Delhi High Court questions ‘Shoorveer’ song use in ‘Mirzapur The Movie’, says ‘we are revering violence’, directs CBFC to decide on changes within a week | Hindi Movie News
The Delhi High Court has questioned the use of ‘Shoorveer’, a song associated with a tribute to Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, as background music during a violent sequence in ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’. During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the song’s use, the court observed that the choice prima facie did not appear to be “in good taste” and remarked, “We have come to a situation where we are revering violence.” The court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take a decision within a week on proposed changes to the scene.
Delhi High Court questions ‘Shoorveer’s use in Mirzapur: The Movie’
The controversy centres on the use of ‘Shoorveer’ during a fight sequence in ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’. The song was created as a tribute to Maharana Pratap, while the film’s climax features its lead characters in a violent confrontation with rival gang members.According to the proceedings reported by PTI, a bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia orally observed, “Prima facie, it does not appear to be in good taste. We have come to a situation where we are revering violence.”The court was hearing a PIL challenging the use of the song in the film and raising concerns about the association between the track’s historical and cultural context and the violent world depicted in Mirzapur: The Movie.
Makers defend use of ‘Shoorveer’ in the climax
Counsel appearing for the makers defended the use of the song, arguing that it was incorporated into the sequence as part of the film’s treatment and was not intended to draw a comparison between the characters and any historical figure. The makers’ counsel argued that the song was used purely to “embellish” the climax, in which the lead characters clash with rival goons.“There is no comparison of any of the characters with a historical figure. It has nothing to do with crime per se. It is a fight between two factions,” the counsel said.The defence comes amid the petitioner’s contention that the song’s placement creates an inappropriate association between Maharana Pratap’s legacy and the film’s depiction of crime and violence.
CBFC asked to decide on proposed changes
The CBFC’s counsel told the court that the filmmakers had themselves approached the board seeking changes to the background score used in the sequence. The board is expected to take a decision on the proposal, with the court directing that the matter be decided within a week. The case is scheduled to come up again on September 24. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer also raised the possibility that the plea could become infructuous once the film moves to an OTT platform. The court responded, “If they themselves are modifying the song with background music, the whole purpose of your filing the petition is achieved.”The latest development follows the court’s earlier scrutiny of the sequence, when counsel appearing for the filmmakers was asked to watch the film before returning to court.
What does the petition against ‘Shoorveer’ argue?
The petition filed by Prashant Kumar Singh challenges the use of Shoorveer in the context of Mirzapur: The Movie’s gangster narrative. The plea argues that the song’s association with Maharana Pratap, whose legacy is linked to courage, sacrifice and honour, makes its use alongside a violent crime narrative problematic. The petitioner has specifically pointed to the film’s depiction of organised crime, including characters involved in gang wars, arms, narcotics, extortion and murder.The petition seeks action over the use of the song in the film and raises broader concerns about the manner in which songs and other creative material associated with historically or culturally revered figures are used in films.
‘Shoorveer’ song controversy also involves copyright claims
The court proceedings come against the backdrop of a separate dispute over the song’s use and licensing. Rajasthani musician Rapperiya Baalam, who has previously objected to the song’s use in ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’, alleged that it was used without his permission and without appropriate on-screen credit. He has also disputed the circumstances under which the song was licensed.Trouper Records, however, stated on social media that ‘Shoorveer’ “was officially licensed to Excel Entertainment for in-film use in ‘Mirzapur: The Film’.”Baalam has maintained that he holds the copyright and licensing rights and has objected specifically to the song being used alongside a sequence involving gangster characters. The competing claims form a separate aspect of the wider ‘Shoorveer’ controversy.
‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ released in theatres on September 4
‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ is based on the popular streaming series and brings back key characters from the franchise, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Divyenndu, alongside Ravi Kishan and other members of the cast. The film is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani producing under Excel Entertainment.The film received an A certificate from the CBFC ahead of its theatrical release, with its certification process involving modifications to intimate scenes and certain abusive language.‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ was released theatrically on September 4, 2026.
Source link
