Ilai is a modern interpretation of 60s psychedelia. It takes Tamil into new territory, drawing on the psychedelic type styles of the 1960s and 70s and reinterpreting them in a different form. Designer Anagha Narayanan took inspiration from counter-culture visuals, including movie posters and record covers - particularly their use of compressed and experimental lettering.

The design can speak in many different voices, from an elegant monoline to a deliciously top- or bottom-heavy weight. It can be clean and simple, or uncompromisingly quirky in its expression. The heavier versions offer a futuristic interpretation of psychedelic shapes, with the letterforms resembling slow-moving fluid or puddles of ink.

Ilai is a variable Tamil typeface, and is part of Universal Thirst’s mission to create new and experimental expressions for Indic typefaces. It’s designed for subheadings, posters, and other display uses, including branding.