- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Sahadevan Mahadevan
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Apr 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the film 'Sahadevan Mahadevan' (1988) is a political and social satire written by Vaali. Through witty dialogue and sharp observations, the characters commentary on the state of society, political splits, public infrastructure, and political corruption. The central hook metaphorically contrasts the historical Chola kingdom with the modern Pallavan Transport Corporation buses, observing that while rulers change from ancient kings to modern democratic ministers, fundamental public infrastructure remains static. The song further satirizes political factionalism, party splitting over treasury funds, meaningless public condemnations, and the futility of common citizens trying to reform society, humorously comparing social reform to attempting to straighten a dog's tail.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Wordplay / Historical Allusion
“Chozhan potta road-la pallavan bus oduthu”
Clever play on historical Tamil dynasties (Cholas and Pallavas) used in a modern context where 'Pallavan' refers to Chennai's state public transport buses running on roads historically associated with ancient kings.
Proverb / Idiom
“Male :Kurangu kaiyil poomaalai kedachchathu”
Uses the popular Tamil proverb 'Kurangu kaiyil poomaalai' (a garland in a monkey's hand) to denote valuable things being ruined by foolish people.
Proverb / Idiom
“Male :Poonaikku mani katta yaaru”
Uses the universal idiom 'Poonaikku mani katta' (Who will bell the cat) to convey the difficulty of initiating a dangerous or practical action.
Metaphor / Analogy
“Male :Naayil vaazha nimirththum vela nammaal mudiyumaa”
Compares trying to reform corrupt society to straightening a dog's tail, emphasizing complete futility.
Did you know?
Trivia
The line 'Chozhan potta road-la pallavan bus oduthu' references Pallavan Transport Corporation (PTC), which was the official name of the public bus service in Chennai during the 1970s and 1980s. Vaali famously used political and social topicals of the late 1980s, including party splits following the demise of major leaders in Tamil Nadu during that period.
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