New Delhi: Rishab Shetty’s 'Kantara', which is garnering great reviews and great box office numbers, has been accused of plagiarism by popular Kerala-based band Thaikkudam Bridge.
The band took to social media to put out a statement regarding this. The band pointed out the similarities between the song Varaha Roopam from 'Kantara' and the band’s song Navarasam.
The statement read, "We would like our listeners to know that Thaikkudam Bridge is in no way or form affiliated with Kantara. The unavoidable similarities between our IP ‘Navarasam’ and ‘Varaha Roopam’ in terms of audio is therefore a blatant infringement of copyright laws. From our standpoint the line between ‘inspired’ and ‘plagiarised’ is distinct and indisputable and therefore, we will be seeking legal action against the creative team responsible for this. There has been no acknowledgement of our rights over the content and the song is propagated as an Original piece of work by the movie's creative team (sic)."
The band also requested public support and urged people to raise their voices against copyright violations.
“We request the support of our listeners and encourage you to spread the word about the same. Also request our fellow artistes to share and raise your views protecting music copy right,” they added.
Meanwhile, the film has collected Rs 170 crore in India and Rs 18 crore overseas, for a worldwide gross of Rs 188 crore, becoming the second highest-grossing Kannada film of all time beating Yash-starrer 'KGF'.
Set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, Kantara is a visual grandeur that brings alive the traditional culture of Kambala and Bhoota Kola art form to the fore. The soul of the story is on human and nature conflict which is deeply rooted in the coastal culture and folklore of Karnataka. The movie will be released on 800-plus screens across India.
It tells the story of a local demigod (Bhoota) who trades forest land to the tribe's people with a king in exchange for happiness.
Directed and led by Rishab Shetty, the movie also stars Sapthami Gowda in the lead. It also stars Kishore and Achyuth Kumar in pivotal roles.