Just a couple of days back news regarding the music of 'Krazzy 4' being copied emerged, that too just days before the film was about to release.
In a petition submitted before the court, Ram, a composer of advertisement jingles, claims that title track and the remix versions are copies of his Sony Ericsson mobile ad jingle, which came out in 2007.
When the film fraternity as well as the fans was wondering about the authenticity of this allegation, here comes a note from the producer of 'Krazzy 4', Rakesh Roshan. This is what he had to say in a press release:
"I have been observing with great feeling and anguish, some false and frivolous reporting about a matter related to the music of my film Krazzy 4 in print and electronic media.
With a view to clarifying the position and removing any wrong and unworthy impression created by such irresponsible and utterly misleading statement I think it is absolutely necessary to inform everyone about the facts on record.
This statement, besides unfolding the facts, will serve as a timely warning to my fraternity.
I had liked the music piece of the ad I saw on TV in which Hrithik is performing as a brand ambassador for Sony Ericsson. For the purpose of using some portion of the said music I requested Sony Ericsson and in response I was granted permission of Sony Ericsson by the letter dated 13th December 2007 which I reproduce as attached.
Consequently in good faith and relying on authorization of Sony Ericsson as per the attached letter I recorded with the required modification retaining only 4 bars of the THUMP track. I was surprised and shocked on 24th March 2008 to receive a notice from the solicitors of Ram Sampat containing allegations of infringement of his work.
I contacted Sony Ericsson and was told that they issued the letter by mistake and infact they didn't have the rights. Before I could think of any solution, Mr. Sampat filed a suit in Bombay High Court framing all wild and frivolous allegations of infringing his copyright of said music piece of Thump.
It was really a shocking development because instead of approaching me to know the facts he straight away went to court. It was evident from going through the plaint and annexure there that he was preparing the suit for a long time. It is interesting to note that the 'Krazzy 4' music was launched in February 2008 and the promos containing the alleged infringed work was released on TV on all channels in the end of February 2008. All these days Ram Sampat chose to wait and instituted the suit in High Court just a few days before the release of the film
This was a well-planned scheme to harass me. I was required to be in Court when the prints of the film had already been delivered all over the world. Finding myself caught in a helpless situation and to keep up my commitment to distribute and respect feelings of the audience I had no way but to succumb to the pressure and to compromise on the matter, thereby seeing that the film is released on the announced date.
To honor all these commitments, moral and professional, I paid the price to Ram Sampat who strangulated me just days before the release.
These are facts which will enlighten each and everyone who might have been misled by wrongful claims and have been carrying wrong impression about the intentions and integrity of a banner which is sincerely and honestly serving the Motion Picture Industry and cine-goers since decades. These are also the facts which Hrithik had sent to Ram via sms which he has misused.
While concluding I would request my producer brethren to be beware of such people who wait to harass and corner the producers just at the time of the release of the film for wrongful reasons."
With the producer being absolutely clear about his take on this issue we hope the matter will be settled and 'Krazzy 4' releasing today, April 11, 2008, will rock the Box Office!