- Lyricist
- V. A. Gopalakrishnan
- Singer
- Radha Jayalakshmi
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Ezhai Padum Padu
- Movie release year
- 1950
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Aug 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song depicts the immense agony of a woman reduced to poverty and orphanhood by the cruelty of fate. Forced to sing on the streets to survive, she pleads for compassion, shelter, and a helping hand from society. The lyrics reflect her deep grief over the corrupting power of money and the harsh suffering endured by helpless women, ultimately questioning whether justice has completely vanished from the world.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Kadhiyae thanthida vaenum vaareer / Kadhari nindridum yaelaiyai paareer”
Matching second consonants across lines, such as 'dhi' in 'Vidhiyin' and 'Veedhi' or 'dhi' in 'Kadhiyae' and 'Kadhari'.
Moonaal / Alliteration
“Pen piraviyum pothum pothum”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'P' sound in 'Pen piraviyum pothum pothum'.
Metaphor
“Panamethaan seithidum peyaattam”
Describing the madness and evil caused by money as a 'peyaattam' (devilish dance).
Anaphora / Refrain
“Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaen”
Repetition of the line 'Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaen' throughout the song to emphasize the core motif of tragic helplessness.
Did you know?
Trivia
Ezhai Padum Padu (1950) is a famous Indian cinematic adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel 'Les Misérables', translated into Tamil by V. V. S. Aiyar. Directed by K. Ramnoth with music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, the film achieved landmark critical acclaim in Tamil cinema history.
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