Probably the most popular belief might be that Kovalan went behind Madahavi and spent all money for her and when Kovalan burnt all the money he had , Madhavi broke up with him. But that's not how things happen in Illango's master epic. Kovalan goes behind Madhavi and spends all his wealth for her and expect sexual union and physical pleasure from her when ever he visits her. Madhavi wants a emotional bondage and just not physical pleasure from Kovalan. Kovalan gets frustrated with Madhavi after some time because Madhavi expects love but all Kovalan wanted was making love. Kovalan breaks off from Madhavi after a period of time when Madhavi doesn't give herself in for a sexual union whenever he expected.
In Canto 7 Kaanalvari of Puhar Kandam, Illango brings the tension between Madhavi and Kovalan. Madhavi and Kovalan sit in the shores of the beach and sing songs. Kovalan to press his sexual urge, sings lusty sailor songs which are vulgar, whereas Madhavi sings songs of hapless girls who long for love.
I have selected two songs from this chapter to highlight this tension. One poem sung by Kovalan and other by Madhavi.