Why is ‘IndiraNagarkaGunda’ Trending on Twitter and the Internet?

The term ‘IndiraNagarkaGunda’ has been making waves on social media, particularly Twitter, in recent days. This trend has been driven by a viral advertisement by the credit card payment app CRED, which features none other than Rahul Dravid, a former Indian cricket captain, losing his cool in a traffic jam. This commercial has not only brought laughter to the internet but has also thrust the phrase ‘IndiraNagarkaGunda’ into the spotlight.

Rahul Dravid's Role in the Trend

CRED launched a viral ad during the launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The ad humorously depicts a fictional version of Rahul Dravid, known for his calm demeanor and leadership on and off the field, reacting to a particularly miserable traffic situation in Bengaluru, one of India's most congested cities.

Breaking Stigma: The ‘Angry Rahul Dravid’

The ad took a humorous twist by portraying Dravid, in his character, as a ‘gunda’ or a thug, extremely frustrated about the traffic conditions. The script and the accompanying viral video from CRED highlight Dravid's anger as he rants and raves from the sunroof of his car, exclaiming, “Indiranagar ka Gunda hoon main. I’m the thug of IndiraNagar.”

The term ‘Indiranagar ka Gunda’ refers to someone who is notorious for causing chaos in the area of IndiraNagar, a popular neighborhood in Bengaluru. This renaming of a fictional Dravid as the ‘gunda’ of IndiraNagar is what has set the stage for the widespread use and humor surrounding the term.

Impact on Social Media

The viral nature of the ad has resulted in numerous social media users not only immersing themselves in the humor but also reproducing and commenting on the content. The tag #IndiraNagarkaGunda has gained traction, and the hashtag has over 3 million views on platforms like Twitter.

Analysis of the Trend

The ad managed what nothing else could – to portray Rahul Dravid experiencing intense emotions on screen. This is particularly significant given the well-known reputation of Dravid as a calm, composed, and highly respected figure in Indian cricket. The ad not only delivers its intended humor but also indirectly praises Dravid by showcasing his humanity, making the term ‘IndiraNagarkaGunda’ a relatable and entertaining phenomenon.

Conclusion

From a marketing perspective, the success of the CRED ad highlights the power of humor and relatability in advertising. It has successfully turned a known figure into a new persona that resonates with the audience in a novel and unexpected way. The ongoing trend of ‘IndiraNagarkaGunda’ is a testament to the effectiveness of this ad and how it has managed to capture the public’s imagination in such a memorable way.