- Lyricist
- K. S. Gopalakrishnan
- Singers
- P. Susheela, Chorus, Ghantasala
- Music director
- Master Venu
- Movie name
- Enga Veettu Mahalaskhmi
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Apr 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Kaathadi Kaathadi' from the 1957 movie Enga Veettu Mahalaskhmi is a lively allegorical song composed by Master Venu with lyrics by K. S. Gopalakrishnan. Ostensibly about children flying kites and competing in the open skies, the song uses vivid descriptions of a kite's acrobatics, lightness, and dependence on wind and string control. Beneath its playful surface, the song delivers witty political satire and a strong moral message. It compares a kite swaying erratically in the wind to opportunistic politicians changing allegiances for position, warning of their sudden fall when circumstances shift. It concludes by reminding young minds that true achievement lies not merely in playful games or arts, but in dedication to education, moral character, and bringing honor to one's parents and land.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai (Simile)
“Padam eduthu aasum paambhu polavae”
Compares the kite's soaring movement to a bird ('Vaan meedhu parndhidum kili polae') and a cobra raising its hood ('Padam eduthu aasum paambhu polavae').
Political Allegory / Satire
“Pathivukkagavae katchi maaridum / Poli thalaivanai polavae”
Compares the erratic, wind-dependent movement of a kite to corrupt politicians changing parties solely for power ('Poli thalaivanai polavae').
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Paadal aadal thanilae mattum / Pandhaiyamidudhal palanillai / Padippil endrum...”
Repetition of the 'P' sound at the start of consecutive lines creates rhythmic musicality.
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Parakkudhu paar en kaathadi / Minukkudhu paar en kaathadi”
Matching second consonants across lines ('ra' in Parakkudhu / Minukkudhu).
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by noted filmmaker and lyricist K. S. Gopalakrishnan, 'Kaathadi Kaathadi' stands out for sneaking sharp socio-political commentary about party-hopping politicians ('poli thalaivan') into a children's kite-flying duet. Sung delightfully by P. Susheela and Ghantasala, it remains one of the earliest examples of subtle political satire integrated into early Tamil cinema music.
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