- Lyricist
- Thanigai Selvan
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, Poorani, Chorus
- Music director
- Gangai Amaran
- Movie name
- Oomai Janangal
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Jul 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Vegu Kaalam Ingu Paayuthengal Vervai' from the film 'Oomai Janangal' (1984) is a poignant labor anthem highlighting the plight of tea estate workers. It portrays the sharp contrast between the luxurious wealth generated by tea plantations and the deep poverty, exploitation, and misery faced by the plantation laborers who spend their entire lives working there.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Thaeneer engal kanneeraagum”
Comparing the tea beverage directly to the tears and blood-sweat of marginalized laborers ('Thaeneer engal kanneeraagum').
Imagery and Contrast (Muran)
“Pon pookkum maamalai... Endraalum engal aadai kanthalae”
Contrasts the lush, golden beauty of the tea mountain ('Pon pookkum maamalai') with the ragged clothes of the poor workers ('engal aadai kanthalae').
Alliteration (Moonaai / Etukai)
“Kaadugalilae koodugal thedum kooligal”
Rhythmic repetition of consonant sounds across words like 'Kaadugalilae', 'Koodugal', and 'Kooligal'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Oomai Janangal' (Silent People) is a socially conscious film directed by Jaichander, focusing on socio-economic inequality and workers' rights. Lyricist Thanigai Selvan wrote several reformist Tamil songs during the 1980s.
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