- Lyricist
- Dhanush
- Singers
- Dhanush, Anirudh Ravichander
- Music director
- Anirudh Ravichander
- Movie name
- Velai Illa Pattadhaari
- Movie release year
- 2014
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Dec 2016
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'What a Karvaad' is a lighthearted, comedic track from 'Velai Illa Pattadhaari' (2014) that expresses the frustration and existential irony of an unemployed engineering graduate (Raghuvaran). Using Chennai Tamil slang, colloquial idioms, and playful banter, the song turns failure, heartbreak, and social judgment into a humorous anthem of youth resilience.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Pattam kilinji pochu da / En kattam alinji pochu da / Romba mattam thattiyaachu da”
The second consonant 'tt' (ட்) rhymes across 'Pattam', 'Kattam', and 'Mattam'.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Sutta vada pochu da.. what a karvaad / Pattam kilinji pochu da.. what a karvaad”
The lines end with identical rhythmic refrains ('pochu da.. what a karvaad').
Colloquial Metaphor / Idiom
“Sutta vada pochu da”
A popular Tamil idiom meaning a golden opportunity was missed or ruined.
Pop Culture Allusion
“Aaniyae pudunga vendaam”
Direct reference to Vadivelu's iconic comedy dialogue from the movie 'Friends', used colloquially to mean 'don't bother trying to help or do anything'.
Did you know?
Trivia
The track was composed by Anirudh Ravichander with lyrics written by lead actor Dhanush. The song features informal studio banter between Dhanush and Anirudh, adding to its spontaneous, casual vibe. The word 'Karvaad' (dried fish) is used slangily to mock a situation or person.
Keep listening
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