- Lyricist
- Valampuri John
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Poruthathu Podhum
- Movie release year
- 1989
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Jul 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Poruthathu Podhum' is a rousing revolutionary anthem directed at the Tamil populace, urging them to break free from oppression, ignorance, and socio-economic exploitation. Written by Valampuri John, the lyrics critique corrupt capitalists, hoarders, and oppressors who exploit the working class while highlighting the need for collective action, unity, and courage to stand up against social injustice.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Arusiya padhukkura perusaali / Avanukku peyar thaan mudhaalli”
The second consonant character 'li' matches across 'perusaali' and 'mudhaalli', establishing rhythmic consistency.
Metaphor
“Arusiya padhukkura perusaali / Avanukku peyar thaan mudhaalli”
The exploitative capitalist hoarding food grains is compared to a 'perusaali' (a large bandicoot rat).
Monaai (Alliteration / First letter matching)
“Kanjikku thindaadinaa kaaranam kandaaaganum”
Repetition of the sound 'ka' in 'Kanjikku', 'kaaranam', and 'kandaaganum'.
Rhetorical Question
“Vidlaama vidalaama / Vizhalaama vizhalaama”
The chorus poses dramatic questions ('Vidlaama vidalaama', 'Vizhalaama vizhalaama') to provoke reflection and action among listeners.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by former Member of Parliament, orator, and writer Valampuri John, this song reflects his political and social reform ideology through film lyrics, embodying classic Dravidian social reformist poetry.
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