- Lyricist
- Mari Selvaraj
- Music director
- Santhosh Narayanan
- Movie name
- Karnan (2021 Film)
- Movie release year
- 2021
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Jan 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Kandaa Vara Sollunga is a powerful folk-style invocation from the movie Karnan (2021). The song serves as a heraldic plea calling upon Karnan, a hero of oppressed people who lacks the divine armor (Kavasa) and earrings (Kundala) of the mythical Mahabharata figure, yet embodies true courage born out of struggle and poverty. The lyrics highlight his deep connection with his village, nature, and community, framing him as a guardian deity without a shrine who fights bravely for justice.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Allusion (புராணக் குறிப்பு)
“Kavasathaiyum kandathilla / Entha kundalamum koodayilla”
Subverts the classical Mahabharata myth where Karna possesses divine armor and earrings, emphasizing that this protagonist is an earthly hero raised in hardship without celestial privileges.
Anaphora (அடுக்குத் தொடர் / திரும்பவருதல்)
“Kandaa vara sollunga / Karnana kaiyoda kootti vaarunga”
The continuous repetition of the refrain throughout the song creates a rhythmic call-to-action and heightens emotional urgency.
Hyperbole (உயர்வு நவிற்சி அணி)
“Oththakili ninnaakkooda / Kaththum paaru avan pera”
Exaggerates Karnan's legendary presence in nature, asserting that even a solitary parrot perched high on a banyan tree cries out his name.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Santhosh Narayanan and sung by veteran folk singer Kidakuzhi Mariyammal along with the composer, the song drew heavy inspiration from southern Tamil Nadu oppari and folk musical traditions. Director Mari Selvaraj penned the lyrics himself to establish the mythos of the titular character.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Karnan (2021 Film)
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.