Music composer AR Rahman faced severe backlash for his rendition of Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s patriotic song 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' in 'Pippa'. The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur.
Rahman was slammed on social media as netizens didn't like his rendition. Now, the makers of 'Pippa' have issued a statement on the controversy revolving around the song.
On Monday, Roy Kapur Films took to their official Instagram handle and shared a statement addressing the controversy on the song 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat'.
The statement read, “In light of the current discourse surrounding the song ‘Karar Oi Louho Kopat’ the producers, director, and music composer of the film Pippa wish to clarify that our rendition of the song is a sincere artistic interpretation, embarked upon only after securing the necessary adaptation rights from the estate of the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam.”
“We approached the making of this song by faithfully following both the letter and the spirit of the license agreement for the lyrics, as duly signed with the Late Mrs. Kalyani Kazi and witnessed by Mr. Anirban Kazi.'' the statement read further.
The makers also apologized for hurting sentiments as they wrote, “Our intent was to pay homage to the cultural significance of the song while adhering to the terms set forth in our agreement, which permitted us to use the lyrics with a new composition. We understand the emotional attachment that audiences may have to the original composition, and while all art is inherently subjective if our interpretation has hurt sentiments or caused unintended distress, we offer our sincere apologies.”
Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, and produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur, 'Pippa' also stars Priyanshu Painyuli and Soni Razdan. The film is based on the life of Captain Balram Singh Mehta of India’s 45 Cavalry regiment. The war drama released on November 10 on Amazon Prime Video.
