Director Mani Ratnam has addressed the recent debate over English lyrics in Tamil songs, sparked by Anurag Kashyap’s comments questioning their relevance. Kashyap had called the trend of mixing Tamil with English lyrics in South Indian films “pointless,” setting off discussions in film circles and online.
Mani Ratnam, who’s promoting his upcoming film Thug Life, responded to the criticism with a calm but clear perspective. One of the songs from the film, Sugar Baby, features English lyrics, a detail that caught attention in light of Kashyap’s remarks.
Mani Ratnam didn’t dismiss the concerns outright but explained why he sees no problem with using English, as long as it suits the context. “Most of my titles have always been in Tamil,” he said. “But I don’t believe in setting limits like ‘only Tamil’ or ‘only English’. If it works for the film, I use it.”
Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan reunite for Thug Life after nearly four decades Getty Images
He made it clear that his choices are not about trying to be trendy or appealing to younger audiences for the sake of it. “It’s not about chasing coolness,” he said. “You use what feels right for the story and characters. Not everything has to follow a set pattern.”
Mani Ratnam also touched on his long-standing love for Tamil language and poetry. Many of his most memorable songs, in collaboration with A.R. Rahman, was inspired from classical Tamil literature. “When we adapt old Tamil poems into songs, it brings out the richness of the language,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a ‘Sugar Baby’ if it fits the vibe of the scene.”
Mani Ratnam and composer A.R. Rahman attend the unveiling ceremony for Hindi movie "Raavan" Getty Images
He rejected the idea that English lyrics dilute the essence of Tamil cinema. “Why lock yourself into one way of doing things?” he asked. “Films are about expression. You don’t have to follow made-up rules.”
Thug Life also marks Ratnam’s reunion with actor Kamal Haasan, 38 years after their landmark film Nayakan. The cast includes Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Nasser, promising a wide canvas for storytelling, in any language Mani Ratnam sees fit.
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Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner during the Knicks vs Pacers playoff game
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner spark buzz with courtside PDA at Knicks game
The New York Knicks may have won Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, but it was Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner who truly stole the spotlight at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Sitting courtside among a sea of celebrities, the couple’s very public display of affection became the real talking point of the evening, with videos of their kiss flooding social media.
Cameras captured the duo leaning in close, whispering, kissing, and holding hands while seated next to actors Miles Teller and Ben Stiller. Chalamet, in a blue-and-orange Knicks jacket inspired by Patrick Ewing, looked completely at ease next to Jenner, who kept it sleek in a white top, leather trousers, and a Knicks cap. The two looked more like a couple on a romantic night out than high-profile guests at a tense playoff game.
Online reactions were swift and fierce. Some joked that Chalamet was whispering spoilers for Dune: Part Two, while others compared the couple to overly affectionate teens in a school hallway. Criticism also surfaced, with users questioning Jenner’s absence from her children’s lives during such outings. Still, many were amused and intrigued by their chemistry.
Chalamet, a known Knicks fan and frequent attendee, has been spotted courtside multiple times throughout the playoff season. Jenner joined him earlier this month for a game against the Celtics, though their PDA was more subdued then.
Their latest appearance marked Jenner’s return to MSG, and this time, the couple didn’t hold back. After the Knicks clinched the win, the two were seen celebrating in the Garden’s back hallways, high-fiving fans and soaking in the playoff energy. Jenner raised her arms in triumph as she ran past the Knicks dancers, while Chalamet cheered with fans along the tunnel.
The pair, who went public with their relationship in late 2023 after being spotted at a Beyoncé concert, have slowly become regulars at major events, walking red carpets and appearing at festivals together and their appearance at the Knicks game was no different.
And fans are now playfully noting a trend: the Knicks are undefeated whenever Jenner shows up. Coincidence? Perhaps. But it’s certainly working for now.