- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Unnal Mudiyum Thambi
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Jun 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a socially conscious anthem urging individuals to look beyond religious rituals and selfish apathy to address real-world suffering and poverty. It calls upon people to pay attention to the immediate social reality around them rather than gazing aimlessly at the heavens or engaging in empty worship while neglecting the cries of suffering humanity around them. The lyricist highlights the stark contrast between political grandeur and ground reality, reminding citizens of their civic duty towards the nation that nurtures them.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Alliteration)
“Akkam pakkam paaradaa / Aagaasa paarvai enna”
Repetition of initial consonant sound 'A' in 'Akkam' and 'Aagaasa'.
Edhukai (Rhyming)
“Akkam pakkam paaradaa”
Matching second letters 'k' in 'Akkam' and 'p' in 'pakkam' creating rhythmic flow.
Rhetorical Question
“Neeyenna senja adhukku / Unna kettu nee badhil sollu”
Asking 'What have you done for the country?' to induce introspection in the listener.
Metaphor
“Amma pasi endroru kookkural / Adhuthaan ini desiya bhaashai”
Comparing the cry of hunger to a 'national language' to emphasize widespread poverty.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Unnal Mudiyum Thambi' (1988) was directed by K. Balachander, starring Kamal Haasan and Gemini Ganesan. The film's soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, and the lyrics were penned by Pulamaipithan. The song famously borrows social ideals inspiring youth towards social responsibility.
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