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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nakkalu Maama

From Anjala · 2016

Lyricist
Na. Muthu Kumar
Singers
Nanda, Santosh Hariharan, Pooja AV, Sai
Music director
Gopi Sundar
Details
Anjala2016

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Nakkalu mama nakkalu mamaTeasing, uncle! Sarcasm, uncle!
Nakkalu mama nakkalu mamaTeasing, uncle! Sarcasm, uncle!
Kindalu mama kindalu mamaMockery, uncle! Mockery, uncle!
Kindalu mama keli mamaMockery, uncle! Ridicule, uncle!
Male
Emmaa pulla embuttu pullaOh dear girl, look at all these children!
Inga vanthu naan paaththaenI came here and witnessed it myself,
Elizabeth raniyodaHearing the romantic story
Kadhal kathaiyi naan kettaenOf Queen Elizabeth herself!
Male
Emmaa peru eththanai ooruOh my, across how many towns and names,
Ellorukkum dhosth-u yaaruWho remains a true friend to everyone?
Yakka yakka edhira paaruHey sister, look right ahead!
Male
Appudiyaa appudiyaaIs that so? Is that so?
Appudiyaa appudiyaaIs that so? Is that so?
Male
Jaathi matham eppothumaeCaste and religion have never
Kettathum ilaEver been asked or cared about here.
Saththiyama unna polaTruly, there is no one quite like you,
Yaarum illaNo one else in this world!
Male
Ooru ellaam un per sollumThe entire town chants your name,
Ooru ellaam un per sollumThe entire town chants your name,
Unna paaththu udhadungallumLooking at you, even the lips whisper:
Chorus
Anjala anjala anjala anjalaAnjala, Anjala, Anjala, Anjala!
Anjala anjala anjala anjala anjalaAnjala, Anjala, Anjala, Anjala, Anjala!
Male
Thoppaiya koraikka neeyumTo reduce your big belly,
Aasaithaan pattaYou wished and dreamed,
Odaama appam vaangiWithout even going for a run, buying appam,
Thinnaethaan kettaYou ate it and spoiled your plan!
Male
Adiyae kuthiraivaaluHey ponytail girl!
Kombu mookki kona kanniPointy-nosed, squint-eyed girl!
Kodiyae nenjukkullaOh vine-like girl, deep inside my heart,
Nandri sonnaen unnai enniI thanked you, thinking of your kindness.
Female
Ayiththa ayiththa edhukkuAuntie, auntie, why do you
Unakku intha velaiTake on this unnecessary work?
Nee achcham vittu machchamIf you cast away fear and touch the beauty mark,
Thottaa kedaikkum maalaiYou will surely win the wedding garland!
Male
Sornthu varum neraththulaIn times of fatigue and tiredness,
Annamadi idhu thaandaa paaruLook, this is the comforting lap that feeds you.
Yaanai vedi vaana vediElephant crackers, sky fireworks,
Naattu vedi vaangi vanthu poduBuy country crackers and burst them with joy!
Chorus
Anjala anjala anjala anjalaAnjala, Anjala, Anjala, Anjala!
Anjala anjala anjala anjala anjalaAnjala, Anjala, Anjala, Anjala, Anjala!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The title track 'Anjala' from the 2016 Tamil movie is a vibrant, energetic folk song that pays tribute to 'Anjala', a iconic century-old tea shop that serves as the heart and soul of a local community. Through playful banter, humorous teasing, and affectionate lines, the lyrics highlight how the tea shop brings people together regardless of caste, creed, or background, acting as a refuge where tired souls find warmth, food, and companionship. Written by the acclaimed lyricist Na. Muthukumar, the song captures the everyday conversations, local humor, and deep gratitude the villagers feel for this beloved landmark. The energetic beat composed by Gopi Sunder and the chorus singing add a festive atmosphere, celebrating unity, simple pleasures, and neighborhood nostalgia.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

Jaathi matham eppothumae Kettathum ila

The tea shop 'Anjala' is personified as a compassionate, welcoming figure who listens to everyone and unites the village without discrimination.

Repetition (Adukkuthodar)

Anjala anjala anjala anjala

The rhythmic repetition of the name 'Anjala' emphasizes deep affection and festive celebration of the central subject.

Rhyme Scheme / Repetitive Cadence

Yaanai vedi vaana vedi Naattu vedi vaangi vanthu podu

Use of rhyming phrase endings like 'yaanai vedi', 'vaana vedi', and 'naattu vedi' creates an energetic auditory rhythm characteristic of Tamil folk music.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie 'Anjala' is uniquely centered around a tea shop as its primary character. The tea stall set was specially constructed in Madurai to reflect a vintage shop with over 100 years of history, symbolizing social harmony in rural Tamil Nadu.

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