- Lyricist
- K. S. Krishnamoorthy
- Singer
- M. L. Vasanthakumari
- Music director
- C. S. Jayaraman
- Movie name
- Ratha Kanneer
- Movie release year
- 1954
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Feb 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the landmark social satire film Ratha Kanneer (1954) takes a sharp, cynical look at materialistic societal norms. Sung from the perspective of a courtesan's mother/household, the lyrics advise shutting the door on anyone who lacks money—even if the visitor were divine figures like Shiva, Krishna, or Ganesha. The song sarcastically suggests flattering and seeking the patronage of wealthy but unintelligent men while driving away penniless pretenders who put on false airs with borrowed clothes.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Moonaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kayil kaasillaathavan kadavul aanaalum”
Repetition of the 'Ka' consonant sound in 'Kayil', 'kaasillaathavan', and 'kadavul'.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Porul tharuvaarodu / Uravae kondaadu”
Rhyming ends in 'porul tharuvaarodu' and 'uravae kondaadu'.
Satire and Irony
“Kayil kaasillaathavan kadavul aanaalum Kadhavai saaththadi”
Hyperbolic satirical statement placing wealth above divinity and moral virtue.
Did you know?
Trivia
Ratha Kanneer (1954), starring M. R. Radha, was adapted from a hugely successful stage play. The song 'Kadhavai Saaththadi' was sung by classical music maestro M. L. Vasanthakumari (MLV), bringing a unique Carnatic classical touch to a razor-sharp social satire song composed by C. S. Jayaraman.
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