Madras High Court Bars Use of Ilaiyaraaja Composition in Happy Raj
The order could affect future television broadcasts and OTT releases unless the disputed portion is removed or permission is obtained.
The Madras High Court has restrained the use of a song composed by Ilaiyaraaja in the film Happy Raj, starring G. V. Prakash Kumar.
The film, which was released on March 27, had featured the popular song “Podhuvaga En Manasu Thangam” from the movie Murattu Kaalai, originally composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The composer approached the court alleging that his work had been used and altered without his permission, violating copyright laws. Ilaiyaraaja alleged the song was adapted/modified and incorporated into the film without obtaining a licence or his consent.
During the hearing before Justice M. Kumaresh Babu, counsel for Ilaiyaraaja argued that the song was unlawfully adapted and sought a ban on its usage in the film. Accepting the arguments, the court directed that the song should not be used in Happy Raj. It also issued notices to the film’s director and producer, seeking their response.
The order could affect future television broadcasts and OTT releases unless the disputed portion is removed or permission is obtained. Indian copyright law protects musical compositions and using or altering them generally requires authorisation from the copyright holder. Ilaiyaraaja has previously approached courts to protect his musical works from unauthorised use, providing context without editorialising.
