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Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The ‘Penn' Rewriting Rules of Tamil Lyrics: Are These Women Lyricists Redefining Tamil Cinema Or Are They Just a Passing Trend?
In an industry dominated by men, lyricists such as Thamarai are working to bring sensuality and sensibility into songs. And Kollywood, they say, is finally tuning in In the late 1990s, as a young Thamarai went around Kodambakkam knocking on film studio doors saying she would like to write a song, they'd hear it as 'sing a song'. 'I would repeat that I want to write lyrics, and they'd stare at me as if I were an alien,' says the lyricist, who, regardless, went on to write 500 songs for Tamil cinema in 25 years, out of which at least 100 were hits. She got her first big break with 'Vaseegara' from 'Minnale' (2001), owing to the fact that director Goutham Vasudev Menon and Harris Jayaraj were also beginners were and all for experiments. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai In a way it marked the beginning of an era of women lyricists in Kollywood. 'I was in school when 'Minnale' was released, and everyone was awestruck by the fact that a woman can also write such fresh and beautiful lyrics. She's a trailblazer and it made it easy for other women,' says lyricist Parvathy Meera, who has written hits such as 'Verasa pogayille', her debut, from 'Jilla' (2014) and 'Medhakudhu kaalu rendum' from 'Brother' (2024). Some of the biggest chartbusters in Kollywood, from 'Maya nadhi' ('Kabali') by Uma Devi and 'Enga pona raasa' ('Mariyan') by Kutty Revathy to 'Ondra randra asaigal' ('Kaakha Kaakha') by Thamarai, were written by women, a phenomenon unique to the Tamil film industry. While Bollywood has a few women lyricists such as Anvita Dutt and Priya Saraiya, even they admit recognition is an uphill battle. 'As lyricists, we prioritise poetry and deeper meanings over double entendre,' says Kutty Revathy, lyricist and filmmaker. 'I enjoy writing lyrics over scripts as there is more autonomy.' Also, Tamil literature always had women poets, and will always have them, regardless of whether they come to the fore or not, says Thamarai. 'Sangam literature from 200BCE to 200AD had at least 40 prominent women poets in Tamil, who wrote about love and other intense emotions uninhibitedly,' says R Raman, Tamil scholar and principal, Presidency College. 'There was a long break when poetry turned devotional, with few women writers coming to the fore. But women's voices returned to the mainstream in the 20th century, in modern poetry and cinema. In the 1990s, a group of talented poets started experimenting with modern poetry, which included the voices of women, dalits and other marginalised sections, he says. 'Among them are Salma and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. While the earlier poets were hesitant to write freely about love, this group wasn't. A few switched to cinema.' Parvaty feels that it's also to do with the Tamil language being more than a tool for communication. 'There's a history and pride associated with it. That just reflected on the women as well.' Tamil cinema had a woman lyricist – T P Rajalakshmi aka Miss Kamala – as early as the 1930s, says film critic G Dhananjayan. 'Then came Bhanumathi, who was also a writer and director, in the 1950s. Lyrics by women have always been mature and poetic, as opposed to streaks of regression that creep in, at times, in those by men.' Thamarai wrote lines such as: Vaseegara en nenjinikka/ Un pon madiyil thoongum nenjam (You are the charmer of my heart/ My heart longs to sleep in your golden lap). This, at a time when popular songs such as 'Kattipudi' (written by Vairamuthu) had the lines: Yentha idathil sugam inga athigam, ...Kandippidippaen Antha idathil nandu pidippaen (Wherever the pleasure is highest here, ... I'll surely find it — And in that very spot, I'll catch the crab."). Also, while men often compare women to flowers or the moon, these lyricists often use a different set of metaphors. In Kutty Revathy's 'Nenje ezhu' the woman is land, sky and wind. 'This group of women lyricists write more empowering metaphors symbolising dignity and honesty, rather than comparisons with fragile feminine objects. An example is 'Minikki minikki' by Umadevi from 'Thangalan',' says Dhananjayan. 'Even when I had no opportunities, I had strict conditions – no obscenity, no mixing of English and Tamil words,' says Thamarai, now 59 years old. 'Songs last long after films are forgotten. I had a clear vision of the values I wanted to project through my art. I think 200 times before writing each word.' Challenges were many, as even after she became famous, people initially thought she could write only women's versions and soft songs. 'I wanted to prove I could write men's versions too and wrote hero introduction songs which also clicked.' Thamarai was a mechanical engineer and had worked as the only woman among groups of men for years, which helped her navigate a world dominated by men, she says. At the same time, writing is going through a sea change for those of all genders, say lyricists. 'The younger generation doesn't understand simple Tamil words, yet they are the creators of films and music. There is no demand for rich language and poetry,' says Thamarai. 