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The producers of Suriya-starrer Karuppu issued a formal apology to legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja on Monday.
They also announced they would edit out a dialogue referring to him from all future versions of the film.
Karuppu, a courtroom action drama directed by RJ Balaji and starring Suriya and Trisha, hit the screens on May 15 after a day’s delay.
In the second half, a satirical scene features one of Ilaiyaraaja’s popular songs playing during a protest. A character says the protesters could face legal action from the maestro for using the song without permission – “Careful, Ilaiyaraaja may seek copyright”.
The dialogue, referring to the song Poradada from the 1985 film Alai Osai, left many Ilaiyaraaja fans seething.
Social media erupted, with fans calling the reference disrespectful to the composer. Old Ilaiyaraaja songs are frequently used in new films, sometimes to mark the period. The composer has been insisting that filmmakers seek his permission for any commercial use of his music.
Dream Warrior Pictures, producers of Karuppu, posted on X on Monday that they had “absolutely no intention to offend, hurt, or disrespect Mr. Ilaiyaraaja, his contribution, or his rights in any manner”.
“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,” the statement read.
The filmmakers said the dialogue “formed part of a broader satirical context and was not conceived as a personal remark directed at him”.
They said the dialogue would be removed or modified in future versions of the film.
The statement acknowledges Ilaiyaraaja’s “extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and music” which it says “has inspired generations and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences across the world”.
Box office
The producers said the film had grossed Rs 147 crore worldwide in its opening weekend. Sai Abhyankar has scored the music for Karuppu.
