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IsaimozhiLyrics · Translation · Meaning

Lyrics & meaning

Maathare

From Bigil · 2019

Lyricist: Vivek
Singers: Chinmayi Sripada, Madhura Dhara Talluri, Sireesha
Music director: A. R. Rahman
Movie name: Bigil
Movie release year: 2019
Lyrics added on: 11 Aug 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics

↻ English translation

{Maathare maathare maathare

Maathare maathare maathare

Mangaiyae mangaiyae maathare

Mangaiyae mangaiyae maathare} (2)

Kaadhal thammai izhivu seiyium

Madamai kolutha sabatham seidhom

Indro madamai valakkirom

Maadhar udal dhaan koluthinom

Aaanin ulagil visira pattom

Mounam pesa padaikka pattom

Aalavae illa viduthalai

Aaanal iravaagum nodivarai

Maarbagam pola endhan

Manathirkkoru uruvam

Irunthirunthaal dhaan

Aaninam paarthidum adhaiyum

Nadhigalin pergalilae

Vazha vidum kootathilae

Poruthiduvai manamae poruthidumae

Kannaal urasigiraar

Balam kondu nasukkugirar

Valimai varam enavae

Meesaiyai ettrugiraar

{Aanmai adhu meesai mudi

Orathilae poopathillai

Pennai ne ganniyamaai

Paarpathilae thulirukkum} (2)

O women, O women, O women,

O women, O women, O women,

O woman, O woman, O woman,

O woman, O woman, O woman!

The foolishness that degrades love,

We once swore to burn it away.

But today, we nurture that foolishness,

And have burned women's bodies instead.

We were cast aside in a man's world,

Created only to speak in silence.

There is limitless freedom,

But only until the moment night falls.

Just like my breasts,

If only my mind and soul

Had a visible shape of their own,

Maybe men would look at that too.

In the midst of people who name

Their rivers after women,

Endure it, my heart, just endure it.

They graze against us with their eyes,

And crush us with their strength.

Believing strength is a blessing,

They twirl their moustaches with pride.

True manhood does not blossom

At the edges of a moustache;

It only sprouts when you look

At a woman with dignity.

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

'Maathare' from Bigil is a hard-hitting feminist anthem that critiques systemic patriarchy, physical harassment, and societal hypocrisies faced by women in everyday life. Lyricist Vivek highlights how women are forced into silence and denied safety after nightfall, despite living in a culture that superficially reveres female identity by naming holy rivers after them. The lyrics deeply explore objectification, pointing out that male gaze consumes women beyond the physical into their very soul. The song climaxes with a powerful redefinition of masculinity. It directly addresses toxic male pride, declaring that real manhood is not defined by physical intimidation or twirling a moustache, but by looking at women with genuine dignity, respect, and equality.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Oxymoron / Paradox

“Mounam pesa padaikka pattom”

Combining contrasting ideas to express how women are forced to communicate through suppression.

Irony / Social Critique

“Madamai kolutha sabatham seidhom / Indro madamai valakkirom / Maadhar udal dhaan koluthinom”

Highlights the hypocrisy of a society that claims to eradicate ignorance/sati, yet inflicts violence upon female bodies.

Metaphor & Symbolism

“Aanmai adhu meesai mudi / Orathilae poopathillai”

Uses the moustache as a metaphor for toxic masculinity and superficial pride, contrasting it with true moral character.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

“Maarbagam pola endhan / Manathirkkoru uruvam”

Matching initial 'M' consonant sounds in consecutive lines for poetic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Maathare' features an all-female vocal choir led by Chinmayi Sripaada alongside Madhura Dhara Talluri, Sireesha, Akshara, and Vithusayni. Composed by A.R. Rahman with poignant lyrics by Vivek for the 2019 Vijay-starrer 'Bigil', the song underscores the themes of women's rights and empowerment central to the film's sports narrative.

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