- Lyricist
- Poovai Senguttavan
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thirunelveli
- Movie release year
- 2000
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Sept 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This social reform song from the movie Thirunelveli (2000) addresses the destructive impact of the caste system in society. The lyricist laments how caste discrimination—an artificial construct not present in ancient times—has become a demonic force claiming innocent lives across streets and villages. The song highlights that human existence relies on universal parents and Mother Earth rather than caste identity, while lamenting the daily destruction of goodness, love, truth, and moral character caused by caste-based hatred.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Saathi ennum peyai oottidum”
Caste is directly compared to a evil demon ('Saathi ennum peyai') that needs to be exorcised.
Edugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Aadhiyil illaatha saathiyum / Paadhiyil vanthathenna thollaiyae”
The second consonant 'dhi' matches across consecutive lines ('Aadhiyil' and 'Paadhiyil').
Analogy / Nature Imagery
“Kaatru ennum saadhi / Thee ennum saadhiyai theendaavidil”
The lyricist metaphorically assigns 'caste' to natural elements (wind, fire, land, water) to illustrate that life cannot exist if elements refuse to touch or interact with one another.
Monaai (First-letter Alliteration)
“Nanmaiyum unmaiyum / Niththamum saaguthu saathiyinaal”
Repetition of the initial letter 'N' across 'Nanmaiyum' and 'Niththamum'.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film Thirunelveli (2000) deals directly with caste-based oppression and violence in southern Tamil Nadu. With music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, this track features lyrics by veteran writer Poovai Senguttavan, who uses the traditional 'Nyaana Pennae' (wise girl) address style reminiscent of Siddhar folk poetry to deliver a sharp social critique.
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