Vedan Isn’t Just a Name. It’s a Declaration.

Have you ever heard a song that just stops you? I mean, really stops you. You’re not just listening to it; you’re feeling it in your bones. The rhythm is a punch to the gut and the words are a spray of cold water on your face. That’s what happened to me the first time I heard a track from an artist I knew nothing about. The name was Vedan . And in Malayalam, it means “hunter.”

I’ve got to admit, I went down a rabbit hole. And what I found wasn’t just a rapper. It was a phenomenon. A voice crackling with the kind of raw, unfiltered energy that the polished, auto-tuned mainstream music scene seems to have forgotten exists. This isn’t background music for your drive to the mall. This is front-and-center, pay-attention-or-get-out-of-the-way art.

But who is he? The man behind the name is Hirandas Murali , an artist from Thrissur, Kerala. And to understand his music is to understand a current running deep beneath the surface of modern India. A current of anger, of history, and of a demand to be heard.

The Roar from the South | Redefining Malayalam Rap Music

Let’s be honest, when people think of the Indian hip-hop scene , their minds usually jump to the gullies of Mumbai or the clubs of Delhi. And that’s a vibrant scene, no doubt. But something entirely different has been brewing in Kerala. It’s less about swagger and more about substance. It’s grittier.

And Vedan is at the heart of that storm. His emergence felt less like a debut and more like a detonation. Tracks like ‘VAA’ or ‘THERI’ are not just songs; they are powerful manifestos. The production is often stark, almost primal, letting his incendiary lyrics take the lead. He raps in Malayalam, and his flow is relentless, packed with internal rhymes and a percussive delivery that feels both ancient and aggressively modern.

He’s often called the ‘ Voice of the Voiceless ’, and while that can be a cliché, here it feels earned. His work is a masterclass in anti-caste rap , a direct and unflinching look at the social hierarchies that many would prefer to pretend don’t exist anymore. He talks about land, identity, oppression, and history not as abstract concepts, but as lived, painful realities. It’s the kind of truth-telling that makes people uncomfortable. And that’s precisely why it’s so important.

It’s fascinating to think about what captures the attention of young India today. On one hand, you have millions engrossed in the virtual battlegrounds of games like BGMI , a world of strategy and escape. On the other, you have artists like Vedan demanding that we don’t escape, but rather, confront the reality right in front of us. Both are valid parts of the same, complex cultural landscape.

Art, Activism, and the Uncomfortable Questions

Now, here’s where the story gets complicated. And it’s a necessary complication. It would be dishonest to paint a picture of any artist as a flawless messiah, and the journey of Vedan has not been without its serious stumbles. In 2021, he faced multiple allegations of misconduct and abuse from women during the #MeToo movement. He issued a public apology, but the incident fractured the very community that had elevated him.

So, what do you do with that? How do you reconcile powerful art that speaks for the oppressed with allegations that the artist himself has been an oppressor? There’s no easy answer. I’ve wrestled with this myself. It forces a difficult, but crucial, conversation about accountability, restorative justice, and whether we can or should separate the art from the artist.

This isn’t just a personal dilemma; it’s a societal one. It pushes us to examine the very systems of justice and power his music critiques. It makes us question who gets a second chance and what true accountability looks like. The legal and moral frameworks for these issues are things society constantly grapples with, rooted in foundational principles of equality and justice, the very same principles outlined in documents like the Constitution of India , which seeks to protect the rights and dignity of every citizen. The irony is potent and deeply uncomfortable.

It proves that our heroes, especially our artistic ones, are rarely simple. They are flawed, complex human beings. And maybe, just maybe, acknowledging that complexity is part of the path toward a more honest form of fandom and criticism.

I initially thought of his music as a straightforward battle cry. But now? Now I see it as part of a much larger, messier, and more profoundly human story. It’s a story about finding a voice, using that voice for change, and then being held accountable for how you use your power in every aspect of your life. Not everyone finds their purpose on a clearly defined track, like the one laid out in a UPSC preparation guide ; some, like Vedan, forge a path through the chaotic, brilliant, and sometimes painful world of art.

His presence, controversies and all, has undeniably changed the game for socially conscious artists India . He proved that you don’t need the backing of a major label or a Bollywood co-sign to make an earthquake. You just need a microphone, a story, and a truth that refuses to be silent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vedan

So, who exactly is Vedan in a nutshell?

Vedan is the stage name of Hirandas Murali, a rapper and artist from Kerala, India. He’s one of the most prominent figures in Malayalam rap music and is widely known for his powerful, politically charged lyrics that directly address issues like caste discrimination, social inequality, and identity. He’s not just a musician; he’s considered a significant voice in India’s contemporary cultural and activist landscape.

What makes his music different from other Indian hip-hop?

While a lot of mainstream Indian hip-hop can focus on lifestyle, ambition, or romance, Vedan’s music is almost exclusively dedicated to social and political commentary. His style is raw, often aggressive, and deeply rooted in the folk traditions and political history of his region. The focus on anti-caste rap and his unflinching lyrical honesty set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

I don’t speak Malayalam. Can I still get into his music?

Absolutely. While you’ll miss the lyrical nuances without subtitles (which are available for most of his official music videos), the raw emotion, energy, and powerful flow of his delivery are universal. The beats and the sheer force of his voice tell a story on their own. It’s a testament to his artistry that the feeling comes through, regardless of the language barrier.

Is it true his music is controversial?

Yes, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, his lyrical content is inherently provocative because it challenges deep-seated social structures and makes many people uncomfortable. Secondly, and more personally, Vedan faced serious allegations during the #MeToo movement, which led to a significant and necessary public conversation about his own conduct and accountability, adding a layer of personal controversy to his public persona.

Which Vedan songs should I listen to first?

To get a real sense of his power, start with ‘VAA’. It’s an explosive track that perfectly encapsulates his style and message. After that, listen to ‘THERI’ for its raw energy and ‘Voice of the Voiceless’ to understand the core of his activism. These three Vedan songs provide a strong introduction to his work.