Karuppu Makers Issue Clarification Over Ilaiyaraaja ‘Copyright’ Reference, To Remove Controversial Dialogue

Dream Warrior Pictures, the producers of Suriya-Trisha Krishnan's Karuppu, issued a statement on Tuesday, May 19, over legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja's reference in a controversial scene, mocking his real-life copyright battles. The makers expressed regret over the 'copyright' reference in Karuppu and said they will remove and/or modify the scene in future versions of the film. 

Karuppu makers' statement on Ilaiyaraaja controversy

The makers, in their statement, said they have sincere respect and admiration for Ilaiyaraaja, and the controversial scene was not intended to hurt him.

“We understand that a particular dialogue appearing in Karuppu has caused concern and has upset him. We sincerely regret that the dialogue has resulted in such sentiments.

There was absolutely no intention to offend, hurt, or disrespect Mr Ilaiyaraaja, his contribution, or his rights in any manner. The reference formed part of a broader satirical context and was not conceived as a personal remark directed at him,” the statement read.

“We deeply value and respect his feelings and, as a gesture of our regard, we have decided to remove/modify the concerned portion in future versions and subsequent exploitations of the film. We extend our sincere regards and continue to hold him in the highest respect,” it read further.

Ilaiyaraaj's reference in Karuppu 

The scene in question disappointed Ilaiyaraaja's fans. It features the song Poradada Oru Vaalenthuda from the 1985 film Alai Osai. Director RJ Balaji, who plays the antagonist, uses the song when he protests, evoking laughter, saying that Ilaiyaraaja would sue them if he found out that his song was used in the movie.

Earlier, Ilaiyaraaja, 83, filed copyright infringement cases against several films for using his music without his consent.