‘Shoorveer’ With Gangsters? BJP Leader Objects to Maharana Pratap Song in ‘Mirzapur’
The song is dedicated to the 16th-century Hindu Rajput king of Mewar, Maharana Pratap, and was used during a shootout scene featuring Divyenndu's character, Munna Tripathi, in the film.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, September 10: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajendra Rathore has raised an objection to a song used in Mirzapur: The Movie. The song is dedicated to the 16th-century Hindu Rajput king of Mewar, Maharana Pratap, and was used during a shootout scene featuring Divyenndu's character, Munna Tripathi, in the film. The BJP leader said such a portrayal would be disrespectful to the Mewar king and the cultural and historical legacy associated with him.
In a letter to Shashi Shekhar Vempati, chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Rathore requested that the song "Shoorveer" be removed.
"The use of Rapperiya Baalam's 'Shoorveer' song in 'Mirzapur: The Movie' alongside gangsters, drug peddlers and criminal characters is extremely objectionable and hurts public sentiments," Rathore wrote in the letter to the CBFC. He also urged the board to ensure that songs, symbols and references associated with historical figures are not used in ways that could hurt public sentiments.
"Linking these two completely different contexts together is inappropriate," he said, adding that criticism over the use of the song was also being voiced on social media. He said there was a clear distinction between the values represented by Maharana Pratap and those associated with gangster characters.
"I request the Central Board of Film Certification to remove the words of the 'Shoorveer' song from 'Mirzapur: The Movie'," Rathore said, urging the censor board to ensure that similar usage is not permitted in the future.
Song Used Without Permission
The song tells the story of Maharana Pratap's bravery in the Battle of Haldighati against the Mughal army, along with his loyal horse Chetak. It was composed by Rapperiya Balam, the stage name of Rajasthani folk singer Ashok Manda Bishnoi. However, he alleged that the makers of the film did not take permission to use the song.
In a video last week, the singer said, "Today my heart is broken, but you will say, 'Brother, you should be happy that your song features in Mirzapur.' But the Mirzapur team didn't take my permission that they were using your song. Then who gave them the permission? And this song is dedicated to Maharana Pratap and it is being used in the movie to glorify villains. Is this right? This is an insult to Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap."
The filmmakers have not yet responded to either allegation.
'Mirzapur: The Movie' is a high-octane action crime thriller directed by Gurmmeet Singh that expands the iconic streaming universe into a cinematic spectacle.
Starring Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Divyenndu, the theatrical release explores an earlier power struggle in Mirzapur, delivering the franchise's signature mix of ruthless violence, dark humour and betrayal.
