- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Ithu Engal Neethi
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Feb 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a fiery revolutionary anthem from the 1988 film 'Ithu Engal Neethi', composed and rendered by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali. The lyrics voice the righteous anger of youth rising up against a corrupt and biased judicial system that serves the wealthy while punishing the destitute. It critiques how human laws are manipulated by oppressive money-lenders and exploiters who rob the vulnerable of their livelihoods and dignity. Invoking the political ideology of Dravidian leader C. N. Annadurai ('Anna'), the song champions a new form of youth-led justice. It asserts that true righteousness (dharma) must be reclaimed by the people to dismantle systemic tyranny, bringing about a revolutionary dawn for society.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Refrain / Repetition
“Neethi idhu engal neethi / Vedham idhu engal vedham”
The core phrase 'Neethi idhu engal neethi / Vedham idhu engal vedham' repeats throughout the track to reinforce the central theme of self-proclaimed moral authority and ideological resolve.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Nariyin nadamaattam iniyum vidamaattom”
The word 'Nari' (fox) is used metaphorically to represent cunning, deceptive oppressors and corrupt figures in power.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Valuththavan kayil panam irukkum / Vilanginum keezhaai gunam irukkum”
The repetition of initial consonant sounds ('Va' and 'Vi') across lines creates rhythmic momentum.
Allusion
“Annaa solliya sinthanaithaan”
Explicit political reference to 'Anna' (C. N. Annadurai), alluding to his popular critique of how formal court legalities often fail the poor.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song explicitly references 'Anna' (C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu), connecting the film's theme of vigilante justice to his famous political quote comparing the law to a dark room where the poor man's light is missing. The movie was directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar, known for his revolutionary social-drama films.
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