Kadha Kelu Kadha Kelu
From Michael Madana Kama Rajan · 1991
- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Michael Madana Kama Rajan1991
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Haaan…. | Haaan… |
| Katha kelu katha kelu | Listen to the story, listen to the story |
| Nijamaana katha kelu | Listen to a true story |
| Suvaiyoda sugamaaga | With relish and sweet joy |
| Uruvaana katha kelu | Listen to the story that was created |
| Male | |
| Michael madana kama rajan | Michael Madana Kama Rajan |
| Kathaiya nalla kelu | Listen well to their story |
| Achuadichu vechadhu pol | Like they were stamped from the same mold |
| Naalu pera paaru | Look at these four people |
| Male | |
| Ah..michael madana kama rajan | Ah.. Michael Madana Kama Rajan |
| Kathaiya nalla kelu | Listen well to their story |
| Achuadichu vechadhu pol | Like they were stamped from the same mold |
| Naalu pera paaru | Look at these four people |
| Male | |
| Katha kelu katha kelu | Listen to the story, listen to the story |
| Nijamaana katha kelu | Listen to a true story |
| Suvaiyoda sugamaaga | With relish and sweet joy |
| Uruvaana katha kelu | Listen to the story that was created |
| Male | |
| Seemaanin kathalukku | For the love of a wealthy man |
| Aalanna pen oruthi | A young woman fell in love |
| Kalyanam aagumunnae | Before getting married |
| Thannaiyae thandhal | She gave herself to him |
| Male | |
| Seemaanin sothukellam | Assuming there was no heir |
| Vaarisu illaiendru | To all of the wealthy man's property |
| Pangukku kaathirundha | The younger brother waiting for his share |
| Thambikku adhirchi | Faced a massive shock |
| Male | |
| Annanin uravai | The relationship of his elder brother |
| Azhithida thunindhaan | He dared to destroy |
| Saguniyai pol oru sadhi seithaan | He plotted a conspiracy like Shakuni |
| Unmaiyai arindha kanniyum udanae | The maiden upon discovering the truth immediately |
| Karuvinai kaathida thunindhaalae | Dared to protect the fetus within her |
| Male | |
| Vanjagar kangalil mannaiyum thoovi | Throwing dust into the eyes of the deceivers |
| Viraindhaval aval thaan abhaiyam theedi | She rushed away seeking refuge |
| Aadharavindri alaindhae thrindhae | Wandering aimlessly without support |
| Kodipol thuvandal thaniyae kidanthaal | Fainting like a tender vine, she lay alone |
| Male | |
| Orunalla magarasi | A good-hearted noble lady |
| Vandhaalae samayathil | Arrived just in the nick of time |
| Udhavikku thaai pol thunaiyai nindral | And stood by her side like a mother to help |
| Male | |
| Katha kelu katha kelu | Listen to the story, listen to the story |
| Nijamaana katha kelu | Listen to a true story |
| Suvaiyoda sugamaaga | With relish and sweet joy |
| Uruvaana katha kelu | Listen to the story that was created |
| Male | |
| Pillaiyae illaiendru enguvor ingirukka | While people here yearn saying they have no child at all |
| Pillai o pillai endru pirandhadhu naangu | Not one, but four children were born! |
| Ondruku naal endru sothukku pangu kolla | Four instead of one to claim a share in the property |
| Vaarisu kanda thambi baliyida thunindhaan | Seeing heirs born, the brother dared to sacrifice them |
| Male | |
| Sollida nenjamum padharudhu ingae | To speak of it makes the heart tremble here |
| Balagar nilai ini ennaagum | What will become of the innocent infants now? |
| Panathukku vizhundha baathagan seyalaal | Due to the villainous deed of the greedy man |
| Annaiyin kadhaiyum ennagum | What will become of the mother's fate? |
| Male | |
| Maranathin kodumaiyai | Unaware of the cruelty of death |
| Ariya kuzhandhaiyin | The baby's flower-like smile changed his heart |
