Lyricist Vairamuthu calls out Tamil filmmakers for using his verses as film titles

India Today

3 days ago

Legendary lyricist Vairamuthu called out Tamil filmmakers and the film industry for using lyrics from his songs as film titles. In a lengthy post on X, he listed out some of his famous lyrics which eventually became film titles in Tamil cinema. His post left the Internet divided, with a section of people supporting him and others questioning him about using Tamil words, which have been in use since its inception.advertisementWhile Vairamuthu did not mention claiming copyrights, he questioned the industry for their discourtesy and not seeking permission before using them. He further mentioned that he had never asked anyone about using his verses without permission as it goes against his ideology.His post, written in Tamil, is loosely translated as, "Tamil cinema has used many of my pallavis (opening lines of songs) as film titles. None of those who took them asked for my permission, nor did they even ask out of courtesy - not a single word."
He then mentioned the titles 'Ponmaalai Pozhudhu', 'Ilaya Nila, 'Oorai Therinjikitten', 'Poove Poochooda Vaa', 'Mouna Ragam, 'Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal', among others as examples.He then added, "I have never scolded anyone for taking them without asking, nor have I questioned them when I've seen them. In a society where wealth cannot become common property, at least knowledge becomes common property - this makes me happy internally. It's not polite of me to ask them why they had used it without my permission. But isn't it their culture to do it after asking me a word?"advertisementReplying to Vairamuthu's post, Aadhav Kannadasan (grandson of legendary poet and lyricist Kannadasan) said that they had sought permission for using 'Ponmaalai Pozhudhu'."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 (sic)," he wrote on X.
Another section of people questioned Vairamuthu for claiming ownership over these titles. Many pointed out that the lyrics feature Tamil words that have existed since the Tamil language's inception, and it isn't fair on him to expect Tamil filmmakers to ask his permission to use them as film titles.Lyricist Vairamuthu is a legendary poet and novelist in the Tamil film industry. He has also been accused by nearly 20 women, including singer Chinmayi Sripada, of sexual misconduct as part of the #MeToo movement.Must Watch