- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- A. M. Raja
- Music director
- C. N. Pandurangan
- Movie name
- Kathavai Thattiya Mohini Pei
- Movie release year
- 1975
- Lyrics added on
- 14 May 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
In this metaphorical song from 'Kathavai Thattiya Mohini Pei' (1975), lyricist Vaali compares human existence to a game of cards. Money is depicted as the ultimate trump card that dictates a person's social standing, peace of mind, and ability to celebrate life. Without money, life becomes a miserable battle for survival. Through various clever analogies from card playing—such as trumping cards, playing the right suit, peeking at opponents' hands, and bluffing—the song critiques societal flaws. It highlights the exploitation of workers by wealthy masters, the heartlessness of greedy individuals, cheating to acquire others' wealth, and how grand bluffs often succeed in accumulating fortune over honest effort.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani / Metaphor (உவமை/உருவகம்)
“Vaazhkai enbadhoor seettaattam adhil Panamennum thuruppin nadamattam”
Life ('Vaazhkai') is directly metaphorized as a card game ('Seettaattam') and money ('Panam') as the trump card ('Thuruppu').
Emona / Rhyme & Antonym Contrast (எதிரிடை/முரண்)
“Irundhaal kondaattam Illaiyael thindaattam”
Uses contrasting words 'Kondaattam' (celebration) and 'Thindaattam' (struggle) with identical rhyming end sounds.
Agedha / Pun & Wordplay (சொல்லாட்சி / சிலேடை)
“Jaadhikku jaadhi iranga theriyaadha Loosu pasangalum undu”
Vaali plays with the word 'Jaadhi' which means both 'card suit' in a game and 'caste/kind' in human society.
Monnai / Initial Alliteration (மோனை)
“Aduthavan setttai thiruttuthanamaaga / Aduthavan sothai thiruttuthanamaaga”
Repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds like 'Aduthavan' across adjacent lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
This rare track composed by C. N. Pandurangan features playback veteran A. M. Raja delivering a philosophical monologue-style song late in his career. Vaali's usage of localized card-game slang like 'thuruppu' (trump card), 'jaadhi' (suit), and 'vettu' (cut) showcases his versatility in blending colloquial street parlance with sharp sociological commentary.
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