- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chorus
- Music director
- Chakravarthy
- Movie name
- Yamanukku Yaman
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a satirical, high-energy comedy track set in Yamaloka (the underworld/hell). It depicts the underworld's demonic minions forming a modern trade union to rebel against Lord Yama's autocratic rule. Using contemporary Earthly political slogans like 'Inquilab Zindabad' and demanding rights like bonuses, work strikes, democracy, annual elections, and standardized uniforms, the song humorously overlays human socio-political labor movements onto the mythical afterlife. Written by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan, the track uses sharp wit to poke fun at political slogans, trade union demands, and bureaucratic delays prevalent in human society. Ultimately, it celebrates the hero standing up to Yama, serving as his equal and championing a comedic revolution in Hell.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Naragalogam enum thozhirchaalai”
Hell (Naragalogam) is metaphorically equated to a modern industrial factory (thozhirchaalai) where souls are processed.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Avasara sattam inimel raththu / Engal thittathil amsangal paththu”
The words 'raththu' (revoked) and 'paththu' (ten) rhyme at the end of consecutive lines.
Irony / Satire (Ani)
“Maasam moondru murai bonusum venum / Varushathil paadhi velai nirutham”
Pokes fun at extreme labor demands by asking for a bonus three times a month and going on strike for half the year.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Erumai maattu annaachi / Therdhal vishayam ennachi”
Refers to the rhyming rhythm and playful cadence in addressing Yama, who traditionally rides a buffalo ('Erumai maadu').
Did you know?
Trivia
The movie 'Yamanukku Yaman' (1980) stars Sivaji Ganesan and Sripriya in lead roles. It is a remake of the blockbuster 1977 Telugu fantasy-comedy film 'Yamagola'. Music for the Tamil version was composed by K. Chakravarthy. The song features heavy political satire echoing the socio-political climate and labor union movements of South India in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
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