- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- K. Jamunarani
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Panchali
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 12 May 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Illaadha Pazhakkam from the 1959 film Panchali is a social commentary written by lyricist A. Maruthakasi and composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Sung energetically by K. Jamunarani, the song critiques the modern erosion of moral values and cultural integrity in contrast to the historical literature and noble traditions of the Tamil land. The lyricist highlights societal ills such as the objectification of women, greed for wealth, unwanted harassment of dignified women, and the abandonment of traditional ethics, urging society to preserve its cultural heritage.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Panpattai kolluvadhum / Paadhaimaari selluvadhum”
Rhyming of the second character across lines such as 'Inba' and 'Engaladhu' or 'Panpattai' and 'Paadhaimaari'.
Anaphora
“Inba tamil naatinilae / Engaladhu yettinilae”
Repetition of refrain lines 'Inba tamil naatinilae / Engaladhu yettinilae' to emphasize Tamil heritage and moral standards.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Pagattiyum kulukkiyum / Pengal aaduvadhum”
Matching initial sounds across adjacent words, such as 'Pagattiyum' and 'Pengal'.
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Trivia
Panchali (1959) featured memorable music by 'Thirai Isai Thilagam' K. V. Mahadevan. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi was renowned for weaving social consciousness, moral reflection, and ethical questions into popular film music of that era.
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