- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Dharma Yuddham
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Jun 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This spirited track highlights the supreme power of journalism, the written word, and the pen over brute physical force, money, and political authority. The protagonist playfully dismisses arrogance and empty boasting, emphasizing that money is temporary while written history and legacy endure forever. The song celebrates the press for shaping leaders and political destinies, while championing the intelligence, dignity, and independence of the modern woman.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis / Contrast (எதிரிணை)
“Paalaala aala kollalaam / Intha penaavil oora vellalaam”
Contrasts the destructive nature of a physical weapon (spear) with the constructive, world-conquering power of the written word (pen).
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Naalaethaan kaala kannaadi / Ezhuththilae irukkkuthu ulagaththin thala ezhuththu”
Metaphorically compares the written word to the mirror of time and the architect of world destiny.
Iyaibu / Rhyming (இயைபு தொடை)
“Kaasu eppo kaiyila nikkum / Peru kaalamellaam ezhuththula nikkum”
End-rhyming with 'nikkum' creates a rhythmic cadence across consecutive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
Dharma Yuddham (1979) stars Rajinikanth and Sridevi, featuring iconic music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song highlights Kannadasan's witty lyrical commentary celebrating the power of journalism and modern womanhood.
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