The world of Tamil cinema has always been adorned with lyrical giants — from Kannadasan and Vaali to Vairamuthu and Na. Muthukumar. It’s a legacy that blazes like a torch, burning bright without ever flickering. To carry that baton forward is no easy feat — in fact, it’s a staggering responsibility.

But Karthick Netha isn’t daunted by the weight of that legacy. A sharp, focused, and grounded voice in the industry, he’s been quietly chiselling away at his craft since the early 2000s. Working in the shadows, he has now stepped into the spotlight with a string of stirring, soul-touching lyrics.

And most recently, he’s delivered not one but two hauntingly beautiful tracks for what is arguably the biggest reunion of the decade — Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life. In a candid conversation, Karthick opens up about his creative journey, lyrical inspirations, and the art of staying true to the soul of a song.

Tamil cinema has a rich legacy of lyricists like Vaali, Vairamuthu, and Na. Muthukumar. Did you feel any pressure stepping into an industry shaped by such iconic writers?
I was never under any pressure. In fact, I ran away to Chennai at a very young age. All the names you’ve mentioned and also Udumalai Narayana Kavi, A. Maruthakasi, Ka. Mu. Sheriff, Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram, Kannadasan, Pulamaipithan, Na. Muthulingam—it’s a long, humbling list. And then there are my contemporaries, my friends who write today—Vivek, Mohan Raj, and Madhan Karky Anna. I continue to draw inspiration from every one of them. Their best qualities naturally find a place in my mind and flow into me. That’s how I’ve always looked at it—not as someone who’s stepped into the space of legends, but as someone who’s still learning from them. After reaching this space, I began to understand that everyone has their own style—and that style is really a reflection of who they are and what they’ve learned along the way. I wanted to find that for myself, too. Over time, I arrived at a point where I became clear and focused on what I want to do in the film industry

Looking back at Vaali sir’s legacy—he ruled hearts with his classical literature and also surprised everyone with his funky, contemporary lyrics in songs like Ethir Neechal. How important do you think versatility is for a songwriter today?
Yes, it should be there—only then can someone be called a master. If he’s truly a master, he should know all forms. I read a lot of books. Even though I’m strong in Marabu Tamil (Classical Tamil), I have a deep love for Nattu Pura (folk) songs too. The kind of songs I don’t connect with are the ones where English words are dropped in between Tamil lines. It’s not that I hate them—it’s just that I feel songs should stay true to their essence. Also, there are certain things we just shouldn’t say, and I don’t appreciate it when those lines are crossed. Even for myself, I’ve drawn a few boundaries I won’t step beyond.

Today, songs often aim to capture 15 seconds of social media attention, while legends use music purely for storytelling. How do you see this shift, and what was your experience like working on Thug Life?
This is the right path. Art shouldn’t just follow changing times—it should remind us of what the times truly need. I see music and lyrics through that same lens. If they keep shifting just to match the times, it loses its soul. Art has the power to reveal when society is drifting in the wrong direction. And when it’s moving in the right one, art celebrates that too. It never fails to do its duty. In that same spirit, when films like Thug Life come out and resonate with the masses, it feels truly fulfilling.

While going through your Instagram, I came across a beautiful poem you wrote for the late lyricist Na. Muthukumar. Could you share how his work has influenced you and your writing?
He’s had a deep influence on me. Everything he did in his real life has inspired me in some way. I’ve journeyed alongside him for a long time. He carries a simple nature and leads a truly minimalistic life. He’s always learning, always traveling. And he moves through the world with a consciousness that there’s another human beside him—that he’s not the only one. There are many others like him. He holds an unconditional love for people, without any discrimination. His songs reflect that spirit too. He writes with a clear understanding that his words are for the common man—for the rickshaw driver, the auto driver, the vegetable vendor. Because of that, his language is never overly intellectual—it’s grounded, accessible, and full of heart. These are the things I’ve learned from him.

Kamal Haasan sir is celebrated for his versatility, but many still consider him an underrated lyricist. With his recent work in Jingucha and past songs, how do you view his contribution as a songwriter?
I can never forget his work in Nee Partha Paarvai. Back then, there were no lyrical videos or anything like that, but that song hit me deeply. Only master poets can write like that. Kamal Haasan has always had that thirst in him—to write with that kind of depth. Another favorite of mine is Unna Vida from Virumandi. The lyrics don’t just fit the tune—they blend into the situation so naturally, and the sound just flows beautifully. He absolutely knocks it out of the park with that one too.

Lyricists often face the pressure of introducing fresh and impactful words. What kind of research or preparation do you do to keep your writing original and engaging?
There’s no structured research behind my writing. My days mostly go by reading, and I spend only a short amount of time actually writing. I don’t read just to write lyrics—I read to nurture myself. I read a lot of Tamil fiction, and I’m especially drawn to classical literature because it’s so rich in vocabulary. In modern literature, you often find a heavy mix of words from other languages. That pure Tamil is slowly fading—it’s blended with Sanskrit and Arabic now.

I personally enjoy works like Kurinji Thinai Paadalgal, Paalai Thinai, Silapathikaram, and Kamba Ramayanam. Among contemporary works, there’s a recent novel called Matham Maariavan—it left a lasting impression on me. It was truly extraordinary.

Should a lyricist be politically conscious?
More than a lyricist, I see myself as a poet. And for a poet, political awareness is essential. A poet must have a stand—must make statements. But that’s not the case for a lyricist. A lyricist often works within the boundaries of a business. If he makes a political statement, it might affect his opportunities. A poet doesn’t have that restriction—he has the freedom. He walks alone, and with that comes the responsibility to speak up. A poet must have a strong political voice.

Even my name, Karthick Netha, is inspired by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It’s my pen name—my real name is Karthick Prasanna. I began reading about Netaji back in school, and he deeply influenced me. But over time, my thinking evolved. I’ve moved away from the idea of violence. Today, I feel Gandhiji’s path is the right one.

At some point in life, everyone reaches a place of political maturity—and when that happens, they’ll see that the Gandhian way is the only way forward.