Ilaiyaraaja initiates legal action over alleged unauthorized song usage in Dude
The copyright battle intensifies as Ilaiyaraaja challenges the use of his songs in Dude, with court granting approval for legal action to proceed.
Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja has filed a case at the Madras High Court, alleging unauthorized use of two of his songs in the recently released Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan. The film, which hit theatres on October 17th, is currently playing in cinemas.
The composer claims that his works were used in the film without obtaining proper rights, prompting him to initiate legal proceedings not only in India but also in the United States. The case involves prominent music labels including Sony Music Entertainment India, Echo Recording Company, and Oriental Records, who have been named for alleged infringement.
The Madras High Court has now granted Ilaiyaraaja the legal go-ahead to pursue the matter further. In addition, the court has upheld a confidentiality directive previously issued by the Supreme Court, highlighting the sensitive and high-profile nature of the case. The next hearing is scheduled for November. This legal step adds to Ilaiyaraaja’s ongoing efforts to assert control over his musical legacy. He has consistently maintained that his works are not “work for hire” compositions and that he retains the copyright over them, regardless of the original production agreements.
As the legal battle unfolds, it could shape how legacy music is licensed and respected in modern cinema, and potentially strengthen the rights of creators over the long term.
