Madras HC restrains Good Bad Ugly makers from using Ilaiyaraaja’s songs

Madras HC restrains Good Bad Ugly makers from using Ilaiyaraaja’s songs

The Madras High Court has intervened in a copyright dispute involving the upcoming Ajith Kumar starrer Good Bad Ugly. Music legend Ilaiyaraaja filed a suit against the film’s producers, alleging unauthorized use of three of his iconic tracks: Otha Roopaiyum Thaaren, En Jodi Manja Kuruvi, and Ilamai Itho Itho.

Ilaiyaraaja, one of the most celebrated composers in Indian cinema, claimed that the production house, Mythri Movie Makers, incorporated these songs into the film without seeking his consent. He argued that as the creator, he holds the copyright to these works, and any use of them requires his explicit approval. The composer had earlier issued a legal notice, seeking clarification on how the rights were obtained.

In response, Mythri Movie Makers asserted that they had secured all necessary permissions from the music companies that allegedly own the rights. However, Ilaiyaraaja described their reply as vague and unsatisfactory, pointing out that the producers had failed to specify the names of these music companies or provide documentary proof of their claims.

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Justice N Sethilkumar, after hearing arguments from both sides, observed that the response from the producers was a “bald reply” and lacked sufficient detail. Given this, the court ruled in favor of Ilaiyaraaja at the interim stage. The order restrains the makers of Good Bad Ugly from exhibiting, screening, selling, distributing, publishing, or broadcasting the film on any medium, including theatres and OTT platforms, if it contains the disputed songs.

The ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing tussle between filmmakers and creators over intellectual property rights. Ilaiyaraaja has long been vocal about protecting his music, and this case could set a precedent for how legacy works are handled in modern cinema. Until the matter is resolved, the producers of Good Bad Ugly will either have to remove the contested tracks or reach a legal settlement with the composer.