- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- Gangai Amaran
- Music director
- Chandrabose
- Movie name
- Kaliyugam
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Apr 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This satirical song from Kaliyugam (1988) takes place in a prison setting where various offenders—from petty thieves and pickpockets to chain snatchers and land grabbers—find themselves sharing the same roof. Humorously referring to the jail as a government-provided 'palace' ('madam'), the protagonist lightheartedly reflects on how various crimes land people in the exact same location. The singer offers twisted philosophical justifications for his criminality, arguing that great virtuous figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Veerapandiya Kattabomman met tragic ends, so crime seemed a safer option. However, the song ultimately carries a moral message about regret and the inevitability of facing consequences for wrongdoings.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Irony / Sarcasm
“Namma ellorukkum government kodutha madam”
Refers to prison as a government-gifted 'palace' (madam), using heavy irony to highlight incarceration.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Aduth veetu sotha amukka nenachavan... Pudicha pudiyil vittu packet adichavan”
The lines end with identical rhyming suffixes ('nenachavan', 'adichavan', 'keduthavan', 'aruthavan').
Allusion (Historical References)
“Gaandhiya pol naam irundhaa.. / Katta bomman pol irundhaa..”
References historical figures Mahatma Gandhi and Veerapandiya Kattabomman to make a satirical point about the fate of virtuous men.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track was written and sung by Gangai Amaran himself, showcasing his signature style of blending vernacular humor, folk rhythms, and social commentary into film songs. The music composed by Chandrabose features energetic 1980s Tamil folk-pop arrangements.
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