Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Bagulu Odayum Dagulu Mari (The Return of Maari)

From Maari · 2015

Lyricist
Dhanush
Singers
Anirudh Ravichander, Dhanush
Music director
Anirudh Ravichander
Details
Maari2015

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Bagulu odaiyum dagulu mariA fake rowdy whose sweat/fear shows,
Ye chikkaangudthaa porada maariHey, if you play tricks, our Maari will fight you back,
Ye vandhaan da romba thaeri..Hey, he has arrived completely prepared and fierce!
Ai guiltaanaan da enga maari…Ah, our Maari is a pure, genuine local don...
Enga maari enga maari enga maari….Our Maari, our Maari, our Maari...
Male
Ye paatheenna moracha maariHey, if you look at him, he will glare back at you,
Moonji aayidum vera maari.And your face will turn into something entirely different.
Vaaya vuttaa dhaulath maariIf you open your mouth showing off arrogance,
Vazhka unakku mudinjamaariYour life will come to an end just like that.
Male
Pinnadichaa etchcha maariIf you backstab like a cheap person,
Vettu vilum andhamaariYou will get hacked down, just like that.
Rowdy summ veramaariThis rowdy is on a whole different level,
Pesamaattaan nallamaari….He won't talk politely like a good boy...
Male
Andhamaari…Just like that...
Andha andha andha maariLike that, like that, like that Maari!
Male
Bagulu odaiyum dagulu mariA fake rowdy whose sweat/fear shows,
Ye chikkaangudthaa porada maariHey, if you play tricks, our Maari will fight you back,
Ye vandhaan da romba thaeri..Hey, he has arrived completely prepared and fierce!
Ai guiltaanaan da enga maari…Ah, our Maari is a pure, genuine local don...
Male
Andhamaari..Just like that..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a mass introduction track celebrating the swagger, ruthlessness, and local street dominance of the character Maari. Written in authentic Madras Bashai (Chennai slang), the lyrics describe Maari's fearsome reputation—warning foes that backstabbing or showing off arrogance will lead to immediate violence. Despite his intimidating rowdy nature, he is depicted as an authentic and unfiltered hero of his locality.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Pun)

Ye paatheenna moracha maari / Moonji aayidum vera maari.

Extensive double-entendre and end-rhyme built around the word 'Maari', switching between the protagonist's name and the Tamil word meaning 'like/in the manner of'.

Madras Bashai (Local Colloquialism)

Ai guiltaanaan da enga maari…

Use of street slang words such as 'Dagulu' (fake/fraud), 'Guiltu' (pure/authentic), and 'Dhaulath' (wealth/power/arrogance) to create a raw, urban atmosphere.

Repetition / Anaphora

Andha andha andha maari

Rhythmic repetition of 'Andha' and 'Enga maari' to build tempo and musical momentum.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics were penned by lead actor Dhanush himself, utilizing popular Chennai street slang terms. The soundtrack composed by Anirudh Ravichander became immensely popular for its mass-appealing local rhythm.

Keep listening

More from Maari