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Kantara on Prime: Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster gets digital premiere with new version of ‘Varaha Roopam’ song
The Hindu
Kantara’s OTT release on Amazon Prime Video leaves viewers disappointed after makers replace ‘Varaha Roopam’ song following court order in case filed by Kerala band Thaikkudam Bridge
Kannada film Kantara, the pan-India sensation directed by Rishab Shetty that garnered much praise and acclaim from audience and critics alike, finally made its OTT debut on Amazon Prime on November 24, 2022. The worldwide digital premiere of the Kannada blockbuster was announced by Prime Video and production house, Hombale Films, on November 23.
However, hours into its release on OTT, social media was abuzz over changes made to the climax portion of the film. ‘Varaha Roopam’, the song that was instrumental in adding to the cinematic experience of Kantara, and had become hugely popular on YouTube, has been dropped by the makers and replaced with an alternative version. While the lyrics have been retained, the makers have changed the orchestral arrangement and vocals.
Disappointed netizens complained that the new song diluted the viewing experience of the film. Even as #BringBackVarahaRoopam trended on Twitter, audience rued the loss of the original ‘Varaha Roopam’ without which, they said, Kantara had lost its very soul and essence.
Kantara was recently embroiled in a controversy after Kerala-based music band Thaikkudam Bridge accused the makers of copyright infringement and plagiarism on October 25, 2022. They claimed that ‘Varaha Roopam’ was a rip-off of their 2007 track, ‘Navarasam’ and had filed a petition alleging copyright violation.
Hombale Films, director Rishabh Shetty and music director Ajaneesh Lokanath were quick to refute all allegations of copyright infringement. However, they had admitted to being familiar with ‘Navarasam’ and being inspired by it.
On October 29, 2022, Kozhikode District Sessions court imposed an interim injunction order against using ‘Varaha Roopam’ in Kantara. The order banned the makers of the movie, including the producer, director, and music director, besides OTT platforms, music channels, websites, and YouTube from using the song without the permission of Thaikkudam Bridge.
Subsequently, the makers of Kantara approached the Kerala High Court and filed two petitions challenging the temporary injunction order. On November 23, 2022, the Kerela High Court dismissed the petitions as not maintainable, while giving liberty to the film producer to avail alternate remedies available in law.