'Our main idea while writing 'Kaala' lyrics was to ensure it reaches the masses'

Protest. Organise. Unite. Still not heard ‘Katravai Patravai’, ‘Poraaduvom’ and ‘Theruvilakku? These numbers from Rajinikanth’s Kaala echo sentiments of popular uprising. The film’s soundtrack, a far cry from regular Kollywood music fare, attempts to blend indigenous rhythms with hip-hop and rap lines. Metroplus chats with three lyricists who’ve worked on the film to find out how much of the lines go with the film’s storyline:

Tony Sebastian (Dopeadelicz)

Songs :

Semma Weightu, Nikkal Nikkal, Katravai Patravai, Nilam Engal Urimai

While shooting in Mumbai, Logan and I took a tour of Dharavi. Logan, who is from Vysarpadi in Chennai, could immediately relate to our milieux. So, could we to his. Logan’s lyrics and music had a cinematic and gaana touch to it and we wanted to blend that with our hip-hop rhythms. We wanted to echo the stories and sentiments that we experienced growing up. So, while ‘Theruvilakku’ addresses the cause of right to education, ‘Poraaduvom’ engages with issues relating to popular struggles and people’s helplessness to rise against evil. ‘Nikkal Nikkal’ is a reaction to the rehabilitation promises by officials to slum dwellers. Being a resident of Dharavi, I have personally faced it.

Logan

Songs : Nilam Engal Urimai, Katravai Patravai, Semma Weightu, Nikkal Nikkal

I hail from Vyasarpaadi and could easily connect with the Dopeadelicz team from Dharavi. We had a lot in common. To begin with, just like how gaana music is intrinsic to our culture, hip-hop is a big part of Dharavi’s culture. When Ranjith sir (director Pa Ranjith) first met me, he asked me to write a song, and I penned a few lines on friendship on the spot. He was impressed with the song and my voice, and gave us the go ahead to write the opening song of Kaala .The reason that song came out so well is due to the friendship and unity among us. The underlying theme of all the four numbers was how people should be united, even if society tries to marginalise them. Our main idea while writing the lyrics was to ensure it reaches the masses.

Arivarasu

Song : Urimayai Meetpom

I am influenced by the poetry of Tamil writer Inquilaab. However, while writing this song, I was reminded of stories of my grandfathers. The director kept telling me even though these songs are political, they should have an aesthetic sense. ‘Urimayai Meetpon’ focusses on the fight by people for their rights. But, they also turn it into a cause of celebration. The song is an attempt to convey issues about land rights and how it’s important for people to unite... all written in simple Tamil. One line resulted in an emotional response on Facebook; many told me it reminded them of Rohith Vemula, the student icon of our times. There is a line in the song that says, ‘If somebody asks you what you own in this world, tell them you own the stars.’ That is similar to his letter that says, ‘As a glorious thing made up of star dust.’