- Lyricist
- Sean Roldan
- Singers
- Sean Roldan, Kalyani Nair
- Music director
- Sean Roldan
- Movie name
- Joker
- Movie release year
- 2016
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Mar 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the film 'Joker' (2016) is a powerful, grassroots revolutionary anthem centered on socio-political awakening and public protest. It uses the famous street-theater rallying cry 'Halla Bol' ('Raise your voice!') to call common citizens to step onto the streets and demand justice. The lyrics highlight the unsung heroes of society—such as farmers who feed the hungry and weavers who clothe the poor—framing them as true comrades whose labor outlasts their lives.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Refrain / Iyaipu
“Chorus :Hallah bole”
The repeated call 'Halla Bole' acts as an echoing refrain throughout the track, reinforcing the central call to raise one's voice against injustice.
Metaphor
“Evaro vidhaitha vayal / Vidhaithavan maritha pinnum / Pasithavan uyirppan avanalae”
The sown field and farmer serve as a metaphor for selfless activism and labor that sustains future generations long after the individual is gone.
Muran (Antithesis)
“Oruvar vizhundhaal / Iruvar mulaikkirom”
The contrast between falling ('vizhundhaal') and sprouting/rising ('mulaikkirom') highlights the relentless resilience of popular movements.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“En kanavum un kanavum”
The repetition of the 'kanavum' sound builds rhythm and emphasizes the unity of shared dreams.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Joker' (2016) is a critically acclaimed Tamil political satire film written and directed by Raju Murugan, featuring music composed by Sean Roldan. The film won two National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film in Tamil. The phrase 'Halla Bol' ('Raise Your Voice') draws direct inspiration from the North Indian street-theater movement popularized by political activist and playwright Safdar Hashmi.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Joker
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.