Mirzapur: The Film was released in theaters on September 4.
A controversy had erupted over the use of Rajasthani rapper and artist Rapperiya Baalam’s song ‘Shoorveer’ in Mirzapur: The Film. Rapperiya Baalam had shared a video claiming that the song was used in the film without his permission. However, the matter has now been resolved.
Music label clarifies the song was officially licensed
The song’s music label, Trooper Records, has now issued a statement clarifying that ‘Shoorveer’ was officially licensed to Excel Entertainment for use in Mirzapur: The Film.
Trooper Records wrote in its statement, “Trooper Records is happy to share that ‘Shoorveer’ was officially licensed to Excel Entertainment for use in ‘Mirzapur: The Film’. Congratulations to Excel Entertainment and the entire Mirzapur team on the release.”
In the same statement, the label also shared the credits for the song. In it, Rapperiya Baalam is credited as the singer and composer of ‘Shoorveer’.
The song ‘Shoorveer’ has been used in this scene featuring Divyendu Sharma, in which he is seen firing a gun.
Controversy over the song
Following Trooper Records’ statement, the controversy appears to have settled for now. However, it is still unclear what rights and permissions were agreed upon between Rapperiya Baalam and the music label.
Mirzapur: The Film was released on September 4, featuring the song ‘Shoorveer’. Soon after its release, Rajasthani singer and rapper Rapperiya Baalam shared a video on social media, claiming that the song had been used in the film without his permission.
According to Rapperiya Baalam, the song was used during scenes featuring violence and gunfire, which he felt portrayed Rajasthan in a negative light. He said that he had originally created ‘Shoorveer’ as a tribute to Maharana Pratap, and therefore objected to the way it was presented in the film.
In the video, he said, “Some of you might ask why my heart is broken. You might say I should be happy because my song is in Mirzapur. But the Mirzapur team did not take my permission to use my song. Who gave them permission? I certainly didn’t.”
Rapperiya Baalam questions the use of ‘Shoorveer’
Rapperiya Baalam further objected to the way his song was used in the film. He said, “This song is dedicated to Maharana Pratap ji. We are using this song to glorify the film’s villain. Is this right?”
He added that the Mirzapur team could have approached him directly if they wanted to use the song. “If the Mirzapur team had come to me and said, ‘Rapperiya Bhai, we want to use your song,’ we would have given them 10 ideas. But taking the song without permission is not right,” he said.
Rapper questions who holds the song’s rights
Rapperiya Baalam also raised questions about the copyright and licensing of ‘Shoorveer’. He said, “I don’t know who gave you these rights or from whom you took them. Whoever gave you the rights, ask them if they hold any copyright?”
‘Mirzapur: The Film’ earns ₹93 crore in 3 days
Mirzapur: The Film was released in theatres on September 4. The film earned ₹25.74 crore on its opening day, making it the fourth-biggest opener of the year. It collected ₹93 crore in its first three days.
The film is currently facing a box-office clash with Toxic and Hanuman Ansh.
Mirzapur The Movie is one of Excel Entertainment’s first major theatrical films to emerge from a successful streaming franchise. The ‘Mirzapur’ series was released on Amazon Prime Video. It has become Excel Entertainment’s biggest opening collection film. The film has surpassed movies like Don 2, Gully Boy, Raees, and Gold.
The first season of ‘Mirzapur’ was released on November 16, 2018, which had a total of 9 episodes. After this, the second season arrived on October 23, 2020, which included 10 episodes. Meanwhile, the third season was released on July 5, 2024. This season also had a total of 10 episodes.
Apart from Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Divyendu Sharma, the film also features Shweta Tripathi, Jitendra Kumar, Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Gaur, Sushant Singh, Mohit Malik, Sheeba Chaddha, Rajesh Tailang, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sonal Chauhan, Pramod Pathak, and Anangsha Biswas.
