- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Bharathwaj
- Movie name
- Aasal
- Movie release year
- 2010
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Mar 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Engae Engae' from the 2010 film 'Aasal' is a intense philosophical composition exploring themes of human deceit, existential realization, and triumphant resilience. The protagonist reflects on how people often disguise beastly, wolf-like deceit beneath human appearances, realizing that while birth and death are divine truths, most earthly relationships and promises are fabricated lies. Through profound heartbreak and pain, the protagonist gains spiritual clarity, recognizing life as a river flowing between banks of deception. In the latter half, the tone shifts from disillusionment to immense empowerment and self-realization. Comparing himself to a Phoenix rising from ashes, the protagonist realizes his inner strength can move mountains and endure any burden. He asserts that while his physical body makes him human, his transcendent spirit connects him directly to the divine, empowering him to rise above betrayal and achieve greatness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Poguthae vaazhkkai nadhi”
Life is metaphorically represented as a river flowing between banks of lies ('Poguthae vaazhkkai nadhi'). Tears are termed 'white blood' ('Kanneer ellaam vellai raththam').
Allusion / Imagery (Phoenix imagery)
“Saambalil uyirkkum paravaipol”
Refers to the mythical Phoenix bird rising revived from its own ashes, symbolizing resilience and rebirth after betrayal.
Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)
“Jananam unmai / Maranam unmai ... Ellaam poiyaai seithaanae manithan seithaanae”
Contrasts the divine truth of birth and death against the deception created by humankind.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)
“Imayam thaangum idhayam ingae”
Exaggerates the heart's strength as powerful enough to support the weight of the Himalayas, and viewing mountains as mere pebbles.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Bharadwaj and sung by legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam alongside Sunitha Sarathy and Naveen, this song serves as a central philosophical theme for Ajith Kumar's character in 'Aasal'. The lyrics written by Vairamuthu draw inspiration from classical Tamil philosophical traditions mixed with Western existential imagery like the Phoenix.
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