The upcoming Tamil film 'Draupathi 2' has found itself in a heated controversy even before its release, leading to the drastic decision of removing a song from its final cut. The controversy erupted over the involvement of acclaimed playback singer Chinmayi in a song for the movie, which is directed by the often-debated Mohan G.
Social Media Firestorm Forces Makers to Delete Song
What began as appreciation for a newly released track quickly turned into a wave of criticism and trolling on social media platforms. Netizens heavily questioned Chinmayi's decision to work with Mohan G, a filmmaker known for his strong and frequently controversial ideological and political stands. The song in question, titled 'Emkoney' and composed by Ghibran, had initially received positive feedback for its music. However, the escalating debate over the collaboration soon overshadowed its artistic merit.
Facing mounting backlash and pressure, the film's producers took a decisive step. As per a News 18 report, the makers chose to completely delete the song 'Emkoney' from the movie. This move was aimed at preventing the controversy from spiraling further and to shield the rest of the film's cast and crew from being dragged into the issue.
Chinmayi's Apology and Explanation
In response to the intense criticism directed at her, singer Chinmayi issued a detailed explanation and apology on her social media handles. She clarified that she has a long-standing professional relationship with music composer Ghibran, spanning almost 18 years. She stated that she agreed to record the song after receiving a standard work call from his office and that Ghibran himself was not present during the recording session.
"I subsequently learned only afterwards about the ideologies of the film," Chinmayi claimed. She emphasized that had she been aware of the film's leanings beforehand, she would have never agreed to sing the song, as it directly contradicted her personal views and beliefs.
Director Mohan G's Response and Film Details
Director Mohan G, whose film stars Richard Rishi in the lead role and is scheduled for release on 29th of this month, also addressed the situation. He urged critics to direct their anger solely towards him and not target the singers, actors, and technicians associated with the project. Mohan G defended his team, stating that the film represents his personal beliefs and that the crew members were merely performing their professional duties.
Despite the attempt at damage control, the pre-release drama continues to cloud 'Draupathi 2'. The incident highlights the complex intersection of art, ideology, and professional collaborations in the Indian film industry, particularly in the politically charged Tamil cinema landscape. The removal of the song marks a significant last-minute change to the film, underscoring the potent impact of social media discourse on creative decisions.
