The controversy surrounding the song ‘Manikya Malaraya Poovi’ from the movie Oru Adaar Love does not seem to be ending.
The viral song, which shows current internet sensation Priya Prakash Varrier winking at a fellow classmate, landed in trouble when a complaint was filed with the police alleging that the song hurts the sentiments of the Muslim community.
#BREAKING - A complaint has been filed against the viral song featuring Priya Prakash Varrier for hurting Muslim sentiments at Falaknama Police station. The complaint says nothing against the actress. pic.twitter.com/IT6GPT73Vd
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 14, 2018
The complaint was filed by Muqeeth Khan and alleged that the lyrics of the song insult Prophet Muhammad when translated to English. He has maintained that those who find the lyrics hurtful, have nothing against its actress. This was followed with a letter written by the controversial fringe group Raza Academy in Mumbai. The letter, written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), demanded the imposition of a ban on the song.
Raza Academy writes to CBFC asking them to block the video starring Priya Varrier pic.twitter.com/G6ghFz8Oja
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 15, 2018
Reports also suggested that the premier organisation for Islamic laws, Darul Ifta Jamia Nizamia, issued a fatwa against the song and its lyrics.
#BREAKING -- Darul Ifta Jamia Nizamia issues fatwa against #PriyaPrakashVarrier's viral song | @tweetsakshi with more details #WinkDefeatsFringe pic.twitter.com/EfqTQIe6bT
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 15, 2018
Now, amid all the controversy, actress Priya Prakash Varrier has herself approached the Supreme Court. According to reports by News18, Priya Prakash Varrier has filed a plea against the case registered in Telangana saying that it is against Freedom of Speech and Expression.
#BREAKING -- The national crush girl from Kerala, Priya Warrier approaches SC; files plea against case registered in Telangana says case is against Freedom of Speech and Expression pic.twitter.com/6BiHbaZiZU
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 19, 2018
The filmmakers are seeking a stay on criminal proceedings against Varrier and the team of Oru Adaar Love. In a plea submitted before the apex court, Varrier’s counsel requested the court to list the matter for urgent hearing. The petition is expected to be taken up tomorrow by the bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra.
NDTV reports that her lawyer Harris Beeran has argued that the song has been in the public domain for the past four decades and there has been no case against it in Kerala.