Former Rajasthan LoP Rajendra Rathore has written to the CBFC alleging that a song dedicated to the legendary Maharana Pratap is being misused to glorify gangsters in 'Mirzapur: The Movie'.
- BJP leader Rajendra Rathore has urged the CBFC to remove the song 'Shoorveer' from the film.
- The song, meant as a tribute to Maharana Pratap, is allegedly used alongside scenes of criminals.
- Original artist Rapperiya Baalam has accused the production house of plagiarism and copyright infringement.
Rajendra Rathore, a seven-term BJP MLA and former Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, has escalated a legal and cultural battle by writing to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He has termed the use of the song 'Shoorveer' in Mirzapur: The Movie as "inappropriate and objectionable," stating that a composition meant to honor a national hero should not be associated with criminal elements.
In his formal communication sent on Wednesday, Rathore emphasized that the song was created to celebrate the valor, self-respect, and sacrifice of Maharana Pratap. However, the film's juxtaposition of this patriotic anthem with scenes depicting gangsters has sparked widespread public dissatisfaction across Rajasthan.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident is a classic example of the clash between modern cinematic storytelling and traditional cultural sensibilities. When global streaming brands or big-budget films utilize regional identity markers, they often overlook the deep emotional and political ties these symbols hold in local territories.
The intersection of creative freedom and historical reverence is a volatile space; missteps here often lead to severe backlash in culturally sensitive regions.
The controversy is further compounded by the claims of Rapperiya Baalam, a Rajasthan-based artist. Baalam took to Instagram to express his heartbreak, alleging that the Mirzapur team used his song without consent or credit. He questioned the legality of the copyright and expressed disdain over the fact that his tribute to Maharana Pratap is now being used to glorify movie villains.
Mirzapur: The Movie, produced by Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani) and directed by Gurmeet Singh, features a powerhouse cast including Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal. While the film has already received an 'A' certificate, the current outcry puts the production house in a difficult position regarding the song's retention.
| Stakeholder | Primary Grievance |
|---|---|
| Rajendra Rathore (BJP) | Cultural disrespect and glorification of gangsters. |
| Rapperiya Baalam (Artist) | Lack of consent and copyright infringement. |
| Excel Entertainment | Creative vision and artistic expression. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main demand of Rajendra Rathore?
He has requested the CBFC to remove the song 'Shoorveer' from the movie to prevent the distortion of Maharana Pratap's legacy.
2. Why is the artist Rapperiya Baalam upset?
Baalam claims the song was used without his permission and is being used to promote characters that contradict the song's original purpose.
