The song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from the upcoming Kannada film KD: The Devil has raked up a storm. The track featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt has faced massive outrage over its objectionable lyrics and suggestive choreography, leading to multiple complaints. Following the backlash, the Hindi version of the song was eventually taken down from YouTube, while the Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada versions remain available.
Sarke Chunar director`s wife on the controversy
The song was originally written by the film`s director, Prem, and translated into Hindi by lyricist Raqeeb Alam. Amid calls for the removal of the song from all digital platforms, director Prem`s wife, Rakshitha, has shared a series of notes on her Instagram Stories defending her husband. In the notes, she also questioned the basis for “selective outrage.”
In one of the notes, she wrote: “Yes yes I have seen it all. I know you guys are tagging me in random people`s posts. The fact is I know what`s written. I know what`s happening. My stand on whether I am for it or against it doesn`t matter. When songs like Peelings, Dreamum Wakeupum, Choli ke Peeche, or hundreds like these came out, it seemed fine. When an entire film came out talking about how the actors just spoke about having sexual intercourse throughout the film, it seemed fine. But one song creates massive news. Still not justifying—just asking so I can understand this.”(sic)
Further arguing that Prem`s body of work can`t be undervalued because of one song, Rakshitha wrote, “One song doesn`t mean he is a horrible writer or does everything for gimmicks? Wrong. Just because some films don`t do well as the others doesn`t mean he is a bad maker… wrong. Do you have the rights to question him? Yes, you do have the rights to ask him why. Do you have the rights to abuse him? Nooo, you don`t. When you abuse him or like some random lady spat badly saying it was personal?”(sic)
Rakshitha further noted, “Songs are made every day—bad, good, provocative, special numbers. Today, people are watching more bloodshed films, sexual content in films, everything pretty openly. Prem is a Kannadiga as much as all of you are. You all have the rights on him to question him, to tell him what is right and what is not. But saying anything about his past work about how gimmicky he [is]—let me tell you something: today, selling a film to an OTT [platform] or a channel is the biggest challenge for a Kannada director. He finds it extremely difficult to reach any heights or even close to other cinema markets. Even our people—bringing them to theatres—is a very tough job. This is not just our story; this is every film in Sandalwood.”(sic)
She concluded her note saying, “Thanks for all the concerned ones. I am truly grateful. I am here and so is Prem. KD is our baby, and we will do what`s right at the end and only the right. Trust us and smile more, love and love only.”
About the controversy
In the past few days, several individuals and institutions, such as the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA), Kangana Ranaut, and Armaan Malik, have slammed the song for its objectionable lyrics. According to reports, an advocate has even approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) seeking an immediate ban and removal of the song.
Additionally, a criminal complaint has already been filed with the Delhi Police Cyber Cell against the song. Besides, the Karnataka State Commission for Women has also raised objections seeking a ban.
