Mani Ratnam Responds to Anurag Kashyap’s Criticism on English in Tamil Songs: ‘Creativity Has No Grammar’

Chennai: Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has addressed fellow director Anurag Kashyap’s recent remarks on the increasing use of English lyrics in Tamil songs, calling for a more open-minded approach to creativity in cinema.

With his much-awaited film Thug Life set for release on June 5, Ratnam responded during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where he defended artistic freedom in music and storytelling.

“Most of my film titles are in Tamil, but it’s not about setting boundaries. If it feels right, you take that step. Why confine yourself to false grammar?” Ratnam remarked when asked about the use of English phrases in songs.

Kashyap had earlier voiced concern over what he described as a trend in Tamil films—incorporating too much English in both dialogue and music. However, Ratnam firmly dismissed the idea that such stylistic choices are merely attempts to attract younger viewers.

“Sometimes you need a song like Sugar Baby, and if it feels right in that moment, you go for it. There’s no single rule. As long as you’re being honest with both cultures, it works,” he explained.

Speaking on authenticity in storytelling, Ratnam added, “You don’t have to live a mafia life to write about it. Similarly, to write for today’s youth, you observe, understand, and express. It’s not very difficult.”

Thug Life, which stars Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR in lead roles, also features an ensemble cast including Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Pankaj Tripathi, and Rohit Saraf. The film marks Ratnam and Haasan’s reunion after 38 years since their iconic 1987 classic Nayakan.

With AR Rahman composing the music, Thug Life is one of the most anticipated films of 2025 — and this creative clash of opinions has only added to the buzz.