Delhi High Court Orders AR Rahman and Ponniyin Selvan 2 Makers to Deposit ₹2 Crore Over Copyright Dispute
Renowned music composer A.R. Rahman and the production house Madras Talkies, associated with the film Ponniyin Selvan 2, have been directed by the Delhi High Court to deposit a sum of ₹2 crore in a copyright infringement case related to the song Veera Raja Veera.
The case was initiated by Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar in 2023, who claimed that Veera Raja Veera copied the classical composition Shiv Stuti, originally rendered by the Junior Dagar Brothers.
Court’s Observations:
In an interim order issued by Justice Prathiba M Singh on April 25, the court noted that from a listener’s perspective, Rahman’s composition was “not merely inspired but identical” to Shiva Stuti. Justice Singh stated that while the song may have added modern musical elements and different lyrics, the core structure—such as its beat, taal, and melody—remained the same as the original.
Recognizing the contribution of the late Junior Dagar Brothers, the court also ordered that all OTT and online platforms streaming Ponniyin Selvan 2 must include a special credit slide acknowledging their work. Additionally, the court granted a sum of ₹2 lakh to the family of the Junior Dagar Brothers as a gesture of respect for their legacy.
The Legal Battle:
Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of Zahiruddin Dagar, argued that he holds the copyright to all original compositions of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including Shiv Stuti. In his lawsuit, he alleged that despite Veera Raja Veera featuring different lyrics, its musical framework closely mirrors Shiv Stuti, amounting to copyright infringement.
As part of its interim ruling, the court directed Rahman, Madras Talkies, and Lyca Productions to deposit ₹2 crore with the court. The amount will remain in a fixed deposit account until the case reaches a final verdict.
Defense by Rahman’s Legal Team:
Rahman’s counsel defended the composition by claiming that Shiv Stuti belongs to the traditional Dhrupad genre, a form considered part of the public domain. They argued that due to its traditional roots and lack of unique originality, Shiv Stuti should not be protected under modern copyright laws.
Despite these arguments, the court found enough similarities between the two works to merit further legal scrutiny and issued the interim financial directive.
Final Outcome Awaited:
The case remains pending for final adjudication. Meanwhile, Ponniyin Selvan 2 will continue to be available with the newly mandated acknowledgments honoring the Junior Dagar Brothers.
