- Lyricist
- Ka. Mu. Sheriff
- Singer
- Jikki
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Devaki (1951)
- Movie release year
- 1951
- Lyrics added on
- 2 Jan 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This progressive and satirical track from the 1951 film 'Devaki' questions societal double standards regarding modern westernization and equal progress. Sung with energetic conviction by Jikki, the song highlights how men in Tamil society rapidly adopted modern western clothes (suits, crop haircuts), western habits (drinking bed coffee, smoking cigarettes, driving cars), and modern professions (engineering, medicine) while expecting women to remain traditional.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question (வினா அணி)
“Pengal mattum / Maarakoodathendrae sattam undo”
The refrain repeatedly asks if there is an explicit law forbidding women alone from progressing or changing, driving home the social critique.
Antithesis / Contrast (முரண் அணி)
“Muzhu thundu idai vesti kudumiyodu... / Azhagaaga full shoot-u pottukkondu”
Contrasts traditional rustic lifestyle (tuft hair, dhotis, farming, porridge) with modern westernized lifestyle (suits, American crop haircuts, driving cars, bed coffee).
Satire / Irony (எள்ளல் நகை)
“Vaayinil cigerate pugaiyodae / Vaazhum aiyaave”
Uses playful satire to expose how men embrace modern eccentricities like smoking and bed coffee while restricting female empowerment.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Devaki' (1951) was produced by Jupiter Pictures and starred V. N. Janaki, S. N. Lakshmi, and M. G. Ramachandran in a supporting role. Lyricist Ka. Mu. Sheriff wrote this track as a witty commentary on social reform and women's rights during the post-independence early 1950s era in South India.
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