'Mana Sankara Varaprasad Garu': Anil Ravipudi clarifies the use of Ilaiyaraaja song in Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara starrer

Director Anil Ravipudi has come forth to clear the controversy around the Ilaiyaraaja cult song in his new movie “Mana Sankara Varaprasad Garu” featuring Megastar Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara, and Catherine Tresa. This Pongal treat, which was released on January 12, has ignited arguments online over the inclusion of the epic song 'Sundari Kannal Oru Seithi' from the Tamil cult film 'Thalapathi.' Surprisingly, the responses snowballed into a major controversy, as many claimed the rights issue was never a question before and raised concerns over selective targeting when melodies of Tamil films are lifted.

Anil Ravipudi explains the creative choice

Responding to the uproar, Anil Ravipudi had a detailed explanation in his interaction with the media. According to him, the Ilaiyaraaja song was intentionally picked for a critical well-made romantic scene in the movie. Anil Ravipudi indicated that the most common misconception people have about "Ilaiyaraaja" is that whenever his song features, there are legal problems. The famous director said that this is a consideration that ignores the requirement to get the right procedure.

Director reveals personal permission from the music maestro

Anil Ravipudi further stated that he and the movie producer approached Ilaiyaraaja to ask for permission before they used the song. “If you approach him personally and respectfully, he will agree,” said the filmmaker, who also mentioned that the music icon gave a green light for the same. He insisted that Ilaiyaraaja was a legend in the music industry and deserved the necessary respect, and any director for a film that wanted to use his music should ask for his permission. Anil Ravipudi wanted to clarify this misapprehension by explaining and clarifying that they need a song in a legal, proper, and respectful way because of their admiration for the song and not because they are plagiarizing.

'Mana Sankara Varaprasad Garu ' gets a strong opening

‘Mana Sankara Varaprasad Garu’ is Chiranjeevi’s historic 157th movie and it has, even before its release, created waves over its apparent box office craze as its makers claimed, in an official announcement, an extraordinary Rs 84 crore opening day collection. If the early focus was on the film’s box office prospects, the talk later turned to the vintage song during a romantic scene between Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara.