'Illuminati', 'Aadharanjali', & now 'Sthuthi': How Vinayak Sasikumar crafts bizarre yet hit lyrics for Malayalam films

Vinayak Sasikumar's lyrics are irreverent, often bordering on the absurd, yet they strike a chord across generations. Credit goes to the infectious simplicity of his words, which easily loop in your head. For instance, would you ever imagine hearing lines like "A fizzy concoction made of raw blood..." or "The light has faded, and our courage with it, oh soul, depart" in a film soundtrack? Yet, you groove to "Kattachora kondu juice adicha soda sarbath..." from the song 'Illuminati' in 'Aavesham' and "Aathmaave Poo..." from 'Romancham'.

A key figure in today's industry, Vinayak's unconventional takes on death, the afterlife, and love have sparked criticism, but he remains confident, stating, "If the intention is right, there's no reason to hold back." Speaking to Onmanorama, Vinayak added, "I'm not intentionally breaking norms. I let the story and characters guide me. "Aadharanjali" (from the film 'Romancham'), for instance, is sung by a vengeful spirit. I used words that fit that specific setting but took an odd path compared to typical Malayalam horror songs."

'Sthuthi': Love in a cemetery
Vinayak's latest hit, 'Sthuthi,' composed by Sushin Shyam, is a love song set against an eerie cemetery backdrop. While the 'dark' visual presentation has received criticism, the song has quickly risen to the top of the charts. "It's a love song that doesn't use conventional vocabulary. Instead of saying, 'Kiss you,' I opted for, 'Let me fire a bullet from the gun that is my lips,' reflecting the distinctive setting of the story." Although some audiences might find this contrast confusing at first, Vinayak believes they will come to appreciate the song after a few listens.

The title 'Sthuthi,' meaning 'praise,' was chosen to convey the song's upbeat nature despite the dark visuals. It also marks a grand return for actress Jyothirmayi, with Vinayak noting how closely the lyrics connect to her character in 'Bougainvillea,' directed by Amal Neerad. "It's a song for the characters in the film, and it should feel different. Listen to it more than once, watch the movie when it releases, and you'll discover things you missed the first time," he said. He also remarked on the difference in approach to each song: "In the case of 'Krishna Krishna' in 'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil,' the character is a common, struggling man pleading with God to hear his prayers. His song reflects his desperation and can't be refined. Each situation requires its own treatment."

The Vinayak-Sushin factor: Collaboration & creative freedom
Vinayak attributes much of his success to the teams he collaborates with. In the case of 'Bougainvillea,' his prior work with Amal Neerad and Sushin Shyam made the creative process smooth. "It's about the freedom and space they provide me," Vinayak explained, noting that brainstorming sessions with Sushin help shape the direction of each song. "Sushin's movie choices are also exceptional," he added.

Vinayak and Sushin have developed a strong partnership, producing several hits together, including songs from 'Bheeshma Parvam' ("Parudeesa"), 'Varathan' ("Puthiyoru Patahyil," "Oduvile Theeyayi," etc.), 'Romancham' ("Aadharanjali," "Thalatherichavar," "Aathmave Poo," etc.), 'Kannur Squad' ("Mrudu Bhaave"), and 'Manjummel Boys' ("Thaai Manam"). "'Bougainvillea' felt fresh, even though I only had one song. Although 'Sthuthi' is a promotional track that only appears in the movie's climax and end credits, it has made a significant impact," Vinayak noted.

Lyricists can also tell stories
Working with directors like Jithu Madhavan, Vinayak has also explored using lyrics to tell parts of a film's story that may not be explicitly shown on screen. "Some directors want the lyrics to reveal hidden layers of the story," he noted, citing 'Romancham' and 'Aavesham' as examples where songs play a crucial role in the narrative.

His versatility allows him to handle various musical genres, from romantic ballads to celebratory and intense tracks. "I need balance," he said, expressing his eagerness to write a love song after the upbeat numbers. As he evolves as a lyricist, Vinayak's goal remains clear: to create memorable songs that enhance the cinematic experience, whether they explore love in a cemetery or a ghost seeking revenge, constantly pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impact.

Challenges
In the age of streaming, making a song memorable is increasingly difficult. "Today, a listener can reject a song with a microsecond scroll on their phone," Vinayak observed. This puts pressure on writers to create relatable lyrics that quickly resonate with audiences, especially since commercial songs cannot afford to become sleeper hits.
So, which is your favourite Vinayak Sasikumar song? Let us know in the comments!