The Union Government has officially confirmed a ban on the song “Sarke Chunar” (also referred to as “Sarke Chunariya”) from the upcoming film KD: The Devil, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt. The decision follows intense public and political backlash regarding the track’s “vulgar” lyrics and “obscene” visuals.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the government had already moved to ban the song. Responding to concerns raised by MP Anand Bhadouria, the Minister emphasized that while India values free speech, it is not absolute and must adhere to “reasonable restrictions” outlined in the Constitution.
Key Highlights of the Government’s Stance
- Constitutional Mandate: Minister Vaishnaw cited Article 19(2), noting that freedom of expression must respect public decency, morality, and the protection of women and children.
- Societal Context: “Freedom of speech has to be in the context of society and culture,” Vaishnaw remarked, asserting that the government is ready to take “hard actions” against content that negatively impacts deprived groups or minors.
- Digital Regulation: The Minister highlighted the need for stricter monitoring as content now spreads rapidly through digital platforms.
The Backlash
The controversy erupted shortly after the song’s launch event. The track was panned for its double-entendre lyrics and visuals that critics argued objectified women. High-profile figures and organizations that spoke out against the song include:
- Political Figures: Kangana Ranaut and Ravi Kishan.
- Industry Voices: Singer Armaan Malik.
- Commissions: The Haryana and Karnataka Women’s Commissions.
- Legal Action: An advocate approached the CBFC seeking an immediate scrub of the song from all platforms.
The film KD: The Devil, a period action drama starring Dhruva Sarja, is still slated for a theatrical release on April 30, 2026. Following the ban and the Minister’s statement, the makers have already pulled the video from major streaming platforms.