29 April,2026 06:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kichcha Sudeep on KD The Devil (Pics/Instagram,X)
Kannada director Prem recently faced massive backlash over the song Sarse Ninna Sarega Sarse (Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke in Hindi) from his upcoming film KD: The Devil. The number starring Sanjay Dutt and Nora Fatehi attracted trouble over its suggestive and 'vulgar' lyrics in Hindi, penned by the filmmaker. Now, ahead of the film's release, Kichcha Sudeep came to director Prem's defence.
Sudeep, who reportedly plays a cameo in KD, while attending a press conference with the film's team, addressed the infamous controversy. Talking about the controversy, he defended the director, saying, "Prem has made songs in the past that have brought us closer to our parents, songs on mothers' love and emotions, which we've heard on loop."
He added that those outside Karnataka do not know Prem's contribution to Kannada cinema, so they can say whatever they wish to. "People outside Karnataka can say what they wish to, but we should keep in mind the contribution this man has given." The actor then addressed the backlash, saying, "I am not saying he has made a mistake with his song; sometimes, some things don't work, and it's okay."
Sudeep also claimed that Prem was made to feel âsmall' on social media amid the controversy, while urging Kannadigas to be kinder. "Social media is a space for people to share their opinions. But it is not right to make a man feel so small. Is it okay for us to be so harsh on our own people?" he said, saying it was ânot advice, but a request' that people be sensitive.
After the song was released, many on the internet raised objections to the suggestive lyrics. Former actor and Prem's wife, Rakshita, defended the song on her Instagram stories, saying, "My stand on whether I am for it or against it doesn't matter, when songs like Peelings, Dreamum Wakeupum, like Choli ke Peeche or 100s like these came out, it seemed fine. When an entire film came out talking about how the actors just spoke about have sexual intercourse throughout the film it seemed fine. but one song creates massive news."
