Veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja has issued a legal notice to the makers of the upcoming Tamil film Good Bad Ugly, starring Ajith Kumar. The notice was served to Mythri Movie Makers, alleging unauthorized use of his copyrighted songs in the movie’s soundtrack. Ilaiyaraaja has demanded a compensation of ₹5 crore from the producers and a public apology for the infringement.
In This Article:
Songs Used Without Consent
According to the notice, three of Ilaiyaraaja’s iconic songs have been allegedly used in the film without acquiring legal permission or paying royalties. These songs include:
- “Oththa Roova” from Nattupura Pattu (1996)
- “Ilamai Idho Idho” from Sakalakala Vallavan (1982)
- “En Jodi Manja Kuruvi” from Vikram (1986)
The composer has objected to the unauthorized remixing, adaptation, and use of these songs in the film’s promotional materials and soundtrack.
Violation of Copyright Act
The legal notice claims that the actions by the production house amount to a violation of Section 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957. This section pertains to infringement of copyright if any work is used without the permission of the rights holder. Ilaiyaraaja has asserted that he retains full rights over his compositions and any reproduction or public performance requires his explicit consent.
Demand for Compensation and Apology
Ilaiyaraaja’s legal counsel has stated that the use of these songs in Good Bad Ugly is not only illegal but also disrespectful to the legacy of the composer. The demand includes ₹5 crore in damages and a public apology from the production team. The notice further states that if these demands are not met, Ilaiyaraaja will proceed with legal action in court.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, the production house has not released an official statement regarding the notice. Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran and starring Ajith Kumar, has been generating buzz among fans, but this legal issue could pose a major hurdle for its release.
Industry insiders are closely watching how this dispute unfolds, as it could have wider implications for copyright compliance in the Indian film industry.
By – Kartik
