- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- Master Raj, T. K. Kala, L. R. Anjali, B. S. Sasirekha, S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Mazhalai Pattalam
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 29 May 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Gumthalakkaa kummaa' from the 1980 movie 'Mazhalai Pattalam' is a energetic children's anthem sung from the perspective of a lively gang of young kids standing up against adult authority. Using rhythmic beats and playful taunts, the children proclaim their unity and courage ('Mazhalai Pattaalam' meaning 'Children's Army'). They cite mythological examples like young Lord Rama defeating Tataka and child Krishna defeating Putana to prove that youth does not equate to weakness. Beneath the fun and mock-conquest of capturing the adults' 'fort', the song addresses the movie's main plot point: questioning forced, loveless marriages enforced by traditional elders. The children playfully mock the adults' rigid attitudes and take matters into their own hands to protect their elder sister's true love, blending juvenile enthusiasm with a sharp social commentary.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Allusion (Mythological Reference)
“Thaadagaiyai konnathuvum paalagan thaanae / Antha poothagiyai konnathuvum paalaganthaanae”
Refers to Hindu mythology where Lord Rama defeated the demoness Tataka and Lord Krishna killed Putana as children, drawing a parallel to prove children are capable of heroic feats.
Metaphor
“Unga kottaiyaththaan pudikka porom”
Capturing the adults' 'fort' is a metaphor for taking control, overriding adult authority, and winning the battle of wits.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Thaadagaiyai konnathuvum paalagan thaanae / Antha poothagiyai konnathuvum paalaganthaanae”
The lines end with matching phonetic endings ('paalagan thaanae'), enhancing the rhythmic folk bounce of the track.
Repetition / Anaphora
“Vanthuttuthu vanthuttuthu mazhalai pattaalam”
The repetition of 'vanthuttuthu' emphasizes the imminent arrival and unstoppable momentum of the children's army.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Mazhalai Pattalam' (1980) was directed by veteran actress Lakshmi in her directorial debut, under the supervision and story concept of legendary filmmaker K. Balachander. The film was produced by Kavithalayaa Productions. The soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Kannadasan, featuring an ensemble of child singers and playback artists including Master Raj, T. K. Kala, L. R. Anjali, B. S. Sasirekha, and S. P. Sailaja to capture the authentic chorus of a children's gang.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Mazhalai Pattalam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.