A.R. Rahman has agreed to acknowledge the contribution of the Dagar Brothers in the song Veera Raja Veera. The track features in Ponniyin Selvan II. The film stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai and Karthi among others.
Rahman made the statement during proceedings before the Supreme Court of India. At a recent hearing, he informed the bench that he was willing to include a modified credit line. This move comes amid an ongoing copyright dispute.
The revised credit will acknowledge the Dagarwani Dhrupad tradition. It will also mention the late Ustad M. Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar. The Court directed that the updated credit be reflected on OTT platforms and social media within five weeks.
While agreeing to this interim arrangement, Rahman clarified that the concession does not weaken his legal defence. His counsel also expressed concern over media reports suggesting a legal setback. The composer continues to contest the core allegations.
The dispute arose after claims that the composition resembles Shiva Stuti. The piece has been attributed to members of the junior Dagar brothers. The allegation centres on similarity in musical structure.
Rahman has denied copying and stated that the composition draws from the public domain Dhrupad tradition. He has argued that the orchestration and arrangement are original. The civil suit will proceed independently.
The Court has clarified that interim observations should not influence the final verdict. The legal battle over copyright will continue in due course. For now, the focus remains on implementing the revised credits as directed.
