- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- P. Leela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Mahalakshmi
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Oct 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song 'Ulagil Edhu Periyadhu' from the film Mahalakshmi (1960) poses a deeply philosophical question regarding what truly holds supreme power and value in human society. It contrasts noble ideals like artistic creativity, human imagination, and scientific innovation against the overwhelming, corrupting power of commercialization and money. The lyrics critique the modern era where wisdom and genuine skill are undervalued, while material wealth commands respect, dictates social stature, and influences human destiny.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question (Vinah)
“Ulagil edhu periyadhu”
The song repeatedly opens and centers around a rhetorical question asking what holds the highest importance in the world.
Antithesis (Muran)
“Perumaikkum sirumaikum adhuvae thaan poruppu”
Contrasting two opposing concepts ('Perumai' meaning pride/greatness and 'Sirumai' meaning pettiness/lowness) to show how wealth influences both ends of human reputation.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Arivikum thiramaikkum kedaikadha madhippu”
Rhyming line endings like 'madhippu', 'varaverppu', and 'poruppu' create a rhythmic and musical flow in the stanza.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by 'Isai Sithar' K. V. Mahadevan and written by veteran lyricist A. Maruthakasi, this song highlights Maruthakasi's signature style of blending high moral philosophies with accessible Tamil social commentary. Singer P. Leela's expressive classical vocal delivery added significant emotional weight to the song's critical themes.
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