The Madras High Court has stopped the makers of Ajith Kumar’s film Good Bad Ugly from using three classic songs by Ilaiyaraaja without his approval. Justice N. Senthilkumar issued the interim injunction after Ilaiyaraaja filed a case against Mythri Movie Makers.
Ilaiyaraaja alleged that the producers used his compositions Otha Rubayum Tharen (Nattupura Pattu), Ilamai Idho Idho (Sakalakala Vallavan), and En Jodi Manja Kuruvi (Vikram) without consent or royalty payments. He argued this was a clear violation of copyright and his moral rights as the creator.
The music legend stressed that under Sections 19(9) and 19(10) of the Copyright Act, composers must receive royalties whenever their work is reused. The court order now prevents the film’s exhibition, streaming, or distribution with these songs until the next hearing.
Ilaiyaraaja has also asked for damages, unpaid royalties, and possible criminal action under Section 63 of the Act. The case has sparked major discussion in the film industry and among fans about copyright laws and respect for artists’ rights.
Many say this is a wake-up call for producers, reminding them that intellectual property rights cannot be ignored. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how filmmakers use old songs in the future, making royalty agreements and licenses mandatory.
