- Lyricist
- Mari Selvaraj
- Singers
- Vijay Narain, Ananthu
- Music director
- Santhosh Narayanan
- Movie name
- Pariyerum Perumal
- Movie release year
- 2018
- Lyrics added on
- 30 Jul 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Naan Yaar' from Pariyerum Perumal is a powerful existential and anti-caste anthem. Written by director Mari Selvaraj and composed by Santhosh Narayanan, the song questions the identity and forced marginalization of oppressed communities throughout history and in contemporary society. Through haunting imagery of arson, manual scavenging, untouchability, and honor killings, the protagonist repeatedly asks 'Who am I?'—demanding recognition, dignity, and basic human rights.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Questioning (Anaphora)
“Naan yaar..”
The persistent repetition of 'Naan Yaar' (Who am I?) serves as an existential rhetorical device highlighting structural oppression.
Contrast / Antithesis
“Peigindra mazhaiyilum / Erinthidum uyir”
Contrasting rain with fire to emphasize relentless suffering even in conditions that should provide relief.
Emona (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Adaipadum kadhavukkul / Udaipadum uyir”
The second consonant 'da' matches across lines ('Adaipadum' and 'Udaipadum'), a traditional Tamil poetic device.
Metaphor
“Neelam paravum / Puthaithapin neela kadalil neenthum”
The spreading blue color post-death symbolizes liberation and connection to the vast blue ocean and sky, referencing Dalit symbolism.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song 'Naan Yaar' features blue imagery which is deeply symbolic of Ambedkarite ideology and Dalit liberation. Director Mari Selvaraj penned these visceral lyrics himself to reflect real-life caste atrocities documented in Tamil Nadu.
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