| Malar pol siripil avan manam maara | By God's grace, as good things were destined to happen |
| Male | |
| Iraivanin arulaal nalladhu nadakka | The children got separated, one in each direction |
| Pirindhana kuzhandhaigal dhisaikenna ondrai | Without the father knowing, his own child ended up in his hands |
| Thandhaikku theriyaadhu thanpillai than kaiyil | No one can comprehend the patterns drawn by destiny |
| Vidhi podum kolangal yaarukkum puriyaadhu | Listen to the story, listen to the story |
| Male | |
| Katha kelu katha kelu | Listen to a true story |
| Nijamaana katha kelu | With relish and sweet joy |
| Suvaiyoda sugamaaga | Listen to the story that was created |
| Uruvaana katha kelu | Michael Madana Kama Rajan |
| Male | |
| {Michael madana kama rajan | Listen well to their story |
| Kathaiya nalla kelu | Like they were stamped from the same mold |
| Achuadichu vechadhu pol | Look at these four people |
| Naalu pera paaru} (2) | Listen to the story, listen to the story |
| Male | |
| Katha kelu katha kelu | Listen to a true story |
| Nijamaana katha kelu | With relish and sweet joy |
| Suvaiyoda sugamaaga | Listen to the story that was created |
| Uruvaana katha kelu | |
ஹான் கத கேளு
கத கேளு நிஜமான கத
கேளு சுவையோட சுகமாக
உருவான கத கேளு
Haaan…
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Listen to a true story
With relish and sweet joy
Listen to the story that was created
மைக்கேல் மதன
காமராஜன் கதைய நல்லா
கேளு அச்சடிச்சு வச்சது
போல் நாலு பேர பாரு
Michael Madana Kama Rajan
Listen well to their story
Like they were stamped from the same mold
Look at these four people
ஆ மைக்கேல் மதன
காமராஜன் கதைய நல்லா
கேளு அச்சடிச்சு வச்சது
போல் நாலு பேர பாரு
Ah.. Michael Madana Kama Rajan
Listen well to their story
Like they were stamped from the same mold
Look at these four people
ஹான் கத கேளு
கத கேளு நிஜமான கத
கேளு சுவையோட சுகமாக
உருவான கத கேளு
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Listen to a true story
With relish and sweet joy
Listen to the story that was created
சீமானின் காதலுக்கு
ஆளான பெண்ணொருத்தி
கல்யாணம் ஆகும் முன்னே
தன்னையே தந்தால்
For the love of a wealthy man
A young woman fell in love
Before getting married
She gave herself to him
சீமானின் சொத்துக்கெல்லாம்
வாரிசு இல்லையென்று பங்குக்கு
காத்திருந்த தம்பிக்கு அதிர்ச்சி
Assuming there was no heir
To all of the wealthy man's property
The younger brother waiting for his share
Faced a massive shock
அண்ணனின் உறவை
அழித்திட துணிந்தான் சகுனியை
போல் ஒரு சதி செய்தான்
உண்மையை அறிந்த கன்னியும்
உடனே கருவினை காத்திட
துணிந்தாளே
The relationship of his elder brother
He dared to destroy
He plotted a conspiracy like Shakuni
The maiden upon discovering the truth immediately
Dared to protect the fetus within her
வஞ்சகர் கண்களில்
மண்ணையும் தூவி விரைந்தவள்
அவள் தான் அபயம் தேடி
ஆதரவின்றி அலைந்தே திரிந்தே
கொடிபோல் துவண்டால்
தனியே கிடந்தால்
Throwing dust into the eyes of the deceivers
She rushed away seeking refuge
Wandering aimlessly without support
Fainting like a tender vine, she lay alone
ஒரு நல்ல மகராசி
வந்தாலே சமயத்தில்
உதவிக்கு தாய் போல்
துணையாய் நின்றால்
A good-hearted noble lady
Arrived just in the nick of time
And stood by her side like a mother to help
கத கேளு
கத கேளு நிஜமான கத
கேளு சுவையோட சுகமாக
உருவான கத கேளு
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Listen to a true story
With relish and sweet joy
Listen to the story that was created
பிள்ளையே இல்லையென்று
ஏங்குவோர் இங்கிருக்க பிள்ளையோ
பிள்ளை என்று பிறந்தது நான்கு
ஒன்றுக்கு நாலென்று சொத்துக்கு
பங்கு கொள்ள வாரிசு கண்ட தம்பி
பலியிட துணிந்தான்
While people here yearn saying they have no child at all
Not one, but four children were born!
