Family members of Late E Brektist R Wanswett claim his popular song Khynriam u Pnar, u Bhoi, u War, was used in the recently released 'Rock On 2' without credit or permission
Farhan Akhtar
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Family members of Late E Brektist R Wanswett claim his popular song Khynriam u Pnar, u Bhoi, u War, was used in the recently released 'Rock On 2' without credit or permission. The song was apparently written during a prominent hill state movement and is one of their most-loved folk tunes. The artiste’s family knew of the song being used in the movie since February this year and had issued a notice in local newspapers, which was apparently carried by the region’s popular dailies. In a documentary called Gwalia in Khasia, Brek and his family are seen singing the number, proving their side of their story.
Now that the movie has hit the screens, the issue seems to have resurfaced. The track titled Hoi Kiw (Chalo Chalo) features Usha Uthup along with the popular band Summersault performing it.
Though producer Ritesh Sidhwani remained unavailable for a comment, the film’s director Shujaat Saudagar told us, “The rights of the song used in the movie belong to the band Summersault from Meghalaya. They have even been credited for the track in the film’s album. The band has performed this song many times before as well. It is an original composition by them. Yes, it is from a folk song but the band has played the song on many platforms previously,
videos of which are available online. This is just a way of stirring controversy around the movie.”
Meanwhile, the movie recorded a dismal opening of Rs 2.02 crore at the ticket windows. The producers blame it on the cash deficit due to demonetisation. “People are too caught up trying to get cash home. Watching a movie is the last thing on their mind right now. But I had no option. We had sent our prints overseas when the announcement came through on Wednesday. In a country plagued by movie piracy, we couldn't have risked letting the film get leaked. I am hoping the situation improves,” says Ritesh Sidhwani.
Rs 2.02 CR: Rock On 2’s dismal collection on the opening day thanks to demonetisation
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