- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Rickshawkaran
- Movie release year
- 1971
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Apr 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song from Rickshawkaran contrasts the arrogance of the wealthy elite with the innocent joy of the common people. The protagonist critiques a corrupt system where lawyers bend the law like flexible reeds, justice is reduced to written words rather than practice, and those meant to protect society devour its resources like a fence eating the crops. Ultimately, the song delivers a powerful warning of righteous vengeance, asserting that truth will triumph and the protagonist will rise like a tiger to demand accountability when the right time arrives.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Contrast (Maranu)
“Angae Siripavargal ... Ingae nee Sirikum pon siripo”
Contrasts arrogance (Aanava siripu) with pure bliss (Aanantha siripu), as well as human nature (Manitha jaadhi) with beastly nature (Miruga jaadhi).
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Manithan endra Porvaiyil mirugam”
Compares corrupt people to beasts hiding under human skin.
Simile (Uvamai)
“Naanal polae Valaivathuthaan Sattam ahuma”
Compares the malleability of law to a bending reed (Naanal).
Proverbial Metaphor
“Thottam kaaka Pota veli payirai thindradho”
Uses the famous Tamil idiom of a protective fence eating the crops to depict betrayers of trust and justice.
Animal Imagery / Metaphor
“Poonai alla pulli thaan Endru poga poga kaatukiren”
Compares self to a tiger rather than a weak cat to signal impending rebellion and strength.
Did you know?
Trivia
Rickshawkaran (1971) won M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) the National Film Award for Best Actor. The music for this iconic track was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, with lyrics by Vaali and vocals by T. M. Soundararajan.
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