- Lyricist
- M. S. Subramaniyam
- Singer
- Master Venkatakrishnan
- Music director
- Pendyala Nageswara Rao
- Movie name
- Anni -1951
- Movie release year
- 1951
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Mar 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song from the 1951 film 'Anni' questions the true nature of humanity and society. The speaker observes severe socio-economic disparities where millions languish in poverty while the wealthy pursue self-serving luxuries. People hypocritically profess patriotism and revere historical saints and martyrs, yet fail to follow their noble teachings or address societal corruption. Ultimately, the song serves as a poignant social critique, questioning whether mere lamentation can bring about reform or if society is condemned to passive acceptance in the era of Kali Yuga.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monaivodai (Initial Alliteration)
“Maanthar enbaar ivarthaanaa / Maanilam enbathum idhuthaanaa”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Maa' in consecutive lines to create a rhythmic motif.
Edugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Desaththukae thalai vanangudugiraar / Mosaththukae manam inakkidukiraar”
Matching of the second consonant sound 'sa' in consecutive lines ('Desaththukae' / 'Mosaththukae').
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Ani)
“Maanthar enbaar ivarthaanaa”
Use of interrogative refrains to provoke deep introspective reflection rather than seeking a direct answer.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Anni' (1951) was a socio-drama film produced by Jupiter Pictures and directed by K. S. Mani. The musical score was composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao, and this philosophical song was rendered by Master Venkatakrishnan with lyrics written by M. S. Subramaniyam.
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