"Manike Mage Hithe," a song sung by Sri Lankan singer Yohani two or three years ago, made a significant splash in India, garnering 25 crore YouTube views for the original video.
The song was officially remade in Hindi for the film Thank God, also sung by Yohani.
Anirudh Ravichandran has lifted inspiration from that song and scored for NTR's Devara.
He is not known for copying others' tunes like SS Thaman. Anirudh has a class and standard of his own, but now netizens are criticizing him for it.
Even with some light changes, listening to both songs makes it clear that it is an imitation. Both are on YouTube, allowing listeners to compare.
Devara features Sridevi's daughter Janhvi Kapoor and is directed by Koratala Siva, with NTR in the lead role after RRR.
Despite the high-profile team, Anirudh's copied tune resulted in criticism. This may lead to anti fans of NTR to troll the song as well.
Anirudh is a highly demanded and popular music director not only in South India but across India. His overseas concerts are bumper hits, generating unimaginable revenue.
It is unfortunate for someone of his stature to be accused of copying foreign tunes.
