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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kabadi

From Ghilli · 2004

Lyricist
Pa. Vijay
Singers
Maran, Jayamoorthy
Music director
Vidyasagar
Details
Ghilli2004

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Chorus
Aanj poonjAanj poonj (a traditional folk game counting chant)
Santhanam pottachuSandalwood paste has been applied
Pulla nee mooruHey girl, you churn the buttermilk
Sulli potta kaaduA forest cleared of fallen twigs
Chorus
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Hey hooiHey hooi!
Chorus
Aanj poonjAanj poonj (a traditional folk game counting chant)
Santhanam pottachuSandalwood paste has been applied
Pulla nee mooruHey girl, you churn the buttermilk
Sulli potta kaaduA forest cleared of fallen twigs
Chorus
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Hey hooiHey hooi!
Chorus
Aanj poonjAanj poonj (a traditional folk game counting chant)
Aanj poonjAanj poonj (a traditional folk game counting chant)
Chorus
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi
Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadi…kabadiiiKabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi... kabaddi!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This energetic chant serves as the foundational Kabaddi theme for the movie Ghilli. Incorporating authentic rural Tamil folk rhymes like 'Aanj poonj' and 'Santhanam pottachu', the track mimics the continuous breath-holding chant required by raiders in the sport of Kabaddi. It evokes a sense of local pride, youthful fervor, and sportsmanship tied to the protagonist's love for the game.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar / Repetition

Kabadi kabadi kabadi kabadi

Continuous repetition of the word 'Kabadi' mimics the actual 'cant' held by a raider during a game without losing breath.

Folk Rhythm and Monorhyme (Iyaibu)

Santhanam pottachu / Pulla nee mooru / Sulli potta kaadu

Rhythmic rhyming structures commonly found in rural Tamil village children games and folk chants.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed as Unknown in the context prompt, the iconic music for Ghilli (2004) was composed by Vidyasagar. The energetic Kabaddi chants in the movie became a hugely popular stadium anthem across Tamil Nadu.

Keep listening

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