Composer Anirudh faces flak over collab with Pocso-accused Jani Master for song

Composer Anirudh Ravichander's independent single Aravindh has drawn criticism for featuring choreography by Jani Master, who has been accused in a Pocso case. The backlash has intensified because the release comes from his own audio label.

In Short

• Anirudh released Aravindh promo on Saturday and dropped audio on Sunday
• The Tamil and Telugu pop track reunites Anirudh with lyricist Super Subu
• Aravindh is Albuquerque Records' first release after its Universal Music India partnership

Composer-singer Anirudh Ravichander has come under criticism for working with choreographer Jani Master, who has been accused in a Pocso (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case for assaulting his assistant when she was still a minor. The two collaborated for the composer's independent single Aravindh, which was released under his own audio label. After releasing the promo on Saturday, he launched the song on YouTube on Sunday.

Titled Aravindh, the track moves into the pop space and has lyrics by Super Subu. The release has drawn attention not only for the song but also for Anirudh's decision to work with Jani Master, who is out on bail after being arrested under the Pocso Act for sexual harassment charges.

Aravindh marks Anirudh and Super Subu's reunion after Hukum from the 2023 Rajinikanth-starrer Jailer. The song has been released in both Tamil and Telugu, and blends melodic lines with catchy hooks and fast-paced lyrics. It is also the first song from Anirudh's music label, Albuquerque Records, since its partnership with Universal Music India came into effect.

Here's the video:

After Anirudh shared the audio link for Aravindh, many users posted comments questioning why he had chosen to collaborate with Jani Master. Several comments referred to the choreographer's history as an accused in a Pocso case.

The criticism has been sharper because the collaboration is part of a release from Anirudh's own label, rather than a project backed by another production house where the decision doesn't lie with him.

Here are some reactions:

Anirudh has not responded so far to the criticism over his collaboration with Jani Master. While Aravindh has arrived as a new independent release in Tamil and Telugu and as the first song under Albuquerque Records after its Universal Music India tie-up, the discussion around the song has centred largely on its choreographer.

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