Vedan: Voice of the Voiceless – Life, Music & Revolution
A deep dive into the journey of Malayalam rapper Vedan, his top 10 songs, and how he became the cultural voice of resistance in Kerala.
Who is Vedan?
In the underground lanes of Indian hip-hop, a voice rose from Thrissur that would go on to shatter stereotypes, echo centuries of oppression, and reclaim pride for the voiceless. That voice belongs to Vedan, born as Hirandas Murali on October 26, 1995. Vedan, which literally means “hunter” in Malayalam, is more than a stage name — it’s a statement of identity, resistance, and revival.
Hailing from Swapnabhoomi, a working-class colony near Thrissur railway station, Vedan’s life was rooted in struggle and observation. His father was a folk singer, and the rhythms of folk, along with political and social injustices around him, laid the foundation for the artist he would become.
The Early Struggles
Vedan didn’t start off in a music studio or on a film set. After school, he worked in construction sites and even as a studio assistant for film editor B. Ajith Kumar. The real world taught him lessons he’d never find in books. The brutality of caste discrimination, marginalization, and the silence of society became the muse for his verses.
In 2020, amid the pandemic, while the world fell silent, Vedan’s voice broke the internet with the release of “Voice of the Voiceless”. With raw lyrics and a gritty music video, the song became an anthem of rebellion against the caste system and societal injustice in Kerala.
Top 10 Songs by Vedan
- Voice of the Voiceless – His breakout single and a socio-political roar from the underground.
- Bhoomi Njan Vazhunidam – A continuation of his advocacy, reflecting the pain of the marginalized.
- Narabali – Featured in the film Nayattu, this track brought Vedan into mainstream cinema.
- Kuthanthram – From the 2024 film Manjummel Boys, composed by Sushin Shyam.
- Kondal Vedan Song – A vibrant promo song for the movie Kondal.
- La Vida – A global collaboration with KSHMR and Dabzee, mixing EDM and Malayalam rap.
- Vaa – A solo expression of self-belief and liberation.
- Budhanayi Pira – A powerful reflection on identity and philosophy.
- Social Criminal – A song that turns the lens on societal norms and criminalization of dissent.
- Kisses in the Clouds – A melodic and experimental collab with Haniya Nafisa.
The Message in His Music
What makes Vedan stand out isn’t just his lyrical ability or unique sound. It’s the stories he chooses to tell. He raps about Dalit struggles, caste violence, cultural erasure, and identity politics — all topics most mainstream artists shy away from.
“I am my own inspiration,” Vedan once said in an interview. And that’s visible in every line he spits — personal yet universal, painful yet empowering.
Film Contributions
Vedan’s talent didn’t go unnoticed by Malayalam cinema. His lyrics and voice were used in films like Nayattu and Manjummel Boys. Collaborating with composers like Sushin Shyam, he brought authenticity and rawness to otherwise polished soundtracks.
He also began mentoring young rappers, encouraging them to write in Malayalam and Tamil, to express themselves with cultural roots intact rather than emulating Western templates blindly.
Controversies & Legal Challenges
With fame came scrutiny. In 2021, Vedan faced allegations of misconduct that led to backlash on social media. He responded with a public apology, acknowledging the criticism and stepping away from the limelight temporarily.
In April 2025, Vedan and eight others were arrested in Kochi for possession of hybrid cannabis. Adding to the controversy, authorities found a tiger tooth pendant in his possession, leading to charges under the Wildlife Protection Act. Though released on bail, the incident sparked debates around privacy, police profiling, and the criminalization of cultural expressions.
A Cultural Icon in the Making
Despite the challenges, Vedan remains a symbol of Malayalam hip-hop’s evolution. He’s not just a rapper — he’s a poet, an activist, a symbol. He opened doors for regional rap in Kerala and created space for discussions on caste and identity in art.
From local gigs to Spotify playlists, from construction sites to cinema screens — Vedan’s journey is a modern epic. It’s still being written, verse by verse, chorus by chorus.
Legacy and What’s Ahead
Vedan’s story is still unfolding. He continues to write, rap, and inspire. Whether in the studio or on stage, his voice echoes the pain, resilience, and power of countless unheard souls.
He has paved the way for future generations of rappers who want to create not just music, but movements. His words aren’t just entertainment — they are resistance, they are healing, they are truth.
Follow Vedan’s Work
Author: Anupama | Published: 15-06-2025
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