The Delhi High Court has mandated the producers of “Mirzapur: The Movie” to contribute Rs 50,000 to the Army Welfare Fund due to the alleged inappropriate use of a song that honours Maharana Pratap. The song in question, titled “Shoorveer”, was incorporated as background music during a fight scene in the film. Following the removal of the song, the court concluded proceedings on a public interest litigation that contested its usage.

On October 13, the bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma, acknowledged the removal of the song from the film, noting it had not been featured since September 17. The court indicated that it would reassess the matter of costs if the donation was not made within the designated timeframe.

The order specified that the legal representative for Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the film’s production company, stated that they would voluntarily donate the specified amount within one week and provide proof of the transaction to the court.

Background of the Legal Challenge

The legal action was initiated by Prashant Kumar Singh, who alleged that the inclusion of “Shoorveer” alongside violent scenes in the film created an inappropriate association between the noble ideals of Maharana Pratap and the unlawful activities depicted. The petition contended that the film’s narrative revolves around organised crime, gang rivalries, and violent criminal behaviour.

Singh’s petition highlighted that characters such as Kaleen Bhaiya are portrayed as leaders of a criminal syndicate involved in activities including illegal arms possession, drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. The use of a song that pays tribute to a revered historical figure in this context was deemed misleading, potentially conflating the warrior’s honour and bravery with the film’s portrayal of criminality.

On September 17, the court had expressed that the use of “Shoorveer” during a fight scene was “not in good taste”. Following discussions, the counsel for the Central Board of Film Certification confirmed that the film’s producer had proactively sought modifications to the scene, prompting the court to instruct the board to evaluate the proposed changes within a week.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

With the song now omitted from the film, the court closed the case while imposing the donation requirement on Excel Entertainment. The court’s directive included a stipulation that proof of the donation must be submitted within the specified period. Should the company fail to provide the necessary documentation, the court will revisit the issue solely concerning the costs associated with the case.

This ruling underscores the court’s stance on the respectful representation of cultural and historical figures in media. The decision reflects an awareness of the potential impact that artistic choices can have on public perception and cultural values.

The case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that filmmakers hold in their portrayal of sensitive subjects, particularly when intertwining historical figures with contemporary narratives of violence and crime. The court’s intervention highlights the ongoing dialogue between creative expression and societal values in Indian cinema.

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