- Lyricist
- Muthulingam
- Singers
- Vani Jairam, Chorus
- Music director
- Chandrabose
- Movie name
- Karaiyai Thodatha Alaigal
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Karaiyai Thodatha Alaigal' set during Navratri/Golu celebrations blends festive cheer with progressive social awareness. While inviting women to celebrate and dance like golden peacocks, the lyrics deliver strong feminist messages advocating for gender equality, opposing the practice of dowry, and condemning violence or disrespect towards women. Drawing inspiration from poet Subramania Bharathi's vision of 'Pudhumai Penn' (modern courageous woman), the song highlights the societal contrasts in how women are treated—revered on one hand and exploited on the other—and calls for true equality and justice in modern society.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Thanga mayil polae nee thaalam pottu aadu”
Compares the grace and rhythm of the dancing woman to a golden peacock ('Thanga mayil polae').
Contrast (Muran)
“Manaivikkaaga koyil katti vananguvorum undu / Maalaiyitta maadhu manam vaada seivor undu”
Contrasts men who honor their wives to the extent of building temples for them with men who mistreat and cause mental distress to their wives.
Refrain / Anaphora
“Gobala gobala kettukka gobala”
Repetition of the line 'Gobala gobala kettukka gobala' acts as a lively, conversational chorus refrain calling for attention.
Edhukai (Tamil Second-letter Rhyme)
“Neru petra thennai nam baharathaththin annai / Veeramulla penmai kavi bharathiyin thanmai”
The second consonant 'ru' in 'Neru' matches 'ee' sound and rhythmic alignment with 'Veeramulla' across lines to create internal acoustic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Chandrabose with lyrics by Muthulingam and sung by Vani Jairam along with a chorus, the track creatively utilizes the traditional Golu festival setting as a backdrop to voice strong socio-political messages against dowry and male chauvinism, invoking Mahakavi Bharathiyar's ideals.
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