- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singer
- Vani Jairam
- Music directors
- Ilayaraja, Gangai Amaran
- Movie name
- Sankarlal
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Jan 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Unmai Endrum Vellum' is a soulful, philosophical track centered around the themes of divine justice, karmic retributive truth, and hope. It emphasizes that no matter how difficult the present times are or how powerful evil forces appear, truth and righteousness will ultimately triumph. False disguises and deceits will vanish when good times arrive, bringing an end to all sorrows. Using poetic imagery of birds, stormy winds destroying fruit clusters, and venomous cobras, the song reflects on past grief and betrayal caused by evil deeds. However, it concludes with an optimistic belief that karma will return evil to the wrongdoers, and the day of justice and fulfillment of righteous desires is finally at hand.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Karu naagam vishaththai koduthathammaa”
Evil personas and hidden betrayals are represented metaphorically as a 'karu naagam' (black cobra) spitting poison.
Nature Imagery
“Koththodu inaintha kani ellaam / Soorai kaattril udhirththammaa”
The destruction of a close-knit family or happy group is vividly pictured as fruits in a cluster being blown away by a harsh storm.
Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Unmai endrum vellum... / Nanmai varumpothu vesham maarum...”
The second letters of 'Unmai' and 'Nanmai' rhyme in the chorus lines, adding a melodious rhythm.
Did you know?
Trivia
Sankarlal (1982), starring Kamal Haasan in dual roles, is notable for its music credit shared between Ilaiyaraaja and his brother Gangai Amaran. While Ilaiyaraaja composed a few tracks, Gangai Amaran stepped in to complete the remaining background score and songs due to Ilaiyaraaja's tight schedule at the time. Vani Jairam provided the expressive vocal rendition for this philosophical song.
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