Four instead of one to claim a share in the property
Seeing heirs born, the brother dared to sacrifice them
சொல்லிட நெஞ்சமும்
பதறுது இங்கே பாலகர் நிலை
இனி என்னாகும் பணத்துக்கு
விழுந்த பாதகன் செயலால்
அன்னையின் கதையும்
என்னாகும்
To speak of it makes the heart tremble here
What will become of the innocent infants now?
Due to the villainous deed of the greedy man
What will become of the mother's fate?
மரணத்தின் கொடுமையை
அறியா குழந்தையின் மலர் போல்
சிரிப்பில் அவன் மனம் மாற
Unaware of the cruelty of death
The baby's flower-like smile changed his heart
By God's grace, as good things were destined to happen
இறைவனின் அருளால்
நல்லது நடக்க பிரிந்தன
குழந்தைகள் திசைக்கென
ஒன்றாய் தந்தைக்கு தெரியாது
தன்பிள்ளை தன் கையில்
விதி போடும் கோலங்கள்
யாருக்கும் புரியாது
The children got separated, one in each direction
Without the father knowing, his own child ended up in his hands
No one can comprehend the patterns drawn by destiny
Listen to the story, listen to the story
கத கேளு
கத கேளு நிஜமான கத
கேளு சுவையோட சுகமாக
உருவான கத கேளு
Listen to a true story
With relish and sweet joy
Listen to the story that was created
Michael Madana Kama Rajan
{ மைக்கேல் மதன
காமராஜன் கதைய நல்லா
கேளு அச்சடிச்சு வச்சது
போல் நாலு பேர பாரு } (2)
Listen well to their story
Like they were stamped from the same mold
Look at these four people
Listen to the story, listen to the story
கத கேளு
கத கேளு நிஜமான கத
கேளு சுவையோட சுகமாக
உருவான கத கேளு
Listen to a true story
With relish and sweet joy
Listen to the story that was created
Haaan….
Haaan…
Katha kelu katha kelu
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Nijamaana katha kelu
Listen to a true story
Suvaiyoda sugamaaga
With relish and sweet joy
Uruvaana katha kelu
Listen to the story that was created
Michael madana kama rajan
Michael Madana Kama Rajan
Kathaiya nalla kelu
Listen well to their story
Achuadichu vechadhu pol
Like they were stamped from the same mold
Naalu pera paaru
Look at these four people
Ah..michael madana kama rajan
Ah.. Michael Madana Kama Rajan
Kathaiya nalla kelu
Listen well to their story
Achuadichu vechadhu pol
Like they were stamped from the same mold
Naalu pera paaru
Look at these four people
Katha kelu katha kelu
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Nijamaana katha kelu
Listen to a true story
Suvaiyoda sugamaaga
With relish and sweet joy
Uruvaana katha kelu
Listen to the story that was created
Seemaanin kathalukku
For the love of a wealthy man
Aalanna pen oruthi
A young woman fell in love
Kalyanam aagumunnae
Before getting married
Thannaiyae thandhal
She gave herself to him
Seemaanin sothukellam
Assuming there was no heir
Vaarisu illaiendru
To all of the wealthy man's property
Pangukku kaathirundha
The younger brother waiting for his share
Thambikku adhirchi
Faced a massive shock
Annanin uravai
The relationship of his elder brother
Azhithida thunindhaan
He dared to destroy
Saguniyai pol oru sadhi seithaan
He plotted a conspiracy like Shakuni
Unmaiyai arindha kanniyum udanae
The maiden upon discovering the truth immediately
Karuvinai kaathida thunindhaalae
Dared to protect the fetus within her
Vanjagar kangalil mannaiyum thoovi
Throwing dust into the eyes of the deceivers
Viraindhaval aval thaan abhaiyam theedi
She rushed away seeking refuge
Aadharavindri alaindhae thrindhae
Wandering aimlessly without support
Kodipol thuvandal thaniyae kidanthaal
Fainting like a tender vine, she lay alone
Orunalla magarasi
A good-hearted noble lady
Vandhaalae samayathil
Arrived just in the nick of time
Udhavikku thaai pol thunaiyai nindral
And stood by her side like a mother to help
Katha kelu katha kelu
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Nijamaana katha kelu
Listen to a true story
Suvaiyoda sugamaaga
With relish and sweet joy
Uruvaana katha kelu
Listen to the story that was created
Pillaiyae illaiendru enguvor ingirukka
While people here yearn saying they have no child at all
Pillai o pillai endru pirandhadhu naangu
Not one, but four children were born!
