KD: The Devil, starring Dhruva Sarja, was initially mounted as a pan-India project. However, while the film is currently running in theatres in Kannada, from April 30, the controversy surrounding one of its promotional songs continues to make headlines.
The Hindi version of 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke', featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, faced criticism soon after release, with objections raised over the lyrics, visuals, and portrayal of women. What began as social media backlash quickly escalated after complaints were reportedly filed with authorities and women’s organisations.
The matter eventually reached the National Commission for Women (NCW), which summoned Nora Fatehi, Sanjay Dutt, lyricist Raqueeb Alam, producer Venkat K Narayana, director Prem, and others associated with the film. Prem and Sanjay Dutt had already apologised to the commission earlier, while Nora’s appearance before the NCW became the latest development in the case.
On Thursday, Nora appeared before the commission in Delhi and submitted a written apology. Speaking to reporters later, she stated that there was never any intention to hurt sentiments and added that artistes also carry social responsibility. Reports further mentioned that the actor pledged support towards the education of orphaned girls following the controversy.
Nora also attempted to distance herself from the Hindi adaptation of the song. According to her statement, she had originally shot for the Kannada version and was unaware of certain lyrical and presentation changes made later in Hindi. She reportedly said she did not understand the Kannada lyrics during filming and only later realised the scale of the backlash surrounding the final version.
For Prem and the makers of KD: The Devil, the controversy brought unexpected attention to the film. The team later apologised publicly, removed the song from digital platforms, and assured audiences that revised lyrics would be introduced. Prem also rejected claims that the controversy was created for publicity, stating that no filmmaker would intentionally invite such backlash around a project.
The issue has also reopened conversations around censorship and accountability in the digital space. While one section criticised the song for objectifying women, another questioned why outrage around dance numbers often appears selective, despite similar songs existing across Indian cinema for decades.
