Sai Balan and Athul Narukara bring their voices to ‘Kekk Kekk,’ a vibrant track from the album ‘Thelivu Sahitham.’ Sunil S. Puram writes the lyrics, telling the story of village life and leadership struggles. Sakeer Lonappan composes a melody that blends tradition with a modern rhythm.
Released: April 14, 2025
Kekk Kekk
Athul Narukara | Sai Balan • From “Thelivu Sahitham”
Sunil S. Puram describes a village leader caught in conflict, using lines like ‘Send him to cross the bridge, my friend’ to highlight the tension. The songwriter mentions slippers, palm-leaf brooms, and dice games, grounding the story in vivid village imagery. The narrative mixes humor with the weight of societal expectations.
Kekk Kekk Managla NaattilListen, listen, in this land of Mangalam,
Oruthan Mooppan Mooppanthere’s a man who’s the village leader.
Aadhi Sulthan Akalumbol AkalinoduWhen the first Sultan moves far away,
Ishttam Para Para Vekkanamennumthey say we must speak our minds.
Vadakara KoottanarukkanamennumThey say the goat at Vadakara must be ‘sacrificed’,
Sandhubandhu C MuhammedSandhubandhu C. Muhammed,
Palarum Koodiwith many people gathered together,
Ishttam Pole Chorum Kari Kodukkanaayoare they serving rice and curry as they please?
Aykka Naykka Naykkada ChengaayiSend him, lead him, lead him on, my friend.
Paalam Kadakkan Aykkada ChangaayiSend him to cross the bridge, my friend.
Kaalu Cheruppu NenjathittuWith slippers on his feet and a heavy heart,
Patta Choolundayum Kittihe even got struck by a palm-leaf broom.
Choottu Kutti Mothu KuthiLighting the torch and striking it down,
Maanam Kettu Poruthi Muttihe lost his honor and fought until he reached his limit.
Mutti Ee Vatham Kettirikkana NeramWhile stuck here listening to this argument,
Nalla Vaykkum Paykkoode Ivideam Vittojust pack up and leave this place in peace.
Ee Veedinu Padijaare Nambiyarasshan NamboorinteTo the west of this house, where the Nambiyar and Namboothiri lords live,
Kolaayamme Njagalu Naalanu Raajakkammarwe four are the kings sitting on this porch.
Pakida Kalichirikkum MaarikkadaWe’re busy playing dice, Marikkada.
Kadam ParajooyoDid you ask for a favor?
Maarikkada Kadam ParajooyoMarikkada, did you ask for a favor?
Pakidaaliyile Kali Vanthe KammoottiThe dice game has begun, Kammootti.
Raajavinodu Kadam ParajoyiYou’ve gone and asked the king for a debt.
Thoppivachallathe Prithagalu PoloThey’re distinct, like those who wear hats.
Onnam Pidi Padi DaivangaleTake the first grip, oh Gods,
Randaam Pidi Pidi Daivangaletake the second grip, oh Gods.
Aatti Pidichu Valachu PidichuShake them and hold them, bend them and hold them tight,
Pala Controlilttadachu Maanam Kettakannokkanamlocking them under control until they look away in shame.
Koda Kudippichonneyakkum NjaneI’ll leave you thoroughly humbled,
Anne Thoppi Kuppayettonnayakkum Njaanoand I’ll send you off looking like a total fool.
Onnam Pidi Padi DaivangaleTake the first grip, oh Gods,
Randaam Pidi Pidi Daivangaletake the second grip, oh Gods.
Aatti Pidichu Valachu PidichuShake them and hold them, bend them and hold them tight,
Pala Controlilttadachu Maanam Kettakannokkanamlocking them under control until they look away in shame.
Koda Kudippichonneyakkum NjaneI’ll leave you thoroughly humbled,
Anne Thoppi Kuppayettonnayakkum Njaanoand I’ll send you off looking like a total fool.
Onnam Pidi Padi DaivangaleTake the first grip, oh Gods,
Randaam Pidi Pidi Daivangaletake the second grip, oh Gods.
Aatti Pidichu Valachu PidichuShake them and hold them, bend them and hold them tight,
Pala Controlilttadachu Maanam Kettakannokkanamlocking them under control until they look away in shame.
Koda Kudippichonneyakkum NjaneI’ll leave you thoroughly humbled,
Anne Thoppi Kuppayettonnayakkum Njaanoand I’ll send you off looking like a total fool.
The meaning behind ‘Kekk Kekk’ is a tale of leadership and village drama. Sai Balan and Athul Narukara deliver a Malayalam song that combines tradition with a touch of satire.
