BJP leader seeks removal of 'Shoorveer' song from 'Mirzapur: The Movie'

A row has broken out over the use of the song 'Shoorveer' in the Pankaj Tripathi-starrer 'Mirzapur: The Movie', with BJP leader Rajendra Rathore writing to Central Board of Film Certification chairman Shashi Shekhar Vempati to demand its removal.

The track, originally sung by Rajasthani singer-rapper Rapperiya Baalam and dedicated to the valour of Maharana Pratap, has been picturised against a violent sequence in the film. Its placement has drawn criticism from several quarters, with many arguing that a song celebrating the warrior king's bravery should not be set in such a context.

In his letter, Rathore said the use of the song was "extremely objectionable" and had hurt public sentiments. Associating it with Maharana Pratap, he argued, could distort the original spirit of the song and disrespect the historical and cultural legacy of the warrior king.

"It is deeply concerning that the lyrics and sentiments of a song that was composed and performed with the purpose of paying tribute to the valour and bravery of Maharana Pratap Ji have been associated with the characters portrayed by the actors in the film," he wrote. "There is a clear distinction between the character and values of a Shoorveer (warrior) and those of a gangster."

He added that presenting virtues such as bravery, sacrifice, righteousness, self-respect and devotion to the motherland alongside crime, violence and gangster culture was "deeply unfortunate".

Speaking about his complaint, Rathore said he had pointed out to the Censor Board that a song glorifying Maharana Pratap — whom he described as a national icon and the country's first freedom fighter — had been filmed against the backdrop of a gang war. He named characters such as Munna Tripathi and Guddu Bhaiya, saying they are shown making lewd remarks about women and engaging in immoral acts, while the film invokes Maharana Pratap's horse Chetak and the Battle of Haldighati. Such a depiction, he said, deserved the strongest condemnation.

The BJP leader also referred to recent remarks by actor Swara Bhasker about the Deepika Padukone-starrer 'Padmaavat', saying it was inappropriate to trifle with historical facts. He said technology should not be used to tarnish heritage, and that tampering with history in the name of freedom of speech or creative liberty would not be tolerated.

Rathore urged the CBFC chairman to remove the song and called for greater caution in future over the use of songs, symbols and references linked to historical personalities.

Meanwhile, 'Mirzapur: The Movie' continues to perform strongly at the box office as the franchise moves from streaming to the big screen. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh said the film is nearing the Rs 150-crore mark in its first week. Released last Friday, its Hindi version opened with Rs 27.85 crore and stayed in double digits through Wednesday, earning Rs 12.50 crore on Wednesday to take its Hindi total to Rs 142.05 crore. The Telugu version added Rs 1.17 crore over its six-day run.

The film carries forward the story of the popular franchise, bringing back characters including Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), Munna Bhaiya (Divyenndu) and Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), and follows the battle for the Mirzapur throne as new contenders enter the fray.