- Lyricist
- M. Karunanidhi
- Singers
- A. L. Raghavan, L. R. Eswari
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kaanchi Thalaivan
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Sept 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a humorous, drunken tavern-style track from the 1963 film Kaanchi Thalaivan. Through catchy, repetitive call-and-response lines, the lyrics depict characters under the influence of alcohol engaging in light philosophical banter about why the world seems to spin around them and why conflicts arise from overflowing liquor pots.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Refrain)
“Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalae / Namba udambu suthudhu adhanaalae”
The persistent pairing of 'edhanaalae' (why) and 'adhanaalae' (because of that) at the end of alternating lines creates a rhythmic call-and-response structure.
Moni / Alliteration
“Kalagam varuvadhu edhanaalae / Kalayam pongudhu adhanaalae”
Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across 'Kalagam' (conflict) and 'Kalayam' (liquor pot), as well as 'Kannai' (eye), 'Kanni' (maiden), and 'Kannathil' (on the cheek).
Hyperbole (Exaggeration)
“Neer mel nadakkalaam naam”
Exaggerated claims reflecting drunken bravado, such as claiming to walk on water or seeing heaven.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kaanchi Thalaivan (1963) is a historical drama film starring M. G. Ramachandran, S. S. Rajendran, and Padmini. The film's soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and the lyrics were penned by M. Karunanidhi, who served as a prominent writer and political leader.
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