- Lyricist
- Yugabharathi
- Singer
- Madhu Balakrishnan
- Music director
- Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Movie name
- Naan Mahaan Alla
- Movie release year
- 2010
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Jan 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Naan Mahaan Alla' is a heartbreaking eulogy sung by a grieving son after the sudden death of his selfless father. The lyrics compare the father to God, questioning the purpose of a world or life without his guiding presence. The protagonist reflects on his father's sacrifices, hard work, constant encouragement, and unconditional love, expressing profound disbelief and anguish at his unexpected demise.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Dheivam illai enumbothu Kovil edharkku”
Equating the father to God ('Dheivam illai enumbothu / Kovil edharkku') and comparing death to eternal sleep ('Niranthara thookkam').
Rhetorical Question
“Illai neeyum enumbothu Vaazhvae edharkku”
Frequent use of rhetorical questions ('Kovil edharkku', 'Vaazhvae edharkku', 'Adhu engu ponathu') to convey existential crisis, helplessness, and grief.
Irony / Contrast
“Azhuthida koodaathendru Arivurai kooruvaai Azhugaiyai neeyae thanthu ponaayae”
Contrasting the father's advice against crying with the reality that the father's death is the very source of tears.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and sung by Haricharan, 'Dheivam Illai' serves as the emotional turning point in the film 'Naan Mahaan Alla' (2010). The song underscores the tragic murder of the protagonist's father, played movingly by Jayaprakash.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Naan Mahaan Alla
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.