- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Madappura
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Sept 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply moving plea for compassion, mercy, and social empathy. The speaker addresses wealthy, powerful benefactors on behalf of the poor and vulnerable, begging for refuge and support. Through emotional appeals, the song highlights basic human needs—hunger, health, and survival—and asks those in power to act with divine benevolence rather than harsh judgment. Using rich natural allegories, the lyrics compare the relationship between the rich and poor to that of a supporting trellis for a creeper vine or a shade-giving banyan tree for weary travelers. It reminds the privileged that true nobility lies in sheltering and forgiving those who depend on them.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Pattri padara vandha pachai Pasungodiyai Pandhalae thalluvadhum sariyaa”
The helper/guardian is compared to a 'Pandhal' (trellis) and the dependent to a 'Pasungodi' (tender creeper vine).
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Anda nizhal thedi varum Nondigalai Aala maram adithae virattuvadhum undo”
A benefactor providing refuge is compared to an 'Aala maram' (banyan tree) giving shade to the weary and disabled.
Alliteration (Moonaai)
“Pattri padara vandha pachai Pasungodiyai Pandhalae”
Repetition of the consonant sound 'P' at the beginning of consecutive words for rhythmic effect.
Rhetorical Questions
“Pandhalae thalluvadhum sariyaa / Thandanaigal tharuvadhum nandro”
The lyricist uses rhetorical questions to provoke moral reflection about duty and kindness.
Did you know?
Trivia
Madappura (1962) was a Tamil action-drama starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and B. Saroja Devi. The film's musical score was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and the lyrics were penned by A. Maruthakasi, who was celebrated for writing songs with strong social themes and ethical message for MGR's films.
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