Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anjalkaaran

From Harkara · 2023

Lyricist
R. Deepak Krishna
Singers
Hariharasudhan Charee, Sinduri Vishal
Music director
Ramshanker
Details
Harkara2023

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ottam oduraanHe runs continuously
Saedhi kettadhum ottam oduraanHearing the news, he runs fast
Kaaval kaakkuraanHe stands guard
Kattu maettaiyum thaandi sekkuraanCrossing the rugged hills, he reaches safely
Male
Harkara thoodhaaga sendruGoing as the Harkara messenger
Solladha unmaigalaCarrying the untold truths
Sarkkaarin sanmaanam vaangiReceiving government honors
Medalaagi naadodidumBecoming a medal, wandering the land
Male
AnjalkkaaranThe postman
Enga anjalkkaaranOur postman
Male
Ooru saedhi ellam therinjuKnowing all the village news
Otha vaartha vambhu pesalaHe did not speak a single word of gossip
Paiyil poora anba alli kottiPouring out the abundant love from his bag
Roppuvane thambhi mannulaHe fills this earth with it, my brother
Male
Poothirukkum kaalam ellamIn all the seasons that bloomed
Moochu vaanga vandhaan ingaHe came here panting out of breath
Dhoora sondha satham ingaThe voices of distant relatives here
Reengaaram vandhaachungaHave arrived like a sweet hum
Male
AnjalkkaaranThe postman
Enga anjalkkaaranOur postman
Male
Inbam thunbam ellam pagirndhuSharing both joy and sorrow
Sondhakkaaran pola nikkuraanHe stands like our own family member
Innal vandhu kaadae irundaaIf hardships arrive and turn into a dark forest
Paadhaiyaagi velicham kaatturanHe becomes a path and shows the light
Male
Vervai thaicha seerudaiyodaDressed in a uniform stitched with sweat
Eechangkatta naadi vadhaanHe came searching with his wild date-palm stick
Muthiraiyil mugavari serthuAdding an address to the postal stamp
Adaiyaalam vaangi thandhaanHe earned and gave us an identity
Male
Ottam oduraanHe runs continuously
Chorus :Saedhi kettadhum ottam oduraanChorus: Hearing the news, he runs fast
Male :Kaaval kaakkuraanMale: He stands guard
Chorus :Kattu maettaiyum thaandi sekkuraanChorus: Crossing the rugged hills, he reaches safely
Male
Anjalkkaaran..hey hey heyPostman... hey hey hey
Mudhal anjalkkaaranThe very first postman

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Anjalkkaaran' from the movie Harkara (2023) is a heartfelt tribute to the historical postal runners ('Harkaras') and modern-day postmen who serve in remote regions. It depicts the postman as a tireless runner who braves difficult terrains, dense forests, and steep hills to deliver mail, acting as the vital link connecting isolated villagers with their distant loved ones. Beyond his physical duty, the lyricist emphasizes the emotional bond between the postman and the community. Carrying letters full of warmth and love, he keeps secrets safe, avoids gossip, and shares equally in the villagers' joys and sorrows like a true family member. Drenched in sweat and holding his walking stick, he gives the villagers a sense of recognition and identity through every letter delivered.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Vervai thaicha seerudaiyoda

'Vervai thaicha seerudai' (Uniform stitched with sweat) metaphorically emphasizes the extreme hard work and physical exertion of the postal runner.

Metaphor

Paiyil poora anba alli kotti

'Paiyil poora anba alli kotti' describes the postman's mailbag as being filled with love rather than just paper letters.

Monai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

Ottam oduraan

Repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds in words within the line: 'Ottam oduraan' (O - O).

Edugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Inbam thunbam ellam pagirndhu

Rhyming of the second letter across contrasting concepts: 'Inbam' and 'Thunbam' (n-sound in second position).

Did you know?

Trivia

'Harkara' is a historical term of Persian origin used in colonial India to denote postal runners who carried official dispatches and private mail on foot across treacherous terrain. The film 'Harkara' (2023), directed by Ramshanker (who also composed the music), is widely recognized as India's first feature film centered around the life and history of postmen.

Keep listening

More from Harkara