'Once a director told me, 'I wish I could work with you, but I can't because you write good Tamil',' says Parvathy. There are many more talented women lyricists in Tamil Nadu, but they don't get the right opportunities, says Prabha Gurumurthy, singer and voice-over artist. 'Something like a talent show should be held for lyrics as well, where contestants can display their skills impromptu, just like for singing.' Kutty Revathy hits Enga pona raasa (2013) Nenjae ezhu (2013) Aayiram aayiram (2015) Thoonga kangal (2015) Aahaa (2021) Parvathy Meera hits Verasa pogayille (2014) Kannukkul pothivaippen (2014) Yaaro ival (2014) Edhedho ennam vandhu (2014 Uma Devi hits Naan nee naam vaazhave (2014) Maya nadhi (2016) Veera thurandhara (2016) Adi vaadi thimiraa (2017) Anbae peranbae (2019) Thamarai hits Vaseegara (2001) Ondra renda (2003) Suttum vizhi (2005) Nenjukkul peidhidum (2008) Of the nearly 400 lyricists registered with the Indian Performing Right Society, only four are women — Na Viveka, lyricist Email your feedback to
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'Jana Nayagan' First Roar: Vijay plays a super-cop in this H Vinoth directorial
As Vijay turns 51 today, the makers of his next and last film, Jana Nayagan, dropped a glimpse, which also serves as a character revelation. The over one-minute glimpse shows Vijay donning khaki and trying to quell a riot situation in a manner that suits him better. With this confirmation of his character, Jana Nayagan would be the fourth film where Vijay plays a cop, following his previous roles as a police officer in Pokkiri (2007), Jilla (2014), and Theri (2016). Directed by H Vinoth in his first collaboration with Vijay, Jana Nayagan is said to be a political action film which will be his final film project before his full-fledged entry into politics. It went on floors in October 2024, and no other plot details have been revealed by the makers. Reportedly, Vijay has also completed shooting his portions for the film. Jana Nayagan also stars Bobby Deol, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mamitha Baiju, and Narain. The film reunites Vijay with Prakash Raj after Varisu, Pooja Hegde after Beast, and Gautham Vasudev Menon after Leo. The film also reportedly stars actor Revathy as Vijay's mother. Revathi's previous collaboration with Vijay was in the 2002 film Thamizhan, where she played his sister. Jana Nayagan is produced by Venkat K Narayana and co-produced by Lohith N K and Jagadish Palanisamy. The film will be released in theatres on January 9, 2026, for the Pongal festival season.
News18
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Happy Birthday Vijay: A Look at Times Thalapathy Played A Cop Before Jana Nayagan
Thalapathy Vijay's birthday is special as he reveals Jana Nayagan, his last film before his political journey. The teaser shows him as a cop, hinting at a political theme. There's always a buzz around a Thalapathy Vijay birthday, but this year, it is a lot more special and a lot more different. This year, it comes with a tinge of sentiment and celebration, as everything that happens around the film might turn out to be his last in the film space, as the actor has declared Jana Nayagan to be his last film ahead of his political journey. As a treat to his fans, the teaser of his much-awaited film is finally here, revealing Vijay in the role of a police officer. The title, which loosely translates to 'People's Leader," is telling of how the film will be a tool to his upcoming political journey–a technique that has been employed in Tamil since the Dravidian movement. As fans dissect every frame of the teaser, the return of Vijay in khaki stirs up nostalgia. While the role of a cop is a tried-and-tested trope in Tamil cinema, Vijay has brought his own flavour to it every single time. Before Jana Nayagan gears up to be his swan song, here's a look at the times Thalapathy played a cop and left an indelible mark. If one has to pick films that changed the course of Vijay's career, Pokkiri would be right there at the top. Directed by Prabhu Deva and based on Mahesh Babu's Telugu blockbuster of the same name, the film starts off presenting Vijay as a morally grey gangster. But the twist—that he is, in fact, an undercover cop—gave the film a seismic shift in tone and elevated its emotional core. Vijay's performance as a gangster who doesn't flinch while dropping bodies made the film a blockbuster, as all the violence takes a seismic shift after the big reveal that he is a cop. He balanced the brashness of a rowdy with the quiet righteousness of a cop, and the result was both massy and memorable. Pokkiri remains a fan favourite because it marked the shift of Vijay from being a star to Thalapathy. Jilla (2014) What if a person who detests cops, due to his tragic past, is forced to become one? Jilla is a film that explores this one-liner, which is also about the transformation of a morally corrupt gangster into a righteous police officer. In Jilla, Vijay's character doesn't start off as a cop by choice. Adopted by a don played by Mohanlal, he becomes a police officer more out of obligation than passion. But as the story unfolds, Vijay's character undergoes an arc that sees him embracing justice over loyalty. What made Jilla stand out was