Cultural appropriation or a rockin' great time? Coldplay and Beyoncé trigger a debate with "Hymn For The Weekend"

Coldplay and Beyoncé are slated to perform in tomorrow's Super Bowl halftime show.

But according to Chris Martin, they won't be singing their new hit single "Hymn For The Weekend".

The video was shot in Mumbai, showcasing the Hindu holiday of Holi. And it's triggered a heated debate among Indians and non-Indians over cultural appropriation.

Some love it but others claim it's western stereotyping along the lines of Slumdog Millionaire. 

Holi is a traditional spring festival auguring good tidings. Hence the celebratory mood.

Whatever your perspective, nobody can deny that it's beautifully shot and reflects the soul of a country that continues to fascinate the world. It's like an acid trip through the exotica of India, all done in just over four minutes.

In the video, Martin does the usual touristy things you would expect of a celebrity musician. He rides a Mumbai taxi, sings on the steps of a Hindu temple, watches a movie in an old-style Bollywood theatre, and rocks with the kids in the slums.

The children cover themselves in red and magenta powder, which is one of the hallmarks of Holi. Some also demonstrate break-dance moves that would impress any New Yorker.

Beyoncé pops up in the video as a Bollywood actress named Rani. But her hand movements and rhythm have been criticized in India for being too western.

Ironically, a pretty Bollywood star, Sonam Kapoor, makes a cameo appearance near the end. It's left some Indians wondering why Kapoor, daughter of Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, wasn't given a starring role.

However, if Kapoor had been put in the spotlight, there wouldn't have been nearly as much controversy. Nor, we hazard to guess, would there have been as much attention in the media.