- Lyricist
- Muthukoothan
- Singer
- Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Avatharam
- Movie release year
- 1995
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Sept 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song expresses the timeless plight and endless suffering of the impoverished class. Comparing human life to a street play ('Therukoothu') performed on a stage, the song laments how the poor are deprived of happy endings while the powerful quarrel ruthlessly over property and material wealth. Faced with injustice and tragedy, the narrator yearns for a savior or divine avatar ('Avatharam') to destroy evil and bring about justice ('Samhaaram'). Ultimately, the song serves as a rallying cry, urging the listener or protagonist to step up and become that very avatar of change.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Antha medai koothu aachu”
Life is explicitly compared to a theatrical street play performed on stage ('Vazhkai kadhai thaanae / Antha medai koothu aachu').
Rhetorical Question
“Pozhuthae irul aanaal / Ini ingae vidivethu”
The lyricist uses a rhetorical question to highlight the hopeless condition of the poor when even basic hope is lost.
Iyaibu (Rhyme / End Rhyme)
“Neeyoru avathaaram / Nadathidu samhaaram”
The words 'Avathaaram' and 'Samhaaram' rhyme at the end of the lines, creating a rhythmic and powerful impact.
Antonym Pairing / Contrast
“Theemaiyum olindhu / Nanmaiyum sera”
The song contrasts 'Theemai' (evil) and 'Nanmai' (goodness) to emphasize the moral conflict.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Avatharam' (1995) was directed by actor Nasser, who also played the lead role of a Therukoothu (traditional Tamil street theatre) performance artist. The film's musical score was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, blending authentic Tamil folk theatre music styles with dramatic narrative storytelling.
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