Kozhikode: Popular actor, filmmaker and playback singer Vineeth Sreenivasan has said that new styles of music, lyrics, and singing should not be outrightly rejected, and if there is an audience willing to appreciate them, such music deserves acceptance.

“What truly matters is whether there are listeners. That’s the most important thing,” Vineeth said, speaking to Mathrubhumi in response to a question about the rising trend of rap elements in Malayalam songs.

He added that the audience for songs with strong melodic and rhythmic values is of a different kind altogether. “Such songs have secured a lasting place in the hearts of Malayalis and will continue to thrive. As for matters beyond music, society itself must judge what is right or wrong and correct itself accordingly,” he noted.

The singer, who is also the son of veteran actor Sreenivasan, shared his views on the future of family-oriented Malayalam cinema. While his father has won the hearts of the audience through such films, Vineeth expressed a divergent opinion about what family films should look like going forward.

“Old-style, typical family dramas are not necessarily going to succeed anymore. If we want to attract today’s youth, the stories must relate to their family backgrounds and lifestyles. If not, the films should at least be filled with humour. We must recognise that it's mostly young people who come to the theatres now,” he said.

Vineeth was speaking at a music programme held at Iringal Sargaalaya as part of the Kerala State Tourism Department’s Mavelicus 2025 Onam Celebrations.

When asked whether he would be spending Thiruvonam (the main day of Onam) at home, Vineeth reminisced about his childhood Onams, many of which were spent with his father on film sets.

“Many of my father’s major films used to release during Onam. So, even days before the festival, he would already be at the shooting location. After the Onam exams, I’d travel to be with him—and that was what I enjoyed most. It would be a real celebration, even if it was in a hotel room,” he said.

Vineeth also shared his fondness for performing in Kozhikode, noting that the audience there brings unique energy. “When you try to energise the crowd, they respond with such enthusiasm that they elevate the performer’s spirit,” he said.