- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chorus
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thevar Magan
- Movie release year
- 1992
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Jun 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Potri Paadadi Penne' is an iconic mournful and eulogistic song from the 1992 Tamil classic movie 'Thevar Magan'. Sung in the style of traditional Oppari (Tamil mourning song), it laments the passing of an honorable village patriarch (played by Sivaji Ganesan) while honoring his legacy and encouraging his son (Kamal Haasan) to lead the people out of violence and feud. The song contrasts the cycle of rural bloodshed with the vision of peace and enlightenment. Through poignant folk metaphors, it offers hope that after the darkness of strife and grief, a bright morning star will emerge to guide the community toward unity and righteousness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani (Metaphor)
“Naliravu ponapinnae Velli molaikkum”
Comparing the noble patriarch to gold ('Thangathukku veru maatru unda') and comparing the arrival of hope to the morning star ('Velli molaikkum') rising after dark night ('Naliravu').
Ethirsol (Contrast / Juxtaposition)
“Vettaruvaa thaangi... Vella kodi thooki”
Juxtaposes the violent culture of sickles ('Vettaruvaa') with the symbol of peace ('Vella kodi').
Monai (Alliteration)
“Vaanam thottu ponaan / Maanam ulla saami”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Va' in 'Vaanam' and 'Vettaruvaa' across lines for rhythmic emphasis.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali, 'Potri Paadadi Penne' won widespread acclaim for its authentic rural orchestration and emotional weight. It became one of the defining cultural anthems of Tamil cinema in the 1990s, capturing the tragic folklore essence of southern Tamil Nadu.
Keep listening
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