Mohan G Kshathriyan, director of the upcoming film Draupathi 2, has responded publicly following singer Chinmayi Sripaada’s apology over her involvement in the first single, “EmKoney.” The song, composed by Ghibran Vaibodha, became the centre of a controversy due to its association with the director, whose previous films have attracted criticism for allegedly promoting caste-based narratives.
Speaking out, Mohan G emphasised that Chinmayi was personally chosen for the song because of her distinctive voice and long-standing professional reputation. He clarified that neither Chinmayi nor the composer had raised any concerns regarding the film’s content prior to recording. According to him, the singer’s decision to apologise was unexpected, and he urged her to provide clarification or reconsider her statement.
The director also expressed concern about the broader impact of the backlash, pointing out that targeting individual artists can be unfair when the creative process involves many contributors. “While opinions about the film may vary, other cast and crew members should not be caught in the crossfire for decisions they did not make,” he said.
Mohan G further stressed that the choice of Chinmayi for the song was made purely on artistic grounds. He noted that she was approached professionally, with no discussion of the film’s thematic controversies at the time. “It is surprising that this situation has escalated to public criticism. Our intention was never to offend, but to create music that complements the narrative of the film,” he added.
The director’s response has sparked a conversation in the industry about responsibility and awareness in creative collaborations. While some argue that public figures should be mindful of the projects they join, others see the controversy as a misunderstanding, given that artists often focus on their immediate work rather than a film’s broader political or social messaging.
As Draupathi 2 moves closer to release, Mohan G has reiterated his request for clarity from Chinmayi and appealed to the public to respect the contributions of all involved in the project.