- Lyricist
- Dhanush
- Singer
- Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Maryan
- Movie release year
- 2013
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Kadal Raasa Naan' serves as an emotional and powerful monologue of the protagonist Maryan, a fearless fisherman from the coastal town of Neerody. The song brilliantly contrasts his past life—full of pride, freedom, and deep connection with the ocean—with his current miserable state as a captive surrounded by desolate desert rocks in Sudan. Through sensory memories of fish curry, toddy, sea breeze, and pearl diving, Maryan remembers his identity as the sovereign king of the ocean. In the desert, stripped of his pride, he feels like a helpless clown weeping internally while expressing rage, desperately calling out to his beloved ('Pani Malare') as he holds onto hope for freedom.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvam)
“Kadal raasaa naan”
The protagonist describes himself as 'Kadal raasaa' (King of the sea) to emphasize his absolute mastery and comfort in the ocean compared to his helplessness on land.
Juxtaposition / Contrast
“Indha paalaivana paaraigalin munnaala”
The lyrics contrast the wet, living coastal ecosystem ('Vangaala karai', 'Neerody kaathu') with the dry, dead wilderness of his captivity ('paalaivana paaraigalin munnaala').
Metaphor (Uruvam)
“Thavichen pani malarae”
The lover is metaphorically addressed as 'Pani malare' (dew-drop flower), highlighting her purity, delicate nature, and beauty amidst his harsh environment.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kadal Raasa Naan' from the movie Maryan (2013) features music composed by A.R. Rahman, lyrics written by actor Dhanush, and vocals rendered by composer Yuvan Shankar Raja. This song marks a celebrated rare collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Yuvan Shankar Raja.
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