Oo Antava , the 2021 Telugu hit from Pushpa: The Rise , is once again in the spotlight following plagiarism allegations . Composer Devi Sri Prasad ( DSP ) has claimed that Turkish singer Atiye ’s November 2024 release, Anlayana , shares notable similarities with his original composition. Oo Antava gained widespread acclaim for its catchy rhythm, folk-inspired beats, and viral choreography featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu . Atiye’s team has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. DSP is reportedly consulting legal experts as he considers his next steps.
I’m thinking of filing a case: DSP speaks out
Controversy erupted when Devi Sri Prasad addressed the issue at an event in Hyderabad on June 28. “You’ve all enjoyed Oo Antava from Pushpa. I composed that song in just five minutes, sitting in my studio in Chennai. There’s no place on Earth where it hasn’t been played — and now, someone’s even copied it. I’m considering filing a copyright infringement case . But at the same time, seeing an Indian music director’s work replicated internationally is also a proud moment. It makes me happy and reminds me of what I’m capable of. In life, whether people doubt you or copy your work, how you respond defines your growth. Taking it all in stride is a sign of maturity — and that’s the real path to success,” he said.
Who is Atiye?
Deniz Atiye Yılmaz, known professionally as Atiye, is a Turkish-German pop singer and songwriter born in Bremen, Germany. She began her music career in the late 2000s and quickly rose to prominence with her vibrant stage presence and genre-crossing sound, blending elements of pop, electronic, and dance. Atiye sings in both Turkish and English and is best known for hits like Salla, No Body, and Kal. In 2011, she was awarded the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Turkish Act and has remained a prominent figure in Turkey’s contemporary pop scene.
Oo Antava vs Anlayana: Inspiration or Imitation?
Originally sung by Indravathi Chauhan, Oo Antava from Pushpa: The Rise (2021) quickly shot to viral fame. Featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s captivating dance performance and Devi Sri Prasad’s infectious composition, the track became a social media staple, with its lyrical video crossing 300 million views on YouTube. In November 2024, Turkish pop singer Atiye released Anlayana — a track that soon found itself in direct comparison with Oo Antava. From the tone and tempo to the groove of the chorus, many listeners noted striking similarities between the two songs. While some suggested that Anlayana may have been inspired by the Telugu hit, others went further, accusing Atiye of lifting the tune without credit.
Flashback: When Karthi was surprised to hear Oo Antava playing at a club in Turkey
Actor Karthi recently recounted hearing Oo Antava playing at a nightclub during his vacation in Turkey. At the Tamil trailer launch of Thandel earlier this year, he ha shared, “When I went to Turkey for vacation, I heard a song playing at a club that instantly felt familiar — the tune made me think I’d heard it before, and it sounded a lot like an Indian song. My wife felt the same. For a moment, I even thought maybe a Turkish song had been copied in India. But then I realised it was actually the remix version of Oo Antava. Hearing that track in a club in Turkey truly shows how far DSP’s music has reached. His talent is echoing across countries. I’ve known him since my school days, he’s always been hardworking, and it’s inspiring to see that he still remains the same.”
Have the tables turned?
As DSP considers legal options, Atiye and her team have yet to issue a statement regarding the matter. The question of whether the similarities between the two tracks are a result of coincidence or intentional replication remains unresolved. However, the controversy signals a shift. Historically, Indian songs have often faced plagiarism accusations from international artistes. This time, though, the situation seems to have reversed, with Oo Antava now at the centre of an international plagiarism debate. It’s clear that South Indian music is pushing beyond its linguistic and geographic limits.