TTD sends legal notice over ‘Govinda’ misuse

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has officially claimed copyright over the devotional song Srinivasa Govinda after it was used without permission in the Tamil film DD Next Level. The film, starring Santhanam, featured a rap song titled Kissa 47 that included a line from this sacred hymn, which sparked strong backlash from devotees and officials alike.

TTD issued a legal notice to the movie’s producers, demanding the immediate removal of the song and warning of strict legal action if the devotional content is misused again. The organization stressed the importance of respecting religious songs and protecting them from inappropriate use in entertainment.

Political leaders, including TTD board member Banuprakash Reddy, condemned the film for mixing sacred lyrics with rap music. They demanded a public apology and threatened to file a defamation lawsuit seeking ₹100 crore in damages if the issue was not resolved. Following the controversy, the filmmakers reportedly removed the song before the movie’s release.

TTD’s spokesperson, Syamala Rao, emphasized that such unauthorized use would no longer be tolerated. She warned that any future misuse would lead to criminal proceedings, highlighting the Devasthanam’s commitment to safeguarding religious material.

This incident serves as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding devotional content and the need for filmmakers to obtain proper permissions before including such elements in their work. TTD continues to protect spiritual heritage from exploitation in commercial media.