Stage performance with an axe in a hall full of students - criticism for composer Sai Abhyankkar

Composer Sai Abhyankkar singing a song with an axe in hand at the pre-release event of 'OM', the film starring actor Dhanush, is drawing criticism on social media. The spectacle of dancing with weapons in a hall full of students is seen as an act that promotes violence, even if the weapons were fake.

The action thriller, directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and starring Dhanush, also features stars including Mammootty, Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela. The film, with music by Sai Abhyankkar, is due for release on November 20.

In this context, the film's event was held on November 6 at a private engineering college in Chennai. Members of the film crew including Mammootty and Sai Pallavi took part along with Dhanush.

At the event, Sai Abhyankkar sang the film's popular song, appearing with an axe in hand to energise fans. The troupe dancing with him also danced with weapons. Even though they were only fake weapons, doing so in a place full of students has come under criticism. Allegations have also arisen that the song's lyrics appear to glorify violence.