Lyricist and screenwriter Manoj Muntashir has expressed his frustration after the Sky Force team failed to credit him as the writer of the upcoming song “Maaye.”
On January 7, Manoj issued a warning to the makers—Jio Studios, Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, and Saregama Global—threatening legal action.
The incident followed the release of the song’s teaser on Jio Studios’ social media, which featured singer B Praak and composer Tanishk Bagchi’s name, but omitted any mention of Manoj. Although he was tagged in the post’s caption, he felt the lack of proper credit was unacceptable.
In his post on X, Manoj stated, “Please note @jiostudios, @MaddockFilms, @saregamaglobal. This song is not just sung and composed; it has also been written by someone who has dedicated immense effort to it. Omitting the writer’s name from the opening credits demonstrates a complete disrespect for the craft and the industry. If this is not rectified immediately, especially with the main song releasing tomorrow, I will disown the song and ensure my concerns are addressed legally. Shame. @IPRSmusic (sic).”
Sky Force, set to premiere on January 24 ahead of Republic Day, stars Akshay Kumar as an Indian Air Force officer seeking vengeance after the loss of several soldiers. The film also marks the debut of Veer Pahariya, who portrays a fellow IAF officer, while Sara Ali Khan plays Veer’s wife. Nimrat Kaur is also part of the cast.
The trailer for Sky Force, featuring Akshay Kumar and debutant Veer Pahariya, was launched at an event in Mumbai on Sunday. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapur, the film centers on India’s inaugural and most lethal airstrike during the 1965 India-Pakistan War.
In the film, Akshay Kumar takes on the role of an Indian Air Force officer spearheading the mission, depicted in the trailer as one of the nation’s most perilous operations.
The plot intensifies when Veer Pahariya’s character goes missing during the airstrike, leading Kumar’s character to believe he is stranded in Pakistan, with search efforts seemingly proving futile.
Sara Ali Khan appears as Veer’s love interest, while Nimrat Kaur and Sharad Kelkar play supporting roles. The trailer, shared on social media by Akshay Kumar, includes the tagline: “This Republic Day, witness the untold story of a heroic sacrifice – the tale of India’s first and deadliest airstrike.” Audiences have responded positively, praising the portrayal of military life and the performances teased in the trailer.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik, and Jyoti Deshpande, Sky Force is set to premiere globally on January 24, 2025, just in time for Republic Day.