- Lyricist
- M. Karunanidhi
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kavalukku Kettikaran
- Movie release year
- 1990
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Jan 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a hero-praise anthem celebrating an upright, brave, and incorruptible police officer. Hailing from Thanjavur, the hero embodies ideal qualities of public service—he refuses to take bribes, respects good citizens, acts strictly according to his conscience, and fulfills every promise he makes. He stands up against corruption and tyranny, ensuring he protects the weak rather than preying on them like a predator, while mercilessly crushing illegal activities like illicit liquor brewing, hoarding, and smuggling.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Kaavalukku kettikkaaran / Indha kaakki chattakkaran”
Matching of the second consonant sound in adjacent lines, such as 'Kaavalukku' and 'Thanjaavooru' (matching 'va'/'ja' placement) or 'Sonnadha' and 'Appadi' / 'Nambikkaiyaa'.
Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Padhukkalaiyum kadathalaiyum / Panju panjaa pichu pouduvaan”
Repetition of the initial letter 'Pa' across consecutive words in line 35 and 36.
Metaphor / Idiomatic Proverb
“Vaeliyae payira meiyum / Andha vedhanaiya porukka maattaan”
Uses the famous Tamil proverb 'Vaeliye payira meiyum' (the fence itself grazing the crop) to illustrate internal corruption in law enforcement.
Metaphor
“Vellaattum mela paayum / Oru vengaiyaaga irukka maattaan”
Compares oppressors or corrupt officials to a tiger preying on weak goats, asserting the hero's refusal to act in such a predatory manner.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics were written by former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and veteran DMK leader M. Karunanidhi. The film 'Kavalukku Kettikaran' (1990) starring Prabhu and Nirosha features police duty themes and political commentary characteristic of Karunanidhi's screenwriting.
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