A film song similar to national anthem turns controversial

Mumbai, May 9 (ANI): Bollywood filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has said that he wouldppeal against a ban on the title song of his upcoming film 'Rann', which has whipped up a controversy.

The censor board has decided to ban the title song that appears similar to the national anthem in its tune, but with different lyrics.

"Rann" (Battle), delves into the highly competitive world of television news reporting in India, putting the spotlight on the media industry's insatiable appetite for advertisers and viewers.

The film is touted as a behind-the-scenes look at how news channels greedy for ratings are being manipulated into sensationalizing stories to grab eyeballs.

"If the censor board like they said, if they don't want to pass, I will go to the tribunal advising committee and whatever the procedures allow me I will do that," Varma said.

He said that the critics did not really understand the context of the song, adding that he was ready for a debate.

"I think the people who are having a problem are in minority and they are not listening seriously to what exactly the song is saying. I like to have a conversation with them," Varma said.

With more than 60 English and regional-language news channels in India beaming into TV-owning homes, the film comes at a time when broadcasters are scrambling to provide exclusive content. (ANI)