Sembane Veeram Velanja Mannu, Thathatthada Thathatthada Thathatthada Thadavane Sel Veeram Velanja Mannu
O Semba! I hear your galloping
Ponni Magal Theeyari Esamari
This lady ‘Ponni’…
Lali Lalla Lali Lalla Lali Lalla Padi Sellum
Singing softly as she flows
Veera Chozhapuri Parthu Viraivai Nee
Gallop away to the valiant Chola land
Thavu Azhaga Thavum Nadhiyai Saga Kanavai Mudida
Jump with joy! Swift like the flowing river My friend, go! Fulfil our dreams
Ponni Nadhi Pakanume Theeyari Esamari, Pozhudhukkulla Veeram Velanja Mannu
I must see the River Ponni before the sun goes down
Kanni Pengal Kananume Theeyari Esamari, Katrai Pola Veeram Velanja Mannu
I must admire all the beauties, silent as the breeze
Sekka Sagappi Theeyari Esamari
O fair-skinned beauty
Nenjil Irudi Veeram Velanja Mannu
Dwell in my heart
Retta Suzhachi Theeyari Esamari
O mischievous lady
Otti Irudi Veeram Velanja Mannu
Stay close to me
Andho Nan Ivvazhaginile
So much beauty to behold!
Ponni Nadhi Music Video
Karthi’s energetic performance on screen matches the lively beat of the song. Director Mani Ratnam and composer A.R. Rahman demonstrate once again their ability to create vivid worlds through music. Ponni Nadhi is a great example of storytelling through sound, drawing listeners into the rich world of the Chola empire.