- Lyricist
- Alangudi Somu
- Singer
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam
- Movie release year
- 1978
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Nov 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This excerpt presents a poignant social critique against rigid casteism, religious dogma, and blind superstitions. The lyricist laments how society glorifies foolish practices and regressive customs by dressing them up in the authority of scriptures and ancient laws.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Mooda seyalgalukku / Mudi sooti magizhndhirupaar”
The repetition of the 'M' consonant sound across 'Mooda', 'Mudi', and 'Magizhndhirupaar' gives the lines a sharp, rhythmic tone.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Manidhabimaanam ennum / Malar kulungum kaalam endroo”
Human compassion ('Manidhabimaanam') is poetically equated to a blooming flower ('Malar').
Anaphora / Repetition
“Jaadhi enbaar vaedham enbaar / Saasthirangal kodi enbaar”
The repetition of '...enbaar' highlights society's endless, hypocritical rhetoric regarding scriptures and traditions.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam' (1978) was adapted from the acclaimed novel written by literary giant Jayakanthan. The lyricist, Alangudi Somu, was known for embedding strong rationalist and reformist philosophies into Tamil cinema songs.
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