Eminent composer-singer AR Rahman has been at the receiving end of criticism for collaborating with dance choreographer Jani Master for Ram Charan's upcoming film Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The popular dance choreographer was accused of sexual harassment by an assistant choreographer when she was a minor.
Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, took to Instagram to share photographs with AR Rahman and director Buchi Babu Sana after he choreographed the 'Chikiri' song for Peddi. Sharing the pictures, Jani wrote, "We grew up watching and dancing to Legendary AR Rahman Sir’s songs and I can’t believe I choreographed this chartbuster Chikiri Chikiri in his composition. Thank you for your kind words of support Sir… Grateful for the opportunity Mega Power Star Ram Charan Anna Buchi Babu Sana garu, Rathnavelu DOP Sir and entire Peddi movie Team."
Many social media users condemned the Academy award-winning composer for his decision to work with Jani, with several pointing out how he stopped working with Vairamuthu after he was named by over 20 women of sexual assault during the MeToo movement, and singer Karthik, but not Jani.
Some users on Reddit drew comparison to Mari Selvaraj and Nivas K Prasanna, and how they chose to work with Vedan despite the allegations and criminal cases levied on him. Another person noted that the industry is "rotten", calling out the composer and expressing their disappointment for "posing with an ex-felon."
Jani Master was accused was accused of sexually assaulting a junior choreographer in September last year. While an FIR with rape charges were filed initially, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was added to the case after it was found that the survivor was a minor at the time of the incident. Jani was nominated for the National Awards in the Best Choreography category along with Sathish Krishnan, during the same year before the allegations came to light. The incident prompted the National Awards committee to revoke the laurel for him. He is currently out on bail.
Earlier director Vignesh Shivan too faced backlash for collaborating with Jani in Love Insurance Kompany, which is slated for a release in December. The director praised his work in an Instagram post, drawing severe criticism from social media users. Nayanthara, one of the producers of the film along with Vignesh Shivan, also faced the fire.
Besides Ram Charan, Peddi stars Janhvi Kapoor as Achiyyamma. The film also features Divyenndu in a major role, marking his Telugu debut. Additionally, Shivarajkumar and Jagapathi Babu are part of the supporting cast.
AR Rahman is making his comeback to Telugu cinema after many years with this project. In the technical team, Peddi has R Rathnavelu, who previously helmed cinematography for Devara, National Award winning editor Navin Nooli and production designer Avinash Kolla.
Peddi hits theatres on March 27 next year.