- Lyricist
- Ku. Sa. Krishnamoorthi
- Singer
- T. V. Rathinam
- Music director
- G. Govindarajulu Naidu
- Movie name
- Andhaman Kaidhi
- Movie release year
- 1952
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Jan 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic satire song from Andaman Kaidhi (1952) critically highlights post-independence inflation, corruption, and social inequity in Tamil Nadu. It describes how changing a five-rupee note quickly results in total depletion due to sky-rocketing prices of basic commodities like eggplants and jaggery. It contrasts the plight of the poor—who suffer homelessness and hunger—with corrupt exploiters who flourish through deception. The lyricist also mocks empty political speeches and endless unfulfilled government schemes that fail to address unemployment and poverty.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Anju roobaai notta / Konjam minna maathi”
In 'Anju' (அஞ்சு) and 'Konjam' (கொஞ்சம்), the second consonant sound 'nj' (ஞ்) creates a rhythmic rhyme between adjacent lines.
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Kathirikkaa vilai kooda / Kattu meeralaachu kaalangkettu pochu”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Ka' in 'Kathirikkaa' and 'Kattu'.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Naalanaavaa pochudhu / Kadum panjam aachudhu”
Repetition of 'pochudhu' / 'aachudhu' at the line endings.
Simile (Upamai)
“Vaelaiyindri agadhigal polae”
Comparing unemployed citizens longing for livelihood to refugees ('agadhigal pol').
Did you know?
Trivia
Andaman Kaidhi (1952) was based on a popular play written by M. G. Ramachandran's associate Ku. Sa. Krishnamoorthi. The film starred M. G. Ramachandran and Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. This song stands out as an early socio-political critique on post-WWII inflation in Tamil cinema.
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