Kavignar Vaali (T. S. Rangarajan) was a legendary Tamil poet and lyricist who authored more than 20 books and penned over 15,000 film songs. While he is widely celebrated for his contributions to cinema, his literary works often delved into epic poetry and spiritual history. Major Works by Kavignar Vaali
His most celebrated literary contributions include modern poetic retellings of Indian epics and historical biographies: Pandavar Bhoomi : A massive poetic version of the Mahabharata spanning multiple volumes. Avathara Purushan : A poetic retelling of the . Krishna Vijayam
: A two-part work detailing the life and exploits of Lord Krishna. Naanum Indha Nootrandum
: His acclaimed autobiography, which chronicles his journey in the film industry and his healthy rivalry with contemporary poet Kannadasan. Ramanuja Kaviyam
: A tribute to the life and philosophy of the social reformer and philosopher Sri Ramanuja. Other Notable Titles Pandavar Bhoomi Part 1 : Vali - Amazon.in
Kavignar Vaali (born T. S. Rangarajan) was a legendary Tamil poet and lyricist who authored over 15,000 songs across five decades. Beyond cinema, he was a prolific writer of modern verse, often reinterpreting traditional epics with a contemporary touch. Essential Books by Kavignar Vaali Naanum Indha Nootrandum (Me and This Century)
: His widely-read autobiography where he chronicles his five-decade journey in the Tamil film industry, including his friendly competition with poet Kannadasan and his patronage from M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). Pandavar Bhoomi kavignar vaali books
: One of his most celebrated literary works, which retells the Mahabharatha epic in modern verse form. It is often recommended as a definitive piece of his non-cinematic poetry. Avathara Purushan
: A poetic rendition of the Ramayana, focusing on the life and tales of Lord Rama. Krishna Vijayam
: A modern verse retelling of the life and legends of Lord Krishna. Ramanuja Kaviyam
: A literary work dedicated to the life of the philosopher-saint Ramanuja. Ninaivu Nadakkal (Memory Lanes)
: A popular collection of his reminiscences and thoughts, often cited as a must-read for fans of his writing style. Other Notable Literary Works Thamizh Kadavul
: A work exploring the divinity of the Tamil language or deities. Kalaignar Kaviyam : A poetic biography of M. Karunanidhi. Vaaliba Vaali Kavignar Vaali (T
: A title that plays on his pseudonym and youthful spirit, often featuring his more spirited and rhythmic poetry. Krishna Bhakthan : Another work focused on spiritual devotion. Show more Key Themes and Style
Vaali’s books are characterized by their accessibility and modernity. Even when handling ancient epics, he used " Vasana Kavidhai
" (prose-poetry) to make the content relatable to contemporary readers. His writing often reflects:
Youthful Spirit: Despite his age, his works maintained a "youthful" and contemporary vibe. Deep Philosophical Insight : Works like " Ellorum Sollum Paatu
" demonstrated his ability to weave profound life lessons into simple, catchy lines. ?
Which book should I start with if I want to learn about Tamil literature? Neenga Naan (You & Me): A collection of
For those who find poetry difficult, Vaali wrote prose:
“Naanum Indha Nootrandum” (Me and This Century) is his seminal autobiographical work. Unlike celebrity memoirs, this book is a raw, honest account of his political leanings (his initial support for the DMK and later disillusionment), his rivalries (notably with fellow poet Kannadasan), and the social realities of being a Brahmin poet in the Dravidian movement. It serves as a crucial primary source for understanding 20th-century Tamil cultural history.
This is arguably his magnum opus. Written in a simple, flowing meter, this book retells the entire life of Lord Krishna from birth to death. Vaali doesn't deify Krishna too much; he presents the strategy, the politics, and the human dilemmas of the avatar. The chapter where Krishna explains the Mahabharata war to Arjuna (his version of the Gita) is breathtaking in its simplicity.
Vaali was deeply spiritual and wrote extensively on Hindu epics. His books in this genre are considered profound.
In the landscape of Tamil literature, Kavignar Vaali (V. S. Narasimhan) stands as a colossus—not merely as a lyricist who gave voice to generations of cinema, but as a deliberate, profound man of letters. While the world knows his kavithai (poetry) through the silver screen, his books are the quiet, fertile soil from which that cinematic forest grew.
To hold a Vaali book is to hold a mirror to the Tamil psyche.
Written as Tamil entered the new millennium, this book is Vaali’s diary of the 20th century. It is a social commentary on how technology and westernization changed Tamil Nadu.