- Lyricist
- Mari Selvaraj
- Singers
- Dhee, Santhosh Narayanan
- Music director
- Santhosh Narayanan
- Movie name
- Karnan (2021 Film)
- Movie release year
- 2021
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Feb 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Uttradheenga Yeppov' from the film Karnan (2021) is a raw, intense folk anthem of resistance, unity, and communal resilience against systemic authority and state violence. Written by director Mari Selvaraj himself, the song serves as a clarion call to the oppressed community, invoking family kin (father, mother, elders, siblings) never to give up or relinquish their land, rights, and dignity. It contrasts the comforting words given to children with the chilling reality of brutal authority figure oppression.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Adukkuthodar (Repetition)
“Uttradheenga yeppov / Uttradheenga yemmov”
The core phrase 'Uttradheenga' (Don't let go / Don't give up) is repeated persistently throughout the song to create rhythmic urgency and an uncompromising emotional plea.
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Kaakki sattai kaanjan varan / Katteruthu mela varan”
The police uniform and state violence are metaphorically described as a hat-wearing ghost ('thoppi potta peyi') and a cruel figure riding a wild bull ('katteruthu mela varan') that burns dreams.
Monai (Initial Rhyming / Alliteration)
“Katteruthu mela varan / Kandavana adikka varan / Kanavaiyellam posukka varaan”
Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across consecutive lines creates an incantatory folk cadence.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is deeply rooted in Southern Tamil Nadu oppari and folk traditions. Karnan's director Mari Selvaraj wrote the lyrics himself to capture the authentic dialect and pain inspired by historical events like the 1995 Kodiyankulam violence.
Keep listening
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