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Lyrics & meaning

Karuppu Vellai

From Vikram Vedha · 2017

Lyricist
Vignesh Shivan
Singers
Sivam, Sam C. S
Music director
Sam C. S
Details
Vikram Vedha2017

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vaazhka oodi oodiLife running and running
Alanji thirinjiWandering and roaming around
Odanji murunjiBroken and crushed
Aarambichaa edatha thediSearching for the place where it began
Vandhu nikkum daIt will end up standing right there, my friend
Male
Ellam mudinja pinnaeAfter everything comes to an end
Eriya pora podhaiya poraWhether you get burned or buried
Sorgam naragam poradhukkuFor going to heaven or hell
Saatchi illadaThere is no witness, my friend
Male
Indha nodi irukkaTo exist in this single moment
VaazhndhirukkomWe have lived
Neram nalla irundhaIf time turned out to be good
PolachirukkomWe have survived
Edhuvum inga sariyum illaNothing here is absolutely right
Thavarum illa podaNor is it wrong, move on!
Chorus
Ragana nagana naaRagana nagana naa
Ragana nagana naaRagana nagana naa
Ragana nagana naaRagana nagana naa
Ragana nagana naaRagana nagana naa
Ragana nagana naaRagana nagana naa
Ragana naaga naaRagana naaga naa
Male
Kolaiyum veeranum onnuMurder and bravery are one and the same
Veeramaana kolaiyum onnuA courageous act of murder is also the same
Dharmamum dhrogamum onnu onnuRighteousness and betrayal are one and the same
Dharmam kaakka dhrogam seivadhunduSometimes betrayal is committed to protect righteousness
Male
Yaarayumm nambaathaDo not trust anyone
Ingae nambunnaa maarathaIf you trust someone here, do not change
Pagai theeraTo resolve enmity
Porkalam pogathaDo not go to the battlefield
Ponnaal neeyum poriduFight yourself on a golden day
Edhaiyum yosikkadhaDo not overthink anything
Chorus
{Ragana nagana naa{Ragana nagana naa
Ragana nagana naaRagana nagana naa
Ragana nagana naaRagana nagana naa
Ragana nagana naa} (2)Ragana nagana naa} (2)
Ragana naaga naaRagana naaga naa

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Karuppu Vellai' from the film Vikram Vedha (2017) delves into the philosophical nature of morality, destiny, and human existence. It explores the blurred line between good and evil, stating that concepts like righteousness and betrayal, or bravery and murder, are deeply interconnected and often subjective. Ultimately, life comes full circle to where it started, making rigid moral judgments redundant in a world where survival often dictates choices.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhyme / Ethukai (Second letter agreement)

Alanji thirinji / Odanji murunji

The second letters of 'Alanji' and 'Odanji' match, creating rhythmic fluency.

Paradox / Juxtaposition

Dharmamum dhrogamum onnu onnu

Juxtaposing opposing moral values like 'Dharmam' (righteousness) and 'Dhrogam' (betrayal) to highlight moral ambiguity.

Refrain / Onomatopoeia

Ragana nagana naa

The rhythmic sound 'Ragana nagana naa' serves as a dramatic vocal refrain building tension.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Karuppu Vellai' serves as the iconic main theme song composed by Sam C.S. for the neo-noir action-thriller 'Vikram Vedha', directed by Pushkar-Gayathri. The song encapsulates the core thematic motif of the film, which challenges the traditional binary view of hero versus villain.

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