Delhi HC asks CBFC to rule on replacing 'Shoorveer' in Mirzapur film

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to decide within a week on a proposal by the makers of 'Mirzapur: The Movie' to replace the song 'Shoorveer' with background music in the film's climax.

A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Prashant Kumar Singh, who wants the song removed from the film or substituted with a different background score.

The petition notes that 'Shoorveer', composed by Rapperiya Baalam, was released in 2020 as a tribute to Maharana Pratap, and that its lyrics invoke Mewar, Chetak, honour, sacrifice, the protection of the motherland and the ruler's legacy. It contends that the track has been placed in a sequence featuring gangster and criminal characters in the film, which revolves around organised crime, gang rivalry, violence, illegal weapons, drugs, extortion and murder. The petitioner fears this could forge an unwanted link between the ideals associated with Maharana Pratap and the characters on screen.

The petitioner has clarified that he is not challenging the portrayal of crime, violence or gangster figures in cinema, nor does the PIL raise copyright, licensing or consent issues over the song. His challenge is limited to its use in that particular sequence and to compliance with the law governing film certification. The plea leans on Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the applicable certification guidelines, especially those dealing with the glorification or justification of anti-social activities, and seeks scrutiny of the disputed sequence by the competent authorities.

It also flags the rapid circulation of film clips and music on social media, arguing that content can be viewed stripped of its original context and that the association could affect young and impressionable viewers. The Union of India, the CBFC and Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the film's producer, are respondents in the matter.

Besides removal or replacement of the song, the petitioner has asked the CBFC to review the film's certification in relation to the sequence and has sought directions for framing guidelines on the use of songs, music, visuals and other artistic material linked to historically or culturally significant figures, while balancing such use against artistic freedom. Interim relief has been sought to mute the song during the pendency of the case, though the petitioner has made clear he is not seeking a stay on the exhibition or streaming of the entire film.

At Thursday's hearing, counsel for the makers submitted that the song plays as background music during a fight between two factions in the climax and is not sung by any character, and that no comparison is drawn between the characters and Maharana Pratap. The bench observed orally that, prima facie, the use of the song did not appear to be in good taste, and asked whether matters had reached a point where violence was being revered. The court clarified that it was not expressing a final view on the merits of the PIL.

It was told that the producers had already approached the CBFC under Rule 31 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, by filing Form III for proposed modifications, including the replacement of the song with background music. The CBFC said it would consider the proposal and decide within a week.