- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Mahadevi
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Aug 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic philosophical song from Mahadevi (1957) serves as a stern social critique against deceit, moral corruption, and shortcut mindsets prevalent in society. The narrator addresses a younger brother figure, warning him to navigate the world wisely while lamenting the absence of moral remedy for human hearts corrupted by greed and foolishness. Kannadasan uses vivid imagery—such as uprooting crops just for fun or an arrogant monkey breaking the very branch of love it stands on—to illustrate how self-destructive human ego and dishonesty can be. The overarching message emphasizes mindfulness, moral integrity, and the inevitable downfall of those who choose treacherous paths over righteousness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Kuruttu ulagamadaa / Thiruttu ulagamadaa / Iruttu ulagamadaa / Murattu ulagamadaa”
The second consonant 'ru' repeats consistently across the refrain line endings: Kuruttu, Thiruttu, Iruttu, Murattu, and Kirukku.
Allegory / Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Anbu padarntha kombinilae / Oru aganthai kuranggu thaavum”
'Aganthai kuranggu' (monkey of arrogance) serves as a metaphor for human ego jumping onto 'Anbu padarntha kombu' (the branch of love), resulting in its own destruction when the branch breaks.
Monaivazhi (Initial Letter Alliteration)
“Vilaiyum payirai valarum kodiyai / Verudan aruththu vilaiyaadum”
Alliteration of the initial letter 'v' across words in the line gives a rhythmic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Featured in the 1957 hit film 'Mahadevi' starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Savitri, this song played a pivotal role in establishing MGR's screen persona as a moral guide delivering socially conscious message songs (Thathuva Paadalgal). Crafted by lyricist Kannadasan and tuned by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, T. M. Soundararajan's resonant voice made it an enduring classic in Tamil cinema.
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