- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- L. R. Eswari
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Urimaikural
- Movie release year
- 1974
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Jul 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This energetic and provocative song from the 1974 movie 'Urimaikural' uses sharp satire to taunt men who lack courage, responsibility, and action. The singer mockingly asks if they are truly men or merely women wearing mustaches on their upper lips, suggesting that if they cannot stand up for their rights and duties, they should wear six-yard sarees and bangles instead.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Sarcastic Metaphor
“Mel udhatil meesa vecha pombalaingalaa”
Comparing passive men to women wearing mustaches or hollow drums making empty noise.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Anthakaala aambalainga... / Inthakaala neenga...”
Contrasting the valor and hard work of ancient men ('Anthakaala aambalainga') with the laziness and passivity of modern men ('Inthakaala neenga').
Alliteration (Monai)
“Aambalaingalaa / Aarugajam”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds ('A') in consecutive words for rhythmic punch.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Urimaikural' (1974) starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), Latha, and Anjali Devi, with music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The song's lyrics by Kannadasan include direct references to Mahatma Gandhi and C. N. Annadurai ('Arinjar Anna'), seamlessly blending cinematic drama with political commentary aligned with MGR's public persona.
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