Tamil comedian-turned-hero Santhanam has landed in a controversy just days before the release of his new film Devil’s Double: Next Level. A song that begins with the sacred chant “Srinivasa Govinda.. Sri Venkatesa Govinda” has put the actor in soup with devotees and legal authorities alike.
The film, a sequel to Santhanam’s hit horror-comedy Dhilluku Dhuddu, is set to release on May 16. Everything was going smoothly until a devotional lyric, which is commonly heard at the Tirumala temple, was found used in a commercial song praising the hero. The first few lines echo the famous chant, after which the song continues in a regular tone. This has not gone down well with several devotees, who feel it is a disrespectful and insensitive use of sacred verses.
Complaints were filed in both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In Tirupati, Janasena leader Kiran Royal even met with former Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami, demanding that the song should be removed from the film before the release.
Reacting to the controversy, Santhanam clarified that he had followed all censor board and legal procedures. He added that as a true devotee of Lord Venkateswara himself, he would never do anything to insult or misuse religious sentiments. He also stated firmly that the song would not be removed from the film just because of pressure from some quarters.
As the release date nears, all eyes are now on whether this issue will grow bigger or die down quietly.
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