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Veteran Tamil filmmaker and producer Keyaar has shared his views on the ongoing debate surrounding the portrayal of Lord Murugan in cinema, clarifying that the controversy has nothing to do with copyright and everything to do with cultural representation.

Speaking about the issue, Keyaar pointed out that copyright laws are not applicable to a deity who has been worshipped for thousands of years. He explained that literary and cinematic works generally lose copyright protection after several decades, making the argument over ownership irrelevant in the case of Lord Murugan.

He emphasized that Lord Murugan holds a unique and deeply rooted place in Tamil culture and has inspired several successful devotional films over the decades. Classic films such as Kandhan Karunai and Deivam continue to enjoy immense respect among devotees, while their songs remain an integral part of temple traditions and Tamil devotional culture.

According to Keyaar, the present controversy arose because many people felt the promotional material failed to reflect Lord Murugan’s strong cultural association with Tamil Nadu. He said the concern is not about making a film on the deity, but about ensuring that his historical and cultural identity is portrayed with authenticity and respect.

The issue has also attracted political attention, with Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman warning of protests if the filmmakers proceed with what he believes is an inaccurate depiction of Lord Murugan. He reportedly urged the makers to reconsider their creative approach to avoid hurting public sentiment.

Recalling earlier portrayals of the deity in Tamil cinema, Keyaar noted that actors such as M.G. Ramachandran and Sivakumar earned appreciation for portraying Lord Murugan with dignity and reverence. He also mentioned that more recent cameo appearances by Dhanush in Seedan and Suriya in Etharkum Thuninthavan were well received by audiences.

Keyaar further clarified that Tamil audiences have never opposed actors from other film industries portraying Lord Murugan. He said the concern lies only in preserving the deity’s cultural roots rather than altering or disconnecting them from Tamil heritage. He added that filmmakers can avoid unnecessary controversies by studying the rich legacy of Lord Murugan films made over the decades and presenting the subject with authenticity and sensitivity.