- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Neenga Nalla Irukkanum
- Movie release year
- 1992
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the film 'Neenga Nalla Irukkanum' serves as a poignant social critique of alcoholism and domestic neglect. Written by lyricist Vaali, the song describes the suffering of a married woman whose husband neglects her due to his irresponsibility and addiction. It reflects the broader societal reality where half the women in town suffer due to unrepentant men who ignore moral guidance and family obligations. The lyrics express a desperate hope for a transformation in society, where destructive habits like drinking toddy turn into nourishing life like milk. It calls for reform and social justice so that poor households can thrive in peace.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyming)
“Aasapattu vaakka patta / Aththa magalum thoongala”
Rhyming of the second letter across lines, such as 'Aasapattu' and 'Aththa' or 'Thennangallum' and 'Paanaiyil'.
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Thennangallum paala pola / Naala ingae maaranum”
'Thennangallum paala pola' uses the transformation of toddy into milk as a metaphor for the reform of alcohol addicts into pure, healthy individuals.
Idiomatic Proverb
“Naayin vaala yaarachum ingae nimirthum”
'Naayin vaala yaarachum ingae nimirthum' utilizes the popular idiom of 'straightening a dog's tail' to symbolize an impossible task or reforming stubborn, unchangeable behavior.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Neenga Nalla Irukkanum' (1992) was directed by Visu and produced as a state-sponsored social welfare awareness film addressing prohibition and anti-alcoholism in Tamil Nadu. The film featured music composed by M. S. Viswanathan and won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.
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