- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- Kamal Haasan
- Music director
- Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
- Movie name
- Aalavandhan
- Movie release year
- 2001
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Oct 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This psychological song explores the dual nature of man—the perpetual inner conflict between divinity (kadavul) and animality (mirugam). The lyrics capture the tormented psyche of Nandu, a character shaped by childhood trauma, who views himself as an unpredictable blend of good and evil. He struggles to suppress his violent instincts to let his divine, innocent self grow, yet finds that dark urges often consume his noble self.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Vilanga mudiyaa kavithai naan”
Compares human duality to 'half god, half beast' and describes himself as an 'incomprehensible poem' (vilanga mudiyaa kavithai).
Contrast / Antithesis
“Velliyae mirugam ullae kadavul”
Contrasts divine qualities (kadavul) with animalistic nature (mirugam), and cool rainwater against burning tears.
Emona (Anaphora/Repetition)
“Mirugam kondru mirugam kondru”
Repetition of initial phrases like 'Mirugam kondru mirugam kondru' to emphasize the obsession with controlling violent impulses.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with lyrics by Vairamuthu, 'Kadavul Paadhi Mirugam Paadhi' serves as the thematic backbone of the movie Aalavandhan (2001). The song highlights Kamal Haasan's iconic dual-role portrayal, particularly the psychotic yet empathetic antagonist Nandu.
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