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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vethala Potta

From Amaran · 1992

Lyricist
Piraisoodan
Singer
Karthik(Actor
Music director
Adithyan
Details
Amaran1992

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pottaalae viruvirukkumWhen chewed, it gives a tingling sensation
Zardha paanZarda paan (flavored betel leaf)
Amaran gaana paata ketaalaeJust hearing Amaran's gaana song
GirugirukkumWill make your head spin
MachiiiHey buddy!
Naa vethala potta shokkulaIn the rush of chewing betel leaves
PoduHit it!
Male
Vethala potta shokkulaIn the rush of chewing betel leaves
Naan gapunnu kuthunen mookulaI punched straight on the nose
Ada vandhudhu paaru rathamOh look, blood came out
Indha amaran manasu suthamBut this Amaran's heart is pure
Vaaravadhi erakkamDown the bridge slope
Amaran vandhu ninna sarakkumIf Amaran steps up, goods move
Amaran pera sonna thaanaeJust mentioning Amaran's name
Soda bottle parakkumSoda bottles start flying
Male
Aisa lakkadi mettu thaanungaIt is an awesome catchy tune
Amaran paatula thaan getti kaarangaAmaran is indeed an expert in songs
Ah ha aisa lakkadi mettu thaanungaAh ha, it is an awesome catchy tune
Amaran paatula thaan getti kaarangaAmaran is indeed an expert in songs
Male
Vethala potta shokkulaIn the rush of chewing betel leaves
Naan gapunnu kuthunen mookulaI punched straight on the nose
Ada vandhudhu paaru rathamOh look, blood came out
Indha amaran manasu suthamBut this Amaran's heart is pure
Male
Pakkiri pichuva pakkiriPakkiri, with his dagger Pakkiri
Suthunaa kathiya suthunaaBrandished, he brandished the knife
Daggulu thaan oorula daggulu thaanTricks and deception in the town
Lockuthaan police-kku lockuthaanLocked up, locked for the police
Male
Annaatha nammaaluOur man is the big boss
Thottaaka ambaeluTouch him and you are dead meat
Daaraagum un tholuYour skin will tear apart
Vendaanda veen vambuAvoid unnecessary trouble, my friend
Male
Aisa lakkadi mettu thaanungaIt is an awesome catchy tune
Hoi Amaran paatula thaan getti kaarangaHey, Amaran is indeed an expert in songs
Ah ha aisa lakkadi mettu thaanungaAh ha, it is an awesome catchy tune
Amaran paatula thaan getti kaarangaAmaran is indeed an expert in songs
Male
Vethala potta shokkulaIn the rush of chewing betel leaves
Naan gapunnu kuthunen mookulaI punched straight on the nose
Ada vandhudhu paaru rathamOh look, blood came out
Indha amaran manasu suthamBut this Amaran's heart is pure
Male
Takkaru pandhal onnu podavaShall I erect a grand marquee?
Sakkara maeda kaati aadavaShall I perform on a sweet decorated stage?
Eh sukkuran maapila thedavaaHey, shall I search for a lucky groom?
Ahaaan…Ahaaan...
Superu katcheri paadavaShall I sing a grand musical concert?
Male
Mathaapu singaariSparkling beautiful girl
Maina un kannaalamMyna, for your wedding
Ettu ooru paaraattaTo be praised by eight surrounding towns
Gummalam kondattamJoyful celebration and festivity
Male
Aisa lakkadi mettu thaanungaIt is an awesome catchy tune
Amaran paatula thaan getti kaarangaAmaran is indeed an expert in songs
Hey aisa lakkadi mettu thaanungaHey, it is an awesome catchy tune
Amaran paatula thaan getti kaarangaAmaran is indeed an expert in songs
Male
Vethala potta shokkulaIn the rush of chewing betel leaves
Naan gapunnu kuthunen mookulaI punched straight on the nose
Ada vandhudhu paaru rathamOh look, blood came out
Indha amaran manasu suthamBut this Amaran's heart is pure
Vaaravadhi erakkamDown the bridge slope
Amaran vandhu ninna sarakkumIf Amaran steps up, goods move
Amaran pera sonna thaanaeJust mentioning Amaran's name
Soda bottle parakkumSoda bottles start flying

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This energetic song is a hallmark of Chennai 'Gaana' folk music, reflecting the street-smart, rugged persona of the protagonist, Amaran. The song blends local Madras slang (North Chennai dialect) with rhythmic, catchy folk beats. Amaran describes his toughness, his dominance in the underworld, and his ability to incite action (like soda bottles flying during a street clash), while contrasting it with his pure heart and jovial nature among friends and family.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edupai (Rhyming / Monorhyme)

Naan gapunnu kuthunen mookula

The repetitive ending sounds in consecutive lines ('shokkula', 'mookula') create a rhythmic pattern characteristic of Madras Gaana style.

Onomatopoeia and Local Slang

Pottaalae viruvirukkum

Words like 'viruvirukkum', 'girugirukkum', and 'gapunnu' use sound symbolism to convey immediate physical sensations and quick actions.

Metaphor / Idiom

Soda bottle parakkum

'Soda bottle parakkum' is a classic Chennai street metaphor representing gang fights and chaos erupting.

Did you know?

Trivia

The 1992 action film Amaran starred Karthik as an underworld don. Music for this film was composed by Adithyan, and this song sung by Karthik himself along with music director Adithyan became a massive chartbuster, popularizing Chennai Gaana music in mainstream Tamil cinema.

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