Critic ridicules songs in the films Vazha and Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil; Calls lyricist a rascal

Renowned film song critic TP Sasthamangalam has stirred controversy with his scathing critique of lyrics from two popular Malayalam films, Vazha and Guruvayoor Amblanadayil. His comments, made during the celebrations of the birth centenary of poet and lyricist P. Bhaskaran, have ignited a heated debate within the Malayalam film industry.

Sasthamangalam’s first target was the song 'Eyy Banane, Oru Poo Tharamo, Eyy Banane, Oru Kaay Tharamo' from Vazha. He expressed strong disapproval of the lyrics, likening them to an insult to legendary lyricists such as Bhaskaran. Sasthamangalam argued that the song was so simplistic that even a nursery school child could have written it, adding that some of the lines were "nonsensical" and difficult to accept.

The critic didn’t stop there. He also took aim at another song from Vazha, 'Pandengando Aaro Vazha Vache' (translated as Long ago, someone planted a banana tree), calling the lines "distorted" and suggesting that the lyricists should visit Bhaskaran’s gravesite and seek penance for their work.

In his critique of Guruvayoor Amblanadayil, Sasthamangalam slammed the song 'Krishna Krishna', particularly a line that goes 'Ponnambala Nada Thurannu Manja Mundu Madakki Kuthi Padayk Nee Irangi Vannaal'. He questioned whether Lord Guruvayoorappan was being depicted as a "rowdy" in the song. The critic’s fiery comments didn’t end there—he even referred to the lyricist as a "rascal" in a video, heightening the controversy further.

Sasthamangalam’s remarks have led to a flurry of responses, with both supporters and detractors weighing in on his critique. Some praised his insights, commending his standards for quality songwriting, while others defended the songs and their creators. The ensuing debate has raised important questions about the evolving standards of songwriting in contemporary Malayalam cinema and the creative liberties taken by modern lyricists.