The well-known comedian-turned-actor Santhanam and his upcoming movie “DD Next Level” are at the heart of a contentious debate in Tamil cinema once more. What began as a horror-comedy marketing campaign has now evolved into a theological and legal controversy. The incorporation of the holy hymn “Srinivasa Govinda” in one of the movie’s songs has caused controversy and indignation among several political and religious groups.
In addition to Tamil film enthusiasts, the incident has drawn the interest of religious organizations and legal experts, making it one of the most talked-about entertainment news items in India this month.
The Song at the Center of the Storm
“Kissa 47” is a song that combines modern rap with spiritual chanting and is featured on the movie’s soundtrack. The sacred chant “Srinivasa Govinda,” which is frequently heard in temples devoted to Lord Venkateswara (also known as Balaji or Perumal), particularly at the renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh, is included in the song’s contentious section.
Even though the song’s authors meant it to be a contemporary homage, many Hindus, especially followers of Lord Venkateswara, have not found it appealing. Critics contend that it is insulting and trivializes a highly treasured hymn to combine a rap song with a devotional chant.
Legal Notice and Demands
When actor Santhanam and the producers of the movie DD Next Level, Niharika Entertainment, received a legal notice from Bhanuprakash Reddy, a well-known TTD Board member and BJP spokesperson, the situation became more heated. The notice requests:
₹100 crore in damages
An unqualified public apology
The song’s immediate removal from the movie and its promotional materials
According to Reddy, the improper usage of religious chants in entertainment could create a risky precedent and offend millions of followers. Additionally, he called on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to scrutinize religious elements in movies with greater vigilance.
Santhanam’s Response
Santhanam responded to the criticism by addressing his supporters on social media and the media. He made it clear that he never intended to offend or disparage Hindu beliefs, and he expressed sincere regret that the music had offended religious feelings.
Before any of his films were released, Santhanam, who is well-known for his comedic timing and devotional viewpoint, disclosed that he has a great deal of confidence in Lord Venkateswara and that he journeys on foot from Lower Tirupati to Upper Tirumala as a spiritual exercise.
“I firmly believe that Lord Perumal exists. I would never purposefully offend anything that has to do with Him. According to Santhanam, the song was intended to be a contemporary homage rather than a parody.
Nevertheless, public opinion remains split in spite of his clarification. Although some fans have
Role of the Filmmakers
“DD Next Level” is supported by Niharika Entertainment, a production company that has not yet released an official declaration. According to industry insiders, talks over potential cuts or the song’s total removal from the finished version of the film are still going on.
There is not much time left for the filmmakers to decide on DD Next Level, which is slated for release on May 16, 2025. To decide on the appropriate course of action, the team is apparently seeking advice from the CBFC, legal professionals, and religious leaders.
Public Reactions : A Mixed Bag
The public’s response has been conflicting. Using hashtags like #RespectReligions, #SanthanamControversy, and #DDNextLevel, users have expressed their thoughts on social networking sites including Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter).
Among the sentiments are:
Santhanam’s support: “The song sounded contemporary without being offensive.” One member on X said, “People are just overreacting.”
“It is disgusting to use sacred hymns for business,” the critics said of the filmmakers. “Either remove the song or boycott the movie,” someone another commented.
Demands artistic freedom: “Freedom is necessary for art.” Another person countered, “You can’t complain every time someone tinkers with content.”
Particularly in a multicultural nation like India, this controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the thin line that separates artistic expression from cultural sensitivity.
The Role of the CBFC
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is now again under investigation as a result of this occurrence. If the song has the potential to hurt religious sensitivities, many are wondering how it passed the approval process.
The CBFC was condemned by Bhanuprakash Reddy, who said,
“This should have been discovered by the censor board at the certification stage. They have an obligation to make sure that such stuff is filtered.
Although the CBFC has not yet issued an official statement, experts speculate that if formal objections are made, the movie’s certification may be reexamined.
Religious Sensitivity and Filmmaking in India
Since India has a strong religious heritage, filmmakers frequently have to balance a tightrope while including spiritual themes or symbols in their productions. Even though film is a medium for artistic expression, conflicts can result from the commercialization or misrepresentation of religious themes.
Indian films have previously faced criticism for their portrayals of religion. A number of films, ranging from Padmaavat to PK, have previously been the subject of protests, bans, and legal challenges. This continuous tension between religion and cinema is exemplified by the Santhanam issue.
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