KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Sambarock pioneer Darkkey Nagaraja has achieved a historic milestone with the inclusion of his iconic track Puli Puli in the Tamil action film Good Bad Ugly, starring renowned actor and Padma Bhushan recipient Ajith Kumar.
The song has captivated audiences in both Malaysia and India, marking the first time a Malaysian Tamil-language track has been prominently featured alongside one of India’s biggest film stars.
Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly was released in cinemas on April 10 and has received widespread attention for its high-octane action sequences and electrifying soundtrack.
The film’s trailer, which features Puli Puli timed with the appearance of Ajith Kumar’s title card, has garnered over 40 million views - propelling Darkkey into the international spotlight.
"This is something I never expected in my lifetime. When I saw my song featured with Thala Ajith’s name on screen, it gave me goosebumps,” Darkkey shared on social media.
Recalling how the opportunity came about, he said: "My wife first answered a call from someone claiming to be the assistant director. They said they were interested in using Puli Puli for a film. I thought it was a prank. After a few more calls, I verified it with a friend in India - and only then I realised it was real.”
Darkkey, whose real name is Nagaraja, has been a prominent figure in Malaysia’s Indian music scene since the 1990s. His band, Darkkey and The Keys, rose to fame with a fusion of Indian rhythms, rock, and Western musical influences - creating what is now known as the Sambarock genre.
The inclusion of Puli Puli in the trailer sparked pride and excitement among Malaysian audiences, who were thrilled to see local music showcased on the international stage, further fuelling anticipation for the film’s premiere.
The highly anticipated film had its grand Malaysian debut with a special premiere hosted by Five Star Trading (FST) at Lotus Five Star State Cineplex in Petaling Jaya, Selangor on April 10. The event drew an impressive turnout of enthusiastic fans, media representatives, and prominent industry figures.
The event was graced by the presence of FST Managing Director Garunamurthee, DMY Creations Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohamed Yusoff, and several other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, FST General Manager Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan expressed his delight at bringing Good Bad Ugly to local audiences.
"We are proud to distribute Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly in Malaysia. This film is a special treat from Ajith to his fans, and we are thrilled with the overwhelming response,” he said.
The film explores themes of justice, vengeance, and identity, set against a gripping backdrop of action and emotion.
Known for its stylised visuals, powerful soundtrack, and intense storytelling, Good Bad Ugly has garnered strong reviews from audiences, marking another milestone in Ajith’s celebrated career. - BERNAMA