- Lyricist
- Pa. Vijay
- Singer
- Shankar Mahadevan
- Music director
- Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Movie name
- Rishi
- Movie release year
- 2001
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Jun 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song is a high-octane hero-introduction and character-defining track for the title character Rishi from the 2001 film Rishi. Sung by Shankar Mahadevan with energetic composition by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the lyrics celebrate the multi-faceted, formidable, and adaptable nature of the protagonist. He is depicted as both a ferocious force of nature—like a storm, tiger, or thunder—and a protective companion like rain or an umbrella.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor & Imagery
“Kaatrodu puyalaai vanthaai”
The lyrics rely heavily on metaphors comparing the hero to elements of nature (storm, fire, rain) and formidable human weapons (sword, army).
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi Ani)
“Viralgal theendi Seenachuvarai Virisal vizhathaan Seibavan”
Extravagant exaggeration is used to exalt the protagonist's strength, such as carrying the Himalayas or causing cracks in the Great Wall of China with a mere touch.
Juxtaposition / Antithesis
“Oru neram mezhugaai vanthaai / Oru neram irumbaai vanthaai”
Contrasting qualities like soft wax (mezhugu) versus hard iron (irumbu), or rain versus umbrella are placed together to show his adaptable dual nature.
Anaphora / Rhyme Pattern (Emonai & Etukai)
“Sila neram mazhaiyaay vanthaai / Sila neram kudaiyaai vanthaai”
Repetitive phrase structure ending with 'vanthaai' creates a rhythmic, chant-like musical flow throughout the verses.
Did you know?
Trivia
Rishi (2001) stars Sarathkumar in a dual role. The album was one of the early action soundtrack collaborations between composer Yuvan Shankar Raja and director Sundar C.
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