- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- Jayachandran
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Karuththamma
- Movie release year
- 1994
- Lyrics added on
- 31 Oct 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song fragment from 'Karuththamma' portrays the deep-seated emotional anguish, social pressure, and grief surrounding gender inequality and female infanticide in rural Tamil Nadu. The mother laments the harsh social reality where a male child is perceived as a savior who brings stability and economic dignity to the family, while a female child is viewed as a financial burden and societal liability.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Pottal kudisaiyila / Ponnaa poranthaayadi”
The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'P' ('Pottal' and 'Ponnaa') creates a poetic rhythm.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kai odinja en polappu”
Life is metaphorically described as having 'broken hands' (Kai odinja), signifying helplessness and complete economic vulnerability.
Anaphora (Repetition)
“Naan petha magalae”
The phrase 'Naan petha magalae' (Oh daughter born to me) is repeated regularly to emphasize maternal sorrow and emotional despair.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Karuththamma' (1994), directed by Bharathiraja with music composed by A. R. Rahman, was a landmark movie in Tamil cinema that brought national attention to the cruel practice of female infanticide in rural regions. Lyricist Vairamuthu won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics for his work in this film.
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