- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Cinema Paithiyam
- Movie release year
- 1975
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Jun 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This satirical social commentary song from the 1975 movie 'Cinema Paithiyam' categorizes the various societal obsessions and follies of people as forms of madness ('paithiyam'). The singer lists different types of human foolishness: lustful men attracted by superficial sight, people seeking quick wealth through shortcut means, fame-seekers lacking intellect, and alcoholics who drown their sense in bottles. Ultimately, the song highlights the movie's central theme— cinema obsession ('cinema paithiyam')—warning how young women who abandon education and character in pursuit of reel-life glamour risk losing their dignity before realizing reality.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Padippinaiyum panbinaiyum paathiyil vittu / Nadippulagai unmaiyendru nambikkai kollum”
Matching second consonants across consecutive lines, such as 'Naanarintha' and 'Naattilulla' (aa sound in first letter, n/tt pattern) or 'Padippinaiyum' and 'Nadippulagai' ('di' sound).
Monai (First-letter Alliteration)
“Padippinaiyum panbinaiyum paathiyil vittu”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across words in a line, such as 'Padippinaiyum' and 'panbinaiyum' / 'paathiyil' with the 'Pa' sound.
Irony / Satire
“Aanavarai vaiththiyargal aaraaichhci seithaalum / Theeravillai enbathanai sollammaa”
Kannadasan uses witty sarcasm by calling societal vices 'craziness' or 'madness' that no medical doctor can cure.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Cinema Paithiyam' (1975) was a remake of the 1971 Hindi blockbuster 'Guddi'. In the movie, Jayachitra played the titular lead who is obsessed with cinema star actor Jaishankar (who played himself in a cameo). This song features dynamic rendition by T. M. Soundararajan with lyrics by Kannadasan, capturing the essence of showbiz obsession.
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