- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Music director
- Gangai Amaran
- Movie name
- Mannukketha Ponnu
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Nov 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a lively, self-affirming folk track from the 1985 movie 'Mannukketha Ponnu', sung from the perspective of the protagonist Maruthamuthu. He proudly declares his spotless reputation across the village, boasting that no one can point out a single flaw in his character. Despite not having formal education ('pallikoodam pogaama'), he takes pride in his industrious nature, moral uprightness, and willingness to perform any honest work without being a burden on anyone. Throughout the track, the lyrics emphasize core rural values: loyalty, truthfulness, hard work, and a heart devoid of malice ('kallamilla'). Maruthamuthu compares his loyalty to that of a faithful dog and celebrates being a beloved, respected youth in his community. The overall tone is cheerful, rustic, and brimming with unpretentious self-confidence.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Anbirukkum nenjukulla / Ennaikkumae kallmilla”
The second consonant 'n' (ன்) rhymes in 'Anbirukkum' and 'Ennaikkumae', adhering to traditional Tamil ethugai structure.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Poi purattuu sollugira vaai ila / Enna pola nandri ulla naai illa”
The lines end with matching rhyming phonetic sounds ('vaai ila' / 'naai illa').
Simile / Cultural Metaphor
“Enna pola nandri ulla naai illa”
The speaker metaphorically compares his unwavering gratitude and loyalty to that of a faithful dog ('naai'), a common folk idiom in rural Tamil culture.
Monai (First-letter Alliteration)
“Pallikoodam pogaama / Pattam vaanga poraandi”
The initial letter 'Pa' (ப) creates alliteration across the lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
The 1985 film 'Mannukketha Ponnu' marked the directorial debut of actor-director Ramarajan. The soundtrack for the film was composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring rustic, folk-infused compositions tailored for rural themes. The lyrics were penned by Vairamuthu during the period when he frequently collaborated with Ilaiyaraaja to create popular rural hit songs.
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