- Lyricist
- Aalangudi Somu
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
- Music director
- T. R. Pappa
- Movie name
- Iravum Pagalum
- Movie release year
- 1965
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a classic 'patti mandram' (playful debate) track where male and female voices challenge each other's views on beauty, modesty, tradition, and gender dynamics. The woman defends female vanity and self-expression as natural source of pride while calling out male chauvinism and arrogance. The man counters by questioning modern fashion trends, arguing for modesty, and teasingly reminding her about who ultimately bears the commitment of marriage.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Emona / Rhyme (Etukai)
“Haiyoo kunguma kolam poduvadhenna kannathilae / Saandhai kuzhaithu kuzhaithu varaivadhendha ennathilae”
Matching second letter in consecutive lines creating rhythm: 'poduvadhenna' and 'kuzhaithu' / 'kannathilae' and 'ennathilae'.
Rhetorical Question
“Aanavathai valarpathu thaan aangalin gunama”
The lyrics consist heavily of back-and-forth rhetorical questions designed to challenge each gender's point of view.
Imagery / Metaphor
“Haiyoo kunguma kolam poduvadhenna kannathilae”
Using 'kunguma kolam' (vermilion pattern) on cheeks as a visual metaphor for female makeup and beauty enhancements.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Iravum Pagalum' (1965) is famous for being the debut film of legendary Tamil actor Jaishankar, who was later hailed as the 'South Indian James Bond'. The film was scored by T. R. Pappa, and lyricist Aalangudi Somu was renowned for embedding sharp philosophical arguments into lighthearted duet songs.
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