Chinmayi Sripaada slams Vijay Sethupathi's Maharaja: 'Vairamuthu wrote lyrics for it, not going to watch it'

Singer and #MeToo activist Chinmayi Sripaada has criticized the makers of the latest Tamil movie, Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, for hiring controversial lyricist Vairamuthu to pen the songs. The film features two songs, "Thayee Thayee" and "Raja Paya Onnu," both written by Vairamuthu.

Chinmayi expressed her dismay over the industry's continued support for Vairamuthu, who faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct during the height of the #MeToo movement in India.

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"I sadly just got to know Vairamuthu wrote the lyrics in Maharaja—a film that talks about rape and sexual abuse. The Tamil industry is the ONLY one in the WORLD to actually ban someone from working because I named their favourite molester," said Chinmayi.

Chinmayi has made serious allegations of harassment against Vairamuthu and has been relentless in leading protests whenever the film industry rewarded the popular lyricist.

"I don't think I am going to watch it, but I also just got to know a journalist like Asha Meera got harangued for stating what she felt about the film. I keep hoping for the powerful in Tamil cinema to do better or to do the right thing—only to be disappointed time and again," she added.

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While Vairamuthu seems to enjoy the industry's continued patronage, Chinmayi's singing and dubbing opportunities have dried up. She was banned by the Tamil dubbing union for a trivial reason, which she challenged in court and won. However, she claims that a shadow ban continues against her to this day, with very few people giving her employment.

"Quite the sensitivity. Someday, at some point, will there even be retribution, I wonder. May everyone who promotes molesters, rapists, and sex offenders get what they deserve, manifold," said Chinmayi.

In the meantime, Maharaja has emerged as a huge hit at the box office, grossing more than Rs 80 crore within 10 days of its release.

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