The theatrical release of 'Mirzapur: The Movie' has been marred by a copyright and cultural sensitivity controversy involving Rajasthani artist Rapperiya Baalam. The musician has publicly alleged that his track 'Shoorveer,' originally composed as a tribute to the historical figure Maharana Pratap, was incorporated into the film without his consent or proper attribution. The song reportedly appears during a sequence featuring the film's gangster characters, a creative choice that has drawn sharp criticism from the artist and his supporters.
Released in cinemas on September 4, 2026, the film is a cinematic expansion of the popular crime franchise produced by Excel Entertainment. While the movie has seen a strong box office performance, the dispute over the musical score has cast a shadow over its reception. Rapperiya Baalam took to Instagram to voice his grievances, questioning the production team's decision-making process and the lack of legal or professional courtesy in utilizing his work for a project that portrays criminal elements.
Allegations of Unauthorized Usage and Lack of Credit
Rapperiya Baalam’s primary grievance centers on the absence of a formal agreement or permission from the film's production team. In a video statement shared on social media, the artist expressed deep disappointment, stating, “The team never took my permission to use the song. This song was dedicated to Maharana Pratap Singh, and you’re using it to glorify villains? Is this okay?” He emphasized that he was not approached by the makers, nor was he aware of who might have granted the rights to the track.
The musician noted that he would have been open to a professional collaboration had the team approached him directly. “If the Mirzapur team had approached me after they liked the song, I would’ve given them ten such alternatives,” he explained. By bypassing the original creator, the production has faced accusations of failing to adhere to standard industry practices regarding copyright and licensing, leaving the artist to question the legitimacy of the rights acquisition process.
Cultural Insult and Misrepresentation Concerns
Beyond the legal and procedural issues, the controversy is deeply rooted in the perceived disrespect toward Rajasthani culture and the legacy of Maharana Pratap. Rapperiya Baalam argued that the song’s placement in a gangster-themed sequence is fundamentally incompatible with its original intent as a tribute to a historical warrior. “I am hurt because I feel like you’ve insulted Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap ji. It’s not something I can digest,” he stated, highlighting the sacrifices associated with the historical figure.
This sentiment has resonated with a segment of the audience, including social media pages dedicated to Rajasthani folk music. Critics have argued that mainstream cinema often treats regional cultural assets as disposable content for entertainment value, bypassing the dignity of the subjects being portrayed. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the responsibility of large-scale film productions to respect the origins and cultural significance of the music they incorporate into their narratives.
Public Support and Calls for Accountability
Following the artist's public statement, a wave of support has emerged on social media platforms. Fans and cultural advocates have criticized the makers of 'Mirzapur: The Movie' for what they describe as a lack of professional integrity. One Instagram page, 'Folk Music of Rajasthan,' explicitly called for accountability, stating, “History is meant to be respected, not mixed with crime dramas for cheap entertainment value. As a Rajasthani, I want to say please do not mock the sacrifices of our heroes.”
Users have also urged the musician to pursue formal legal action, including filing copyright claims against the production house. The discourse has highlighted a growing demand for transparency in how mainstream platforms handle the work of independent creators. As of the latest reports, the makers of the film, including producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, have not issued a public response to the allegations, leaving the status of the dispute and potential resolution steps unresolved.
Box Office Performance Amidst Controversy
Despite the ongoing controversy, 'Mirzapur: The Movie' has maintained a robust presence at the box office. Directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, the film has drawn significant crowds, capitalizing on the established popularity of the original streaming series. According to data from Sacnilk, the film crossed the Rs 50 crore mark in India within its first two days of release, with worldwide collections exceeding Rs 70 crore in the same period.
The film features a prominent cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Divyenndu. While the music credits for the film officially list Ray, Junaid Kumar, Anand Bhaskar, and Dhanda Nyoliwala, the inclusion of 'Shoorveer' has created a notable friction point. The contrast between the film's commercial success and the ethical questions raised by the artist suggests that the production may face continued scrutiny regarding its handling of intellectual property and cultural representation as its theatrical run continues.
