Director Harish Shankar and music director Thaman have previously worked together on films like Mirapakay and Ramayya Vastavayya. However, comments made by Harish Shankar at the release event of the first song, “Dekhlenge Saala”, from Ustaad Bhagat Singh have now sparked discussions on social media. Many netizens believe that his remarks were indirectly aimed at Thaman.
After the blockbuster Gabbar Singh, actor Pawan Kalyan and director Harish Shankar have reunited for Ustaad Bhagat Singh. The film stars Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna as the female leads and is being produced by Mythri Movie Makers. The shoot, which has been going on for a long time, has finally reached its final stages. The makers are planning to release the film in March or April next year.
As part of the musical promotions, the team recently released the first song, “Dekhlenge Saala,” and held a grand launch event. Speaking at the event, Harish Shankar made some interesting comments.
Did Harish Shankar take a subtle jab at Thaman?
He said, “From ancient times, it has been our tradition to wake up in the morning, offer prayers to the Sun, and begin the day. We start our day by saluting Aditya, the Sun God. I am very happy that we are beginning the promotions of this film with the same energy, purity, and happiness from Aditya University. At this event, there are only two cut-outs, one of Power Star and the other of Rock Star Devi Sri Prasad. Shreyas Media called and said they would put up cut-outs if we sent photos of producers Naveen and Ravi. I clearly told them that only Power Star and Rock Star cut-outs should be there.”
Harish Shankar further added, “We rarely get opportunities to show our respect and love for Devi Sri Prasad garu. This is not about making sacrifices or saying we don’t want our own cut-outs. It is only to express our gratitude and respect towards Devi Sri that we did not put up anyone else’s cut-out here. I am not saying this because he composed music for my film or because he is on stage today. When he was working on the film Anandam, I was not even an assistant director. I came out of the theatre after watching Anandam and prayed to God that at least once in my life, I should work with this music director. God gave me that chance not once, but three times. I sincerely wish for three more opportunities, and three more after that.”
Although Harish Shankar did not mention Thaman by name in his speech, social media users are speculating that the comments were indirectly directed at him. Thaman has often faced criticism regarding improper mixing in songs and background scores. It now remains to be seen whether he will impress listeners with the second song from The Raja Saab, which is set to release soon.