Mangaluru: The movie by Rishab Shetty, Kantara, as it has been winning hearts for showcasing Tulunadu culture, has also been embroiled in one or the other controversy from organisations and people not happy with the portrayal of certain aspects of the movie to its widely loved song ‘Varaharoopam’ facing lawsuit.
The Kozhikode District Court in Kerala had got in a stay order responding to petition filed by ‘Thaikkudam Bridge’ alleging plagiarism and had directed the team of ‘Kantara’ to remove the track. Accordingly, the film was released in OTT on November 24 where the track of Varaharoopam was changed. The music band, Thaikkudam Bridge had filed another case alleging that the track of the song ‘Varaharoopam’ belonged to their band and was used by the Kantara team without their permission at the Palakkad Court too. Now, the Kozhikode Court has dismissed the petition filed by the band and thus the stay order has been lifted.
In a twist to the case, the film’s team too had filed an appeal in the Kerala High Court challenging the stay order. However, now as the stay order issued by the District court has been lifted, the film’s team can heave a sigh of relief.
Interestingly, in favour of Hombale films Shashiraj Kavoor, the lyricist of the song himself, who is an advocate from the City presented his arguments.
Speaking to News Karnataka about the court order, Shashiraj said, “Today’s order was given by Kozhikode Court. Earlier, Thaikkudam Bridge band had filed case with Kozhikode District Court and we also had presented our arguments before that Court, which postponed the decision which was suppose to come out today (Friday November 25).”
“In between all this, Thaikkudam Bridge filed another case with Palakkad District Court, and questioning the same we filled case at Kerala High Court. Further, the High Court suggested us to wait for District Court’s order and said that only if not satisfied with that order then come to High Court, thus dismissing our case. So we were waiting for the Lower Court’s order and today the Court has given the decision in our favour,” he added.
On asking about his experience while arguing the case, he said, “It was a special moment for me. I didn’t go to argue there for myself , but I represented and filed vakalath on behalf of Rishab Shetty with the help of my lawyer friend Anup Nayak . Arguments was done by senior advocate at Kerala.”
