Cinema VinesIn the latest round of controversy surrounding the Hindi‑language film Mirzapur: The Movie, Rajasthani rapper Rapperiya Baalam has taken to Instagram to protest the unapproved use of his track “Shoorveer” in a gangster sequence. The film, which opened in theatres on Friday, has already been praised for its performances and box‑office success, but the inclusion of Baalam’s song—originally dedicated to the historic warrior Maharana Pratap Singh—has sparked outrage among fans and cultural commentators.
Baalam’s post, which began with the line “Aaj to dil dukhaya hai” (“Today my heart has been hurt”), explained that the makers of the film never sought his permission to feature the track. He added that the song was intended to honor Maharana Pratap, yet it was repurposed to glorify on‑screen villains. “The team never took my permission to use the song. This song was dedicated to Maharana Pratap Singh, and you’re using it to glorify villains? Is this okay?” Baalam wrote, questioning the ethical implications of the decision.
The rapper also hinted that if the production team had approached him after appreciating the piece, he would have offered ten alternative versions. Instead, he claims the filmmakers used the track without credit or consent, leaving him feeling “hurt” and “insulted” for what he perceives as a disrespectful portrayal of Rajasthan’s heritage. “I don’t know who you took the rights from,” he said, adding that the misuse of a song celebrating a revered hero in a crime drama was “not something I can digest.”
Social media users and cultural groups joined the debate, with an Instagram page called Folk Music of Rajasthan voicing support for Baalam. The page posted a statement urging the film’s makers to respect history and not “mix with crime dramas for cheap entertainment value.” It called on audiences to “stop misrepresenting Rajasthani culture” and to hold mainstream platforms accountable for diluting regional history without proper legal courtesy.
Comments from viewers echoed the sentiment that the film’s producers should have consulted Baalam before using the track. One user noted that the mainstream industry “has repeatedly diluted and distorted Rajasthan’s history,” while another urged the public to file a copyright claim. The collective response underscores a broader concern about the protection of regional artists’ intellectual property rights in Bollywood productions.
“Mirzapur” was directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, with production handled by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment. The controversy highlights the tension between cinematic creativity and respect for cultural heritage, as well as the importance of obtaining proper permissions when incorporating regional music into mainstream films.
