KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Sambarock pioneer Darkkey has achieved a milestone with the inclusion of his track “Puli Puli” in the Tamil action film “Good Bad Ugly“, starring 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” 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’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 Ajith’s name on screen, it gave me goosebumps,” Darkkey, whose real name is Nagaraja, shared on social media.

Darkkey 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.

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.”

The inclusion of “Puli Puli” in the trailer sparked pride and excitement among local audiences, who were thrilled to see local music showcased on the international stage, further fuelling anticipation for the film’s debut.

“Good Bad Ugly” premiered in Malaysia on Thursday.