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Key Points

Renowned lyricist Vairamuthu has sparked a debate in the Tamil film industry by highlighting how his song lyrics have been repeatedly used as movie titles without seeking his permission. His social media post drew mixed reactions, with some defending the practice as part of cultural sharing and others supporting his stance on creative respect. Actor Aadhav Kannadasan publicly stated he had sought permission for one such title, adding nuance to the discussion. The incident underscores the complex dynamics of intellectual property and artistic collaboration in Tamil cinema.

Key Points: Vairamuthu Calls Out Tamil Film Industry Title Rights

  • Lyricist raises concern over unauthorized use of his lyrics as film titles
  • Actor Aadhav Kannadasan claims he sought prior permission
  • Vairamuthu highlights cultural respect in creative borrowing
  • Mixed public reactions emerge on intellectual property norms
2 min read

Lyricist Vairamuthu calls out Tamil filmmakers for using his verses for film titles without 'permission'

Renowned lyricist Vairamuthu criticizes Tamil filmmakers for using his song lyrics as movie titles without consent

"In a society where wealth is not shared in common, I take joy in knowledge becoming common property - Vairamuthu"

Chennai, June 9

Renowned Tamil lyricist and poet Vairamuthu called out the Tamil film industry for using the lyrics of his songs as film titles without seeking his permission.

Taking to his X handle, Vairamuthu pointed out how many of his popular lyrics have been turned into film titles over the years, often without anyone seeking his consent.

His post, written in Tamil, loosely translated as, "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."

In a lengthy post on X, the lyricist also cited some popular Tamil movies that used his lyrics as their film titles. While the lyricist did not mention the copyright issue, he called out the Tamil film industry for their discourtesy and not seeking permission before using them.

He wrote, "Despite them taking my lyric lines without acknowledgement, I have never rebuked anyone nor have I questioned it whenever and wherever I met them. In a society where wealth is not shared in common, I take joy in the fact that knowledge at least becomes common property. It would be uncivilised of me to ask, "Why didn't you ask me before doing this?" But isn't it equally uncivilised of them not to have even asked me a single word?"

https://x.com/Vairamuthu/status/1931902382298022031?

The post received mixed reactions from the netizens, with many saying that the lyrics used in his songs do not require permission to be turned into film titles as they are part of the Tamil language.

In response to the post, actor Aadhav Kannadasan, who is known for his movies 'Yaamirukka Bayamey' and 'Karungaapiyam' clarified that he sought permission from him (lyricist Vairamuthu) for using his lyrics as the film title for his movie 'Ponmaalai Pozhudhu' in 2013.

He wrote, "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."

https://x.com/aadhavkk/status/1931929786756264178

Vairamuthu is a popular lyricist who has been honoured with a Padma Shri, a Padma Bhushan and a Sahitya Akademi Award for his abundant literary output.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for this article:
P
Priya K.
As a Tamil literature student, I understand Vairamuthu sir's point. His words have deep meaning and context - just lifting them without acknowledgement is disrespectful to the art. At least a courtesy call would show basic decency! 🙏
R
Rahul M.
Honestly, this seems like unnecessary drama. Film titles are just words from our language - no one owns them. Next we'll have people claiming copyright on common phrases! Focus should be on making good cinema, not these petty issues.
S
Saranya V.
Vairamuthu sir's lyrics are iconic! Using them as titles is actually honoring his work. But I agree - basic manners demand at least informing him. Our film industry often forgets to respect the artists behind the art. Hope this starts a conversation about creator rights.
K
Karthik B.
Interesting debate! Legally, titles can't be copyrighted. But ethically, when you're directly lifting someone's creative work, acknowledgement is basic decency. Aadhav's response shows how it should be done - with respect and transparency. More filmmakers should follow this example.
M
Meena R.
As a writer myself, I feel Vairamuthu sir's pain. When your words become so popular that people start treating them as public property, it hurts. But his graceful response shows why he's a legend - focusing on knowledge being common rather than personal gain. True class! ❤️
A
Arjun P.
This is typical Kollywood behavior - always taking shortcuts. First copying stories from other industries, now lifting lyrics without credit. Time for our filmmakers to show some originality and respect for creators. Vairamuthu sir deserves better! #RespectCreators

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