Rock On 2’s makers have been accused of plagiarising a song. The family of late Khasi singer E Brektist R Wanswett have alleged that a song in the film, Hoi Kiw, is a blatant copy of Brektist’s popular song, ‘U Paid Khasi Baiar‘.
Brektist’s family made these claims in February this year, through a public notice.
In conversation with DC, the film’s lead/producer Farhan Akhtar slammed these reports:
“It’s a song by the band Somersault (from Meghalaya). They’ve given us the rights to use it. Where is the question of plagiarism?”
Co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani said that the song was licensed to them by a local band called Somersault. “The song is owned and officially licensed by Somersault to us. They are a local band and have been duly credited for their work.”
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Director Shujaad Saudagar revealed that the song in question was an old Khasi folk song, and as such nobody has a right to it. “It’s a khasi folk song and the band Somersault have done their own rendition of it. There is nothing to copy in it. Only Kit, the lead singer of the band, can verify this.”
Rock On 2 released over the weekend to dismal reviews. Starring Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Purab Kohli, the film managed to make Rs 7 Crores in its opening weekend, according to India Today.