Mani Ratnam responds to Anurag Kashyap’s criticism over English lyrics in Tamil songs

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Director Mani Ratnam is anxiously counting down the days until the premiere of his upcoming film Thug Life, set for release on June 5, 2025. Recently, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he addressed criticisms from director Anurag Kashyap concerning the excessive use of English lyrics in Tamil songs, offering his perspective on the matter.

According to the director of Dil Se, he often chooses Tamil titles for his films, but this isn’t a strict rule. He believes that each medium offers opportunities, so if an idea seems fitting, one should take the appropriate step without being confined by self-imposed restrictions or artificial rules.

At times, a tune like ‘Sugar Baby’ just seems fitting, and it feels intuitive to pursue it. It’s not about having a specific approach; it’s more about caring deeply for both options,” the director explained.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been often asked about the use of English lyrics or titles in my work, with some suggesting it’s a strategy to appeal to younger audiences. However, let me set the record straight: such a move would not guarantee a film’s success on its own. In fact, I firmly believe that authenticity and storytelling are the true keys to captivating an audience across all age groups.

For people not in the know, Anurag Kashyap expressed his thoughts about a common pattern among contemporary Tamil movie directors, and criticized the overuse of English phrases in Tamil film songs.

Ratnam explained how he keeps up with the younger audience by saying, “If you haven’t lived as a mafia member to write about them, then neither have I. But I still write films based on them. In the same way, to write for today’s youth, you observe, learn, and write about it. So it’s not challenging.

Regarding Mani Ratnam’s body of work, his upcoming movie titled “Thug Life” is set to hit theaters on June 5, 2025. This film tells the story of Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, an old-timer in the criminal underworld who is believed to be deceased. In his perspective, Amaran, the son he adopted, is the primary culprit who has risen through the ranks and now leads the mafia group once headed by him.

Driven by a desire for revenge, Sakthivel resolves to defeat Amaran, emphasizing the fact that their fates have been inexorably linked throughout history.

The movie features Kamal Haasan and Simbu (Silambarasan TR) as the main characters, with notable performances from actresses such as Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, and Joju George, along with several other important contributors.

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2025-05-29 19:07