the emotional core between Mohanlal and Vijay, and how the khaki became a symbol of inner conflict rather than just power. While Jilla isn't a blockbuster like Theri or Pokkiri, it is a film that has Vijay who is fun and a delight to watch. Also, who wouldn't enjoy watching Vijay rubbing shoulders with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal? Theri (2016) Every top hero in Tamil cinema tends to add a version of Rajinikanth's Baasha to his filmography. The story of an innocent-looking common man with a past as a dreaded gangster is a perfect setup for any hero to exhibit his acting versatility and also his heroism. Theri was Vijay's Baasha. With Theri, director Atlee gave Vijay another role that walked the tightrope between sentiment and swag. Vijay plays a cop who goes into hiding with his daughter after a personal tragedy. The film lets him switch between a soft-spoken father named Joseph Kuruvilla and a fierce police officer Vijay Kumar with seamless ease. The film was full of mass moments that continue to be played and replayed on YouTube. Veteran Tamil filmmaker Mahendran, an inspiration to Rajinikanth, played the villain, making the film all the more special. Jana Nayagan: The Return to the Badge Details about Jana Nayagan are still under wraps, but from the teaser, it's evident that this is not just another cop film. The title, the tone, and the visuals all suggest a political undercurrent. Rumours suggest it could be a story of a cop who turns politician. But nothing has been officially confirmed. Either way, Vijay looks intense, weathered, and ready. If this is to be his final bow before stepping into a new phase of public life, Jana Nayagan might be a culmination–expect callbacks and tribute to all his hits. And it will also be a conversation–a final adieu to his beloved fans and a welcome to his followers. On his birthday, as fans celebrate his past glories and await his future moves, one thing remains clear: few stars wear the khaki like Thalapathy Vijay. And in Jana Nayagan, it might just become a symbol of something far bigger. First Published:
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vijay's Final Acting Bow ‘Jana Nayagan' Sets 2026 Release Date (EXCLUSIVE)
Tamil-language cinema superstar Vijay's highly anticipated cinematic farewell, 'Jana Nayagan,' has officially locked its global theatrical release for Jan. 9, 2026, positioning the film for a dominant run during the lucrative Makar Sankranti and Pongal holiday corridor. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, 'Jana Nayagan' (which translates to 'The People's Leader') marks a significant milestone as Vijay's final on-screen appearance before his previously announced retirement from acting in order to join politics. The strategic release date places the film just days ahead of the Pongal festival (Jan. 14, 2026), historically a lucrative period for Tamil cinema. More from Variety Vijay's 69th, and Possibly Last, Film Before Entering Politics Full Time Sets Director, Release Date Vijay's 'GOAT' Roars: AGS Entertainment's Archana Kalpathi on Its Biggest Venture Yet, 'A Proper Action Entertainer' (EXCLUSIVE) 'Leo: Bloody Sweet' Director Lokesh Kanagaraj on Vijay-Starring Hit: 'It Is My Tribute to David Cronenberg' (EXCLUSIVE) The timing appears calculated to maximize box office potential, with the film benefiting from a five-day festive weekend and the massive draw of Vijay's farewell performance. The actor has previously dominated this holiday window with several hits throughout his career. It began with the 2007 breakout 'Pokkiri' and 2011's 'Kaavalan.' In 2014's 'Jilla' Vijay went head-to-head with Ajith Kumar's 'Veeram' in the Pongal clash of the decade — 'Jilla', co-starring Mohanlal, held its own and proved his enduring pull. 'Bairavaa' (2017) managed to score big at the cash register thanks to festival momentum. But it was 2021's 'Master' — his first collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj — that rewrote the pandemic-era playbook, reviving theatrical footfall and delivering a certified blockbuster. Across the board, Vijay's Pongal releases have consistently turned festive fervor into front-loaded firepower. The 50-year-old actor, born Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar and known simply as Vijay, founded the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (Tamil Nadu Victory Federation) political party in 2024 and serves as its president. He is the latest in a long list of film industry people from the southern Indian state who joined politics. These include actors M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa and screenwriter M. Karunanidhi, all of whom went on to become chief ministers of Tamil Nadu. Vijay's last release 'The Greatest of All Time' (2024), grossed some $52 million. KVN Productions has partnered with Phars Film for global distribution, ensuring the film reaches international audiences across major markets. The production company is simultaneously developing other high-profile projects including 'Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Grown Ups' and 'Bad Good Ugly.' Vinoth's last three films 'Nerkonda Paarvai' (2019), 'Valimai' (2022), and 'Thunivu' (2023) all starred Ajith Kumar. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
