- Lyricist
- Uma Devi
- Singer
- Gold Devaraj
- Music director
- Ghibran
- Movie name
- Magalir Mattum
- Movie release year
- 2017
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Mar 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Gubaal' (also known as 'Adi Vaadi Thimiraa') from Magalir Mattum (2017) is an empowering feminist anthem celebrating women's liberation, independence, and solidarity. Written by lyricist Uma Devi, the song invokes historical and Sangam-era motifs of female bravery, such as the legendary Tamil woman who scared off a tiger using only a winnowing basket (Moram). It urges women to shed their fear, embrace self-worth, and break free from patriarchal boundaries. The lyrics call for equality, joy, and unrestrained freedom, comparing life to an endless ocean and a sugarcane grove meant to be fully tasted. It challenges conventional norms and religious scriptures that restrict women's autonomy, inspiring them to soar across boundaries like wild birds and celebrate life together as equals.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Cultural Allusion / Sangam Motif
“Pulioottum moramaa”
Refers to the ancient Tamil Sangam poetry trope of a brave mother or woman chasing away a wild tiger using a simple winnowing basket (Moram).
Metaphor
“Vazhkkaioru sengarumbu solai”
Compares life directly to a sweet sugarcane grove, emphasizing the joy and sweetness of a free existence.
Simile
“Kaatu yaanaikoottam pola”
Uses 'pola' (like) to compare women celebrating free of fear to a free herd of wild elephants in the forest.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Valiyoo oliyoo Analoo punaloo ivaloooo…”
Contrasts opposing elements (pain/light, fire/water, heat/cold) to portray the multifaceted, powerful nature of women.
Monai (Alliteration)
“Paravaikku paranthida”
Repetition of the initial letter 'P' in adjacent words ('Paravaikku', 'Paranthida').
Did you know?
Trivia
'Magalir Mattum' (2017) was produced by Suriya and stars Jyothika in the lead role. The song's lyrics were penned by popular poet-lyricist Uma Devi, known for her sharp socio-political and feminist imagery in Tamil cinema.
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