Director Prem of the upcoming Kannada period action drama 'KD: The Devil' has officially responded to the intense controversy surrounding the film's song 'Sarke Chunar'. The track, which features actors Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, faced severe criticism for its Hindi lyrics, which many listeners found obscene and double-meaning. Following a wave of social media backlash and the filing of an FIR against the makers, the Hindi version of the song was pulled down from all digital streaming platforms. In a recent interaction, the director clarified his stance, attributing the lyrical issue to a lack of proficiency in the Hindi language.
The controversy erupted shortly after the release of the Hindi version of the song, titled 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke'. While the original Kannada version was well-received, the Hindi translation drew ire for its suggestive phrasing, while actress Nora Fatehi also distanced herself from the controversy, releasing a video statement claiming she was unaware of the specific meanings of the Hindi lyrics during the shoot. Director Prem has now stepped forward to apologize to those whose sentiments were hurt, while simultaneously suggesting that the issue has been blown out of proportion given other global crises.
Language Barriers and Translation Oversight
According to Director Prem, the primary reason for the controversial lyrics in the Hindi version was a linguistic misunderstanding. He stated that he doesn't possess a strong command over Hindi, which led to an oversight during the translation process from the original Kannada lyrics. Prem explained that he comes from a background where certain colloquialisms are common, but their literal translation into Hindi resulted in unintended meanings. He emphasized that had he understood the nuances of the Hindi words used, he would have intervened, while the director expressed regret for the lapse and maintained that there was no malicious intent behind the choice of words.
Intent Behind the Party Track
The director further explained that 'Sarke Chunar' was conceptualized strictly as a high-energy party number intended for entertainment and dancing. He noted that the song received a positive response in Karnataka and Kerala, where the local versions didn't trigger any negative reactions. Prem argued that as a filmmaker, he would never intentionally court controversy that could potentially harm the prospects of his film. He described the song as a commercial element of the movie, which is otherwise an emotional and narrative-driven project set in a specific historical era.
Comparison with Global Socio-Economic Issues
In his response to the backlash, Prem characterized the controversy as a relatively minor issue compared to larger global problems. He pointed towards ongoing international conflicts and domestic economic concerns, such as the rising prices of LPG cylinders, to provide context to his perspective, while the director questioned why a single song's lyrics were receiving such massive attention when there are more pressing issues affecting the common man. While acknowledging the mistake, he urged the public and the media to view the situation with a broader perspective rather than focusing solely on a lyrical error.
Modification and CBFC Re-submission
Following the public outcry and legal pressure, the makers of 'KD: The Devil' have taken corrective measures, while director Prem confirmed that the song has undergone significant lyrical changes to remove the objectionable portions. This revised version has been submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a fresh review. The director expressed confidence that the new version would meet the required standards and be re-released soon. He reiterated his respect for the regulatory authorities and stated that the team is committed to following all legal and ethical guidelines for the film's release.
Context of the Film KD: The Devil
'KD: The Devil' is a large-scale production set in the 1970s Bangalore underworld. Starring Dhruva Sarja in the lead role, the film features a pan-India cast including Bollywood veterans Sanjay Dutt and Shilpa Shetty, while the project is one of the most anticipated releases from the Kannada film industry, known for its high production values and intense action sequences. Director Prem highlighted that the entire team has invested years of effort into the film and expressed his desire for the audience to focus on the cinematic craftsmanship and the story rather than the temporary controversy surrounding one musical track.