- Lyricist
- K J Ayyanar
- Singers
- Anbugurudass, K J Ayyanar
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Gandhi Talks
- Movie release year
- 2026
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Jan 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Gandhi Talks' serves as a biting socio-political satire on how Mahatma Gandhi's core philosophies—such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Satyagraha, communal unity, and self-reliance—have been distorted or forgotten in modern India. The lyrics highlight the stark contrast between Gandhi's historical legacy as a freedom fighter and his current reduction to merely a face printed on paper currency used for political exploitation and illegal bribery under government tables.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Irony / Satire
“Table-ukku keezha kooda / Unna kekka poraan”
Highlights the dark irony of how Gandhi, the symbol of absolute honesty and truth, has his image used on cash notes demanded as illegal bribes under tables.
Metaphor
“Dhoosiyaala jam-uh aachu / Sakkara wheel-uh la”
The dust-choked spinning wheel (Charkha) metaphorically represents the decline and stagnation of Gandhi's ideals of self-reliance and moral simplicity in present times.
Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Pakkala unna south africa boatula / Pakkala unna barrister coatula”
The second consonant sound 'kk' matches across consecutive lines, creating traditional Tamil rhythmic rhyming.
Allusion
“Kurudan oomai sevudu / Unna adaiyaalam katta”
Alludes directly to Gandhi's famous three wise monkeys representing 'see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Gandhi Talks' is a silent dark comedy film starring Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy, and Aditi Rao Hydari. Because the film features no spoken dialogue, A. R. Rahman's musical score and lyrics play a critical narrative role in communicating the storyline, character motivations, and social commentary.
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