- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singers
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan, Jikki
- Music director
- Pendyala Nageswara Rao
- Movie name
- Mamiyarum Oru Veettu Marumagale
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Sept 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful debate duet from the 1961 film 'Mamiyarum Oru Veettu Marumagale' features a humorous clash of perspectives between men and women regarding modern fashion, social decorum, and gender equality. The male character critiques modern women for riding bicycles, wearing short hair, revealing clothing, and demanding equality while seeking isolation in theatres. The female character sharply responds by calling out men's hypocrisy, staring habits like owls, lack of intellect, and foolish desires to rule over love. Through clever satire and rhythmic banter composed by A. Maruthakasi, the song captures the cultural friction between traditional values and modern influences in mid-20th century Tamil society.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Kaalthin kolathil podudhu potti / Kanniyar kottamum cyclai otti”
Rhyming ending syllables 'potti' and 'otti' across consecutive lines to create a rhythmic tempo.
Uwamai (Simile)
“Aandhaiyai pol aangal paarkkum podhu”
Comparing men staring improperly to owls ('Aandhaiyai pol').
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Angathai maraikkira blouse jannal”
The second letter 'ng' matches in 'Angathai' and 'Arai' (phonetically matched rhythm) / 'pinnal' and 'jannal'.
Antithesis (Contrast)
“Anji ponaal minjum minji ponaal kenjum”
Contrasting reactions based on behavior: 'Anji ponaal' (if scared) vs 'minji ponaal' (if dominant/exceeding).
Did you know?
Trivia
The song reflects the transition period in 1960s Tamil cinema where lyricist A. Maruthakasi frequently captured social commentary on westernization, women's liberation, and evolving urban fashion trends through witty banter duets.
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