- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Ulle Veliye
- Movie release year
- 1993
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Sept 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This emotional song from Ulle Veliye (1993) expresses intense grief and social criticism over the plight of an innocent mother caught in the legal system. It contrasts the traditional warmth of motherhood—typically celebrated with bangles and cradles—with the grim reality of handcuffs and prison cells, questioning if poverty itself is considered a sin by society. The lyricist sharply critiques the concepts of law, justice, and religion, highlighting the tragedy that virtuous human beings are locked away while cruel predators roam freely outside prison walls.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Irony / Antithesis
“Veettil aadum thottil ondru / Kaidhi koondil asaiya”
Contrasts a home cradle with a prison dock to emphasize the tragic shift in the mother's life.
Metaphor / Wordplay
“Pillai perum thaaigalukko / Kaiyil valai poottuvaar / Pedhai indha thaaiyikkenna / Kai vilangu poottinaar”
Contrasts 'valai' (bangles customarily given to mothers) with 'vilangu' (handcuffs), showcasing societal cruelty.
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Ani)
“Dharamam enna needhi enna / Artham solla vaangadaa”
Uses direct, challenging questions to critique fake morality and legal injustice.
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Trivia
Ulle Veliye (1993) was directed by Parthiban, who also starred in the lead role. The film's music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics written by the renowned poet Pulamaipithan.
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