Ondruku naal endru sothukku pangu kolla
Four instead of one to claim a share in the property
Vaarisu kanda thambi baliyida thunindhaan
Seeing heirs born, the brother dared to sacrifice them
Sollida nenjamum padharudhu ingae
To speak of it makes the heart tremble here
Balagar nilai ini ennaagum
What will become of the innocent infants now?
Panathukku vizhundha baathagan seyalaal
Due to the villainous deed of the greedy man
Annaiyin kadhaiyum ennagum
What will become of the mother's fate?
Maranathin kodumaiyai
Unaware of the cruelty of death
Ariya kuzhandhaiyin
The baby's flower-like smile changed his heart
Malar pol siripil avan manam maara
By God's grace, as good things were destined to happen
Iraivanin arulaal nalladhu nadakka
The children got separated, one in each direction
Pirindhana kuzhandhaigal dhisaikenna ondrai
Without the father knowing, his own child ended up in his hands
Thandhaikku theriyaadhu thanpillai than kaiyil
No one can comprehend the patterns drawn by destiny
Vidhi podum kolangal yaarukkum puriyaadhu
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Katha kelu katha kelu
Listen to a true story
Nijamaana katha kelu
With relish and sweet joy
Suvaiyoda sugamaaga
Listen to the story that was created
Uruvaana katha kelu
Michael Madana Kama Rajan
{Michael madana kama rajan
Listen well to their story
Kathaiya nalla kelu
Like they were stamped from the same mold
Achuadichu vechadhu pol
Look at these four people
Naalu pera paaru} (2)
Listen to the story, listen to the story
Katha kelu katha kelu
Listen to a true story
Nijamaana katha kelu
With relish and sweet joy
Suvaiyoda sugamaaga
Listen to the story that was created
Uruvaana katha kelu
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
'Katha Kelu Katha Kelu' is a narrative prologue song from the iconic 1991 Tamil comedy film 'Michael Madana Kama Rajan'. Composed by Ilaiyaraaja and penned by Panchu Arunachalam (sung by Ilaiyaraaja himself along with K. S. Chithra), the song acts as a musical exposition that sets up the backstory of quadruplets separated at birth due to a villainous uncle's greed. Through puppet show visuals in the movie, it briefly outlines how a wealthy man's pregnant lover escapes an assassination plot, gives birth to quadruplets, and how destiny scatters them across four different walks of life. The song cleverly balances drama and playfulness, drawing listeners into the intricate plot of identical quadruplets—Michael, Madan, Kameshwaran, and Raju. It seamlessly integrates traditional storytelling techniques with popular cinematic music.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Achuadichu vechadhu pol / Naalu pera paaru”
'Achuadichu vechadhu pol' compares the four identical quadruplets to items stamped out from the exact same mold.
Allusion (Thodarbiyaloopagam)
“Saguniyai pol oru sadhi seithaan”
'Saguniyai pol oru sadhi seithaan' references the treacherous character Shakuni from the Mahabharata to describe the villain's cunning plot.
Metaphor & Simile
“Kodipol thuvandal thaniyae kidanthaal / Malar pol siripil avan manam maara”
'Kodipol thuvandal' compares the helpless pregnant woman to a tender creeping vine wilting in distress, and 'Malar pol siripil' compares the infant's innocent smile to a flower.
Idiom / Metaphor
“Vanjagar kangalil mannaiyum thoovi”
'Vanjagar kangalil mannaiyum thoovi' uses the Tamil idiom of throwing dust into someone's eyes to signify evading deception.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Katha Kelu Katha Kelu' serves as a prologue track picturized on a traditional puppet show at the beginning of 'Michael Madana Kama Rajan'. Though Kamal Haasan stars in four distinct roles in the film, this introductory song explains the backstory of their separation in under five minutes, allowing the rest of the movie to focus purely on the comedic entanglements without lengthy exposition.
Keep listening
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