- Lyricist
- Kamal Haasan
- Singers
- Kamal Haasan, Nikhil D’Souza
- Music director
- Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
- Movie name
- Vishwaroopam
- Movie release year
- 2012
- Lyrics added on
- 29 May 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This deeply philosophical track from 'Vishwaroopam' serves as an anti-war anthem highlighting the futility of violence, nuclear destruction, and global conflict. Kamal Haasan reflects on how human greed destroys the planet—our only known home in the Milky Way. The lyrics emphasize universal human brotherhood, pointing out that behind every soldier killed in war lies a grieving mother, regardless of which side of the border he belongs to. Ultimately, the song preaches that love is the only true medicine for the ailments of humanity.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Peraasai kadal pongi vittaal”
Comparing human greed to an overflowing ocean ('Peraasai kadal') that destroys living spaces.
Amonai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Anu vithaitha bhoomiyilae / Aruvadaikum anukkadhir thaan”
Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'A' across words in the line ('Anu' and 'Aruvadaikum').
Pathos / Emotional Appeal
“Nammil yaar… iranthaalum / Oru thaai azhuvaal …paarada”
Invoking deep empathy by emphasizing maternal grief over fallen soldiers to highlight war's tragic cost.
Anaphora
“There s a place far away”
Repetition of the opening phrase 'There s a place far away' across multiple verses for thematic reinforcement.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written and sung by Kamal Haasan (alongside Nikhil D'Souza for English vocals) with music composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, this song acts as the thematic emotional backbone of Vishwaroopam. Kamal Haasan penned these bilingual lyrics to convey a global message of anti-war humanism.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Vishwaroopam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.