- Lyricist
- Ka. Mu. Sheriff
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- V. Dakshinamurthy
- Movie name
- Sarvadhikari
- Movie release year
- 1951
- Lyrics added on
- 2 Jan 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Sarvadhikari' (1951) serves as a powerful sociopolitical commentary against totalitarianism and tyranny. It opens with a reference to Thiruvalluvar's ideal vision of a prosperous nation—one devoid of disease and hunger. The singer contrasts this ideal with their harsh reality: an authoritarian ruler who forces young boys into war, violently suppresses free speech through gag orders and imprisonment, and subverts democratic principles by making citizens serve the ruler rather than vice versa.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Literary Allusion
“Panjamum noiyum illaa naade ... Paadinaane valluvan paatile paatile”
Refers directly to Thirukkural (Valluvar) where the ideal state is described as free from hunger, disease, and destruction.
Moonaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Pachai kulandhaigalai pattaalathil izhukkiraan”
Repetition of the 'Pa' consonant sound at the start of words within the line.
Irony / Satire
“Yeninnu kettaaloo siraiyile thalli Ahimsaiyum pannuraane”
Highlights the hypocrisy of a dictatorial government claiming non-violence while imprisoning citizens for speaking up.
Idiom / Metaphor
“Paavi mannai kavvum kaalam yedho theriyalla”
'Mannai kavvum' is a Tamil idiom meaning 'to bite the dust' or face total ruin and death.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Sarvadhikari' (1951), starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), was a political action film that carried strong anti-dictatorial themes, echoing contemporary political rhetoric in Tamil Nadu. The lyrics written by Ka. Mu. Sheriff emphasized social justice, democracy, and freedom of expression, aligning with the popular political themes of the early 1950s.
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