- Lyricist
- Kothamangalam Subbu
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- C. Ramachandra
- Movie name
- Vanji Kottai Valipan
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Jun 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song expresses a young woman's frustration and sharp-witted commentary on male attention and societal double standards. She laments how men relentlessly pester her with personal questions about her age, origin, and stay, while pretending to be respectable citizens. She points out the absurdity of societal judgment—where a woman walking down the street or looking around is immediately accused of doing something wrong, yet men freely leer at young women and then cower when confronted.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Ethanai kaelvi eppadi solvaen”
The repetition of the initial vowel sound 'E' (Ethanai / eppadi) creates a rhythmic, melodic flow.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Muthu modhiram thaaraen / Pathu veedugal thaaraen”
The second consonant sound 'th' matches between 'Muthu' and 'Pathu', adding poetic balance.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Thappendru solluraar / Thappendru solluraar”
Repetition of ending refrain words creates lyrical emphasis on societal criticism.
Rhetorical Question
“Enai ithanai paer suthinaal engai selvaen”
The singer repeatedly asks where she can possibly go when surrounded by unwanted attention, highlighting her helplessness and frustration.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the versatile writer and lyricist Kothamangalam Subbu for Gemini Studios' epic 1958 film 'Vanji Kottai Valipan', the song highlights his signature folk-influenced, social-commentary lyricism. Subbu was famous for capturing authentic Tamil speech idioms and female perspectives with sharp humor and realism.
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