Originally, these songs are sung to release the mental agonies. The group, generally, comprised of menial labourers or pavement dwellers. By singing they get a mental relief( if you look at the origin of hip hop music, their stories synchronise with this format of singing) . It is the one of the easiest ways to " unload" one's worries. The lyrics used in this songs often quote their tribulations they faced in their lives. In some songs, lyrics even carry the highest philosophical messages in a simple language. One could even say that the gana songs are nothing but a folklore of urban slums.
What is more contrasting is that the word " gana" means song in hindi. In tamil, " paatu" means song, Isn't it ironical that this state of tamil nadu has adopted hindi words (knowingly or unknowingly) in the colloquial usage of tamil language? Probably, the labourers, constantly rub shoulders with emigrants from north india, as a result, they have incorporated hindi words into their daily usage.
The gana songs've struck a right cord with the kollywood films. The only different thing is the usage of language.
In 60' s and 70's films, the gana songs were used sparingly. In those days, film going was seen as a family outing. As a result, the gana songs had a few takers. The present day scenario has changed completely. The television and DVDs have weaned away the families from going to the theatres. The presence of a gana song in a film will give a filip to the front benchers. The trend of using more gana songs started in the early 90's.
Even today,to experience the "live show" of gana songs, just visit the bylanes of "parrys corner" after 10p.m. people sitting in a circle, bonfire in the middle, sing their songs non chalantly.
