A scene from Mirzapur: The Movie has sparked controversy after the film’s use of the song ‘Shoorveer’, dedicated to Maharana Pratap, drew objections from BJP leader Rajendra Rathore. Rathore has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), seeking the removal of the song from the film. Sharing the letter on his social media handle.
BJP leader writes to CBFC
The controversy centres on the placement of ‘Shoorveer’ in an action sequence featuring gangster characters. The song, composed and sung by Rajasthani singer-rapper Rapperiya Baalam, celebrates the valour of Maharana Pratap and his legendary horse Chetak, including references to the Battle of Haldighati.
Rathore has objected to the song being used as background music during a violent sequence involving the characters of Munna Tripathi and his gang. According to his letter to CBFC chairman Shashi Shekhar Vempati, the juxtaposition of a tribute to Maharana Pratap with fictional characters involved in crime and violence is inappropriate and could hurt public sentiments.
वीर शिरोमणि महाराणा प्रताप जी को समर्पित ‘शूरवीर’ गीत को फिल्म ‘मिर्जापुर द मूवी’ में गैंगस्टर एवं आपराधिक चरित्रों के साथ जोड़कर प्रस्तुत किए जाने से जनभावनाओं में पहुंची ठेस को लेकर आज माननीय केंद्रीय सूचना एवं प्रसारण मंत्री श्री अश्विनी वैष्णव जी को पत्र लिखकर इस गीत को हटाने… https://t.co/r4Ho1NpU9C pic.twitter.com/Bhoirba2qS
— Rajendra Rathore (@Rajendra4BJP) September 10, 2026
“The use of the ‘Shoorveer’ song by Rajasthani singer Rapperiya Baalam in ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ is extremely objectionable and has hurt public sentiments,” Rathore wrote in his letter.
He further argued that the song was created to celebrate the warrior king’s bravery, sacrifice, righteousness and devotion to his motherland. Associating those sentiments with gangster characters, he said, creates a distinction between the values of a ‘shoorveer’ and those of criminals.
Mirzapur: The Movie in a legal soup
Speaking to ANI, Rathore said that Maharana Pratap is a national icon and that his life and legacy continue to inspire generations. He criticised the decision to use the song against the backdrop of a gang war, particularly when the film’s characters are shown engaging in criminal activities.
The controversy comes amid a separate dispute surrounding the song’s use in the film. Rapperiya Baalam had earlier questioned how ‘Shoorveer’ was used in the movie and alleged that it was incorporated without his permission. However, music label Trouper Records has maintained that the song was officially licensed to Excel Entertainment for the film.
The issue has now expanded beyond the alleged copyright dispute, with political and cultural objections being raised over the song’s placement. Rathore has urged the CBFC to remove the track and exercise greater caution in the future when songs, symbols or references associated with historical personalities are used in films.
The film, starring Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu among others, released on September 4 and continues to attract attention both at the box office and for the controversy surrounding ‘Shoorveer’.
