Complaints against popular Malayalam movie song 'Manikya Malaraya Poovi'

Hyderabad: A complaint has been filed in Hyderabad against makers of the song ‘Manikya Malaraya Poovi’, a song that went viral on social media, on ground that it would hurt the sentiments of Muslims. The song, composed by Shaan Rehman and sung by Vineet Srinivasan, is from an upcoming Malayalam movie ‘Oru Adaar Love’.

According to media reports, a group of youth filed a complaint with the Falaknuma police station in Hyderabad. The police took the written complaint and now investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, a letter has also been sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) by Mumbai-based Raza Academy requesting a ban of the song on the grounds that it is insults Prophet Muhammad and his wife. In the letter addressed to CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi, the body said that if CBFC does not concede the request, it will approach the court.

On the Hyderabad petition, Asst Commissioner of Police, Falaknuma Syed Faiyaz said, "We received complaint from a few men that upcoming movie Oru Adaar Love’s viral song's lyrics are hurting sentiments of Muslims. They haven't submitted a video proof & we asked them to provide us the same. No FIR registered yet."

According to news reports, the Hyderabad group that filed the complaint has claimed that the song, when translated into English, is an insult to the Prophet. Muqeet Khan, a member of the group, said they had nothing against Priya Prakash Varrier, the Malayalam actress who became a heartthrob of many with her gestures and expressions in the video of the song, and became become an overnight internet sensation after she got 2.5 million followers on Instagram soon after a teaser song of her debut film went viral.

No mainstream Muslim organizations or community activists have so far expressed such a take on the popular song. The upcoming movie, written and directed by Omar Lulu, tells the story of plus two (12th) students and has newcomers in the cast.