'I Am Sorry Ayyappa' song sparks controversy; complaint lodged against director Pa. Ranjith and singer Isaivani

CHENNAI: A collective of Ayyappa devotees in Tamil Nadu has filed a complaint with the Mettuppalayam police, demanding that a case be registered against renowned Tamil director Pa Ranjith and singer Gana Isaivani for allegedly insulting Lord Ayyappa. The complaint alleges that a song titled 'I Am Sorry Ayyappa' was played in a program organised by Ranjith in 2020, insulting Lord Ayyappa.

In their complaint, the complainants accused the director and singer of hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus by insulting Lord Ayyappa. The program was organised by Ranjith's Neelam Cultural Centre in 2020. The song 'I Am Sorry Ayyappa' questions the tradition of prohibiting women from entering the Sabarimala temple.

Isaivani was a contestant in Tamil Bigg Boss Season 5. She had been featured on the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) '100 Women 2020' list alongside women achievers from across the world.

Pa Ranjith is a director known for superhit films such as Kabali, Kaala, Attakathi, Thangalan, Madras and Sarpatta Parambarai.