Lord Murugan's Story Has No Copyright Issues, Says Veteran Producer Keyaar

Veteran Tamil producer-director Keyaar has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the portrayal of Lord Murugan in cinema, stating that there are no copyright issues in making films based on the deity.

"A film or a book loses its copyright protection after 60 years. Anyone can adapt such works after that period. Lord Murugan has been worshipped for thousands of years, so copyright is certainly not the issue," Keyaar said.

He pointed out that Lord Murugan occupies a special place in Tamil culture and has been the subject of several successful Tamil films over the decades.

"Tamilians adore Lord Murugan as their native deity. There have been six or seven major Tamil films based on him, including Kandhan Karunai and Deivam. These films were huge successes, and their devotional songs continue to be played in temples across Tamil Nadu and elsewhere. They have become an integral part of Tamil culture and devotion," he said.

According to Keyaar, the current controversy stems not from the decision to make a film on Lord Murugan but from the way the deity was presented in the promotional material.

"I believe many Tamil viewers were offended by the poster because it appeared to associate Lord Murugan, also known as Subrahmanya Swamy, with North India. For Tamilians, Murugan is intrinsically linked to Tamil culture and Tamil Nadu, and there is ample historical and cultural evidence to support that belief," he explained.

The issue has also drawn political attention, with Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman warning that protests would intensify if the filmmakers proceed with what he described as an inaccurate portrayal of the deity. "We will not remain silent if the sentiments of Tamils are hurt in the name of cinema," Seeman reportedly said while urging the makers to reconsider their depiction.

Recalling earlier portrayals of Lord Murugan on screen, Keyaar said audiences have always welcomed actors who respectfully essayed the role.

"Actors like M.G. Ramachandran and Sivakumar have portrayed Lord Murugan with great reverence. Even in recent years, stars like Dhanush and Suriya made cameo appearances as Lord Murugan in films such as Seedan and Etharkum Thuninthavan, and they were appreciated by audiences," he said.

He added that Tamil audiences have never objected to actors from other industries portraying the deity. "We have no objection to Telugu stars like JR NTR playing Lord Murugan. We are not parochial. But altering the deity's cultural roots and disconnecting him from Tamil heritage is what concerns people. If filmmakers study the rich legacy of Tamil films made on Lord Murugan from the 1940s onwards and remain faithful to that tradition, they can avoid unnecessary controversies and make an honest film," Keyaar concluded.