- Lyricist
- Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
- Singer
- K. Jamunarani
- Music director
- T. R. Rajagopal
- Movie name
- Kann Thiranthadhu
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Mar 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Written by the social reformer lyricist Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, this song serves as a sharp philosophical critique of human nature and society. The speaker addresses a companion (or bull/animal in folk tradition) and observes that human beings often act with hypocrisy, leaving no real moral difference between man and beast. The lyrics expose how honesty is punished while lies bring worldly success, how wealthy hoarders spark class conflict, and how politicians/intellectuals make empty grand promises.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Ulladhai sonna ... Ullaasa puvithaanda”
The second consonant 'll' matches across lines: 'Ulladhai' / 'Ullaasa'.
Monaif (Alliteration / First letter matching)
“Vasadhi irukkiravan tharamattaan / Avanai vayiru pasikkiravan vidamattaan”
The starting 'Va' sound repeats across lines for rhythmic emphasis: 'Vasadhi' / 'Vayiru' / 'Vaanathai' / 'Vaayalae'.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)
“Vaanathai villaavalaichu katturennu”
Using extreme exaggeration 'bending the sky like a bow' to mock politicians and talkers who make impossible promises.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Ivan soru podugiraan / Avan kooru poduraan”
Contrasting the hard-working uneducated farmer who feeds the country with the educated politician who destroys it.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram was famous for embedding Communist and egalitarian ideologies into simple, catchy folk-style Tamil cinema lyrics. His songs frequently championed the working class, farmers, and common citizens against corrupt politicians and wealthy capitalists.
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