Kerala Police records statements of Kantara makers in plagiarism case

The director and producer of Kannada superhit film “Kantara” appeared before the investigating officers here and recorded their statement in connection with a case alleging plagiarism of a song from the film.

Producer Vijay Kiragandur and actor-director Rishab Shetty appeared before the Kozhikode city police on Sunday as directed by the High Court.

A senior district police officer said, “As directed by the court, they appeared before the investigating officer. His statements were recorded. If needed, he will be called again.

The Supreme Court on February 10 stayed the condition of the Kerala High Court directing the producer and director of the Kannada blockbuster not to release the film with the song ‘Varaharoopam’ till the final order in a copyright infringement case.

The bench had modified a condition of the High Court and directed that producer Kiragandur and director Shetty, if arrested, be released on bail immediately.

On 8 February, the High Court granted anticipatory bail to the director and producer in a case filed at the Kozhikode police station alleging plagiarism in the song.

The allegation was that ‘Varaharoopam’ was an unauthorized copy of the song ‘Navarasam’, which was performed by Thekkudam Bridge Band, and was shown on Kappa TV, a Malayalam music channel owned by Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Limited.

The court laid down five conditions and asked Kiragandur and Shetty to surrender before the investigating officer for questioning for two days on February 12 and 13 between 10 am and 1 pm.

It added that the accused shall not intimidate witnesses or tamper with evidence and shall cooperate with the investigation and be available for trial. It also said that the accused/petitioners should not leave the country without prior permission of the judicial court.

The High Court had noted that the prosecution’s allegation against both the producer and director of the film was that they had committed an offense punishable under Section 63 of the Copyright Act by using the music of ‘Navarasam’, performed by Thakkudum Bridge.