Malayalam film Bromance is the latest film to showcase cinema’s growing inclusivity by featuring a song entirely in Kodava Thakk language. Titled Kodava Wedding Song , the track is sung by Sanjith Hegde, with lyrics penned by Kiran Kaverappa. “Authenticity is key to filmmaking,” says director Arun Jose , shedding light on his approach to blending cultures. “Our film includes portions shot entirely in Coorg , and this song plays a vital role in the narrative. We couldn’t possibly make a Malayali sing in Kodava Thakk — it wouldn’t feel genuine. Sanjith, familiar with the region, brought authenticity to the performance, and our music director, Govind Vasantha (of 96 fame) was thrilled with the result. Kiran, being Kodava himself, captured the essence of the culture beautifully. My brief was simple: the song had to be true to its roots. When representing a region, its people, and its culture, authenticity is non-negotiable,” shares Arun. Arun is an alumni of a well-known college in the city and has fond memories of his days in Bengaluru. “For most Malayalis, this city is their second home and I understand that Kannadigas love watching our films, just like we like watching theirs. Today all of us watch movies across regions and are connected by our common love for cinema,” he says.
Malayalis are connecting with the song, though it’s a new language: Lyricist Kiran
“Since the movie features a segment that travels through Coorg, my lyrics highlight the Kodava culture, our beautiful nature, the unique tradition and our wedding rituals. It is accompanied by music that is similar to the native valaga (nadaswaram). What I’m happy about is that even though it’s a new language to the Malayalis, they are liking the vibe of the song,” shares Kiran who has also penned lyrics for movies like 777 Charlie, Gandhada Gudi and Sapta Sagaradaache Ello.