Makers of Ishaan Khatter's 'Pippa' apologise after backlash over AR Rahman's rendition of 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat'

Still from Pippa

Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur's recently released war drama 'Pippa' has got into a controversy. Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman made a rendition of Bengali poet Nazrul Islam's patriotic song 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' for the war drama. However, the song drew criticism after netizens disliked the version. Following backlash, the makers of 'Pippa' stated the matter.

Roy Kapur Films, the production house that backed the series took to their social media handle and wrote a detailed statement on the matter. "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."

The statement further added, "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 makers further apologized for hurting sentiments in the statement and said, "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 Menon, 'Pippa' features Ishaan Khatter, Mrunal Thakur and Priyanshu Painyuli in lead roles. The film, produced by RSVP Films and Roy Kapur Films, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Talking about the film Pippa, Ishaan had said, "It is a big responsibility to take on a part like this. We have put in a lot of work. It is a film that makes you inspired. It's a beautiful character. The best part of the film is it is a coming of age story, inside that our drama has been weaved."