Ajith's 'Good Bad Ugly' can't use Ilaiyaraaja songs: Madras HC
What's the story
The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition from the makers of the Tamil film Good Bad Ugly, upholding composer Ilaiyaraaja's exclusive rights to his songs. The court ruled that even if producers own the film rights, they cannot use his music separately without his permission. This decision continues the ban on unauthorized use of Ilaiyaraaja's superhit tracks in the film.
Film dispute
'Good Bad Ugly' faced controversy over unauthorized song usage
Ajith Kumar's film Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran and released on April 10, sparked a major controversy over the use of some of Ilaiyaraaja's superhit songs without his permission. The composer sent a notice to the production company, alleging that tracks like Otha Rupayum Thaaren, En Jodi Manja Kuruvi, and Ilamai Itho Itho were used in the film without his consent.
Legal action
Ilaiyaraaja sought ₹5 crore in compensation
Ilaiyaraaja demanded ₹5 crore in compensation for the unauthorized use of his songs in Good Bad Ugly. When Mythri Movie Makers, the production company behind the film, countered that they had legally acquired the rights to these tracks, Ilaiyaraaja's side approached the Madras High Court, as they were not informed about who granted these rights. The court then issued a temporary restraining order against using these songs in the film.
Appeal
Mythri Movie Makers sought to lift the ban
Subsequently, Mythri Movie Makers appealed to the High Court seeking to lift the ban on using these songs in Good Bad Ugly. They argued that they had acquired rights to the songs. However, Ilaiyaraaja's side maintained that according to copyright law, rights remain with the music creator. The case was heard by Judge Senthilkumar, who upheld Ilaiyaraaja's legal right and dismissed Mythri Movie Makers's petition on Wednesday.