August 27, 2025 — Acclaimed Malayalam composer Sushin Shyam has publicly criticized Netflix for using his track “The Last Dance” from the 2024 film Aavesham in the teaser of its upcoming series Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, without providing proper credit. The incident has sparked widespread backlash from fans and industry professionals, reigniting conversations around fair attribution and music licensing in global media.
The teaser, released earlier this week on Netflix’s official YouTube channel, features segments of Shyam’s composition prominently. However, neither Shyam nor rapper Hanumankind—who performed the track—were acknowledged in the promotional material. In response, Shyam posted a pointed comment under the teaser: “Thanks Netflix for featuring my track! Would’ve been even cooler if my name had made it to the credits too”.
The omission quickly drew attention from viewers, with the trailer’s comment section flooded by demands for recognition. Fans criticized the streaming giant for overlooking regional artists, with remarks such as “Give credit where credit is due” and “Stop stealing stuff” becoming common refrains.
Shyam’s track “The Last Dance” was originally composed for Aavesham, a Malayalam-language action-comedy starring Fahadh Faasil. The film was both a critical and commercial success, with its soundtrack praised for its experimental energy and cultural resonance. The use of the track in Splinter Cell: Deathwatch—a globally marketed series based on Ubisoft’s popular video game franchise—was seen by many as a significant moment for South Indian music crossing into international entertainment. However, the lack of credit has overshadowed that milestone.
Netflix and Ubisoft have yet to issue an official response to the controversy. The incident has reignited broader concerns about the treatment of non-Western artists in global productions, especially when their work is repurposed without acknowledgment.
Despite the setback, Shyam continues to be one of the most sought-after composers in Indian cinema. His upcoming projects include Balan, Torpedo, and Jana Nayagan, alongside collaborations with leading actors such as Fahadh Faasil, Vijay, and Suriya. He also recently celebrated a personal milestone when legendary composer A.R. Rahman followed him on Instagram, which Shyam described as his “first real fanboy moment”.
The Splinter Cell teaser row has become a flashpoint for discussions on artistic integrity and the need for transparent crediting practices in the entertainment industry. As regional content continues to gain global traction, the call for equitable recognition grows louder.
