'Pippa' makers clarify artistic interpretation amidst A.R Rahman's 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' rendition backlash

The creative storm surrounding the rendition of Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's iconic song "Karar Oi Louho Kopat" in the movie Pippa has led to a clarifying statement from the film's producers and director. The controversy ignited when Kazi Nazrul Islam's grandson and painter, Kazi Anirban, claimed that while the family had granted permission to use the song, they did not approve of alterations to the tunes and rhythm.

In response to the concerns raised by Kazi Anirban, the team behind Pippa, including producers RSVP and Roy Kapur Films, issued a statement emphasizing their profound respect for the original composition and the late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam. The note, shared on X, aimed to shed light on their artistic interpretation of the song. 

It read, "In light of the current discourse surrounding the song 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' the producers, director and music composer of the film Pippa wish to clarify that our rendition of the song is a sincere artistic interpretation, embarked upon only after securing the necessary adaptation rights from the estate of the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam. We have deep respect for the original composition and for the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose contribution to the musical, political and social landscape of the Indian subcontinent is immeasurable. 

They added, "This album was created as a tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives to the liberation of Bangladesh and keeping in mind the sentiments of their struggle for freedom, peace and justice. We approached the making of this song by faithfully following both the letter and the spirit of the license agreement for the lyrics, as duly signed with Late Mrs. Kalyani Kazi and witnessed by Mr. Anirban Kazi. Our intent was to pay homage to the cultural significance of the song while adhering to the terms set forth in our agreement, which permitted us to use the lyrics with a new composition. 

It concluded with, "We understand the emotional attachment that audiences may have to the original composition, and while all art is inherently subjective, if our interpretation has hurt sentiments or caused unintended distress, we offer our sincere apologies."

Pippa, starring Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur, unfolds against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war and is directed by Raja Krishna Menon. The film was released on Prime Video on November 10, inviting audiences to witness a poignant tale against the canvas of historical events.