...
...
Next Story

Lyricist Vairamuthu criticises Tamil filmmakers for using his verses as film titles without permission

National Award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu has claimed that filmmakers have used lines from his verses as film titles over the years, without his consent.

Updated on: Jun 9, 2025, 19:03:59 IST
Advertisement

Tamil lyricist and poet Vairamuthu wants to ascertain why several filmmakers in the industry have been using lines from his verses as movie titles without even asking his permission. The lyricist, who has won multiple National Awards for his work as a lyricist, took to his X account on Monday to pen a lengthy note to address this issue. (Also read: Ravi Mohan's girlfriend Kenishaa Francis addresses pregnancy rumours)

What Vairamuthu said

Vairamuthu is a well-known lyricist who works primarily in Tamil film industry.
Vairamuthu is a well-known lyricist who works primarily in Tamil film industry.

In his post, which was in Tamil, Vairamuthu began: "Many of my verses have been used by the Tamil film industry as film titles. None of those who have taken them have asked my permission or even asked for a word of respect."

The lyricist went on to cite some examples to prove his point. He named popular Tamil movie titles that directly used his lyrics. Some of them were 'Ponmaalai Pozhudhu', 'Ilaya Nila, 'Oorai Therinjikitten', 'Poove Poochooda Vaa', ‘Mouna Ragam’.

Why didn't you ask me before doing this?

In response, the star of the 2013 film Ponmaalai Pozhudhu, Adhav Kannadasan, wrote that permission for using the title was taken. He said, “Sir with all due respect we got your permission for #PonmaalaiPozhudhu as u mentioned it’s a special feeling as #KaviyarasuKannadasan s grandson is using your lyrics as the film title. You felt proud. The lyrics in the film was written by dearest @madhankarky sir Thank you.”

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Santanu Das

Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’. A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own. Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience. Find him on LinkedIn: santanudasfilm Instagram: @santupecha

Amazon Summer Sale is here! Splurge and save now! Click Here!.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
Amazon Summer Sale is here! Splurge and save now! Click Here!.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe