Justice N Senthilkumar on 28/11/2025 pronounced the order holding that prima facie case of infringement by the production house over the songs of Dr Ilayaraja was made out and hence granted interim injunction over the use of the two songs in the movie “Dude”. While being so, Senior advocate PV Balasubramanian requested 7 days to comply with the order, The Hon’ble Judge refused to grant the same.

[28/11, 14:46] Sekarreporter: The Hon’ble High court of Madras heard the matter of copyright infringement by Mythri movies production house of 2 songs composed by renowned Music Director, Mr. Illayaraja.

Justice N Senthilkumar on 26/11/2025 heard the matter filed by Dr. Ilayaraja alleging copyright infringement of two of his songs namely “Karutha Macha” and “Nooru Varsham” by Mythri Movies production house.

Senior Counsel Mr S Prabakaran appearing for Dr. Ilaiyaraaja, asserted that he is the sole creator and original author of his musical compositions and sound recordings and that he maintained absolute ownership, including all moral and creative rights, over his works. The producer of the film Dude, was accused of remixing and altering one of Ilaiyaraaja’s famous compositions, Karutha Machan from the Tamil film Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Nathu, without authorization.

Senior counsel S. Prabakaran, contended that the modified version of the song was incorporated into the film by distorting and mutilating his original creation, which degraded the aesthetic and emotional value of the original. He contended that the improper usage led to ridicule and misled the public into believing the remix was an original creation by another party.

During the hearing, Justice Senthilkumar questioned the plaintiff’s counsel about the song’s age, noting it was released in the 1990s. In response, Senior Counsel Mr. S Prabakaran emphasized that though resurfacing of a 30 year old song is beneficial yet any modification or distortion harming the composer’s reputation constitutes a violation of moral rights. To support this, he played both the original and the altered versions in court to illustrate the alleged distortion.

On behalf of Mythri Movie Makers, Senior Advocate P.V. Subramaniam argued that the production house had lawfully acquired the rights to the song from Sony Music. However, Senior Counsel S Prabakaran countered this, stating Sony had purchased the rights from Echo, a party against whom a Division Bench of the High Court had already issued a stay on the use of the works.
A Counsel appearing for Sony Music attempted to contest in the matter, however the same was refused by Justice N Senthilkumar as Sony music was arrayed as a party in the suit.

Justice N Senthilkumar on 28/11/2025 pronounced the order holding that prima facie case of infringement by the production house over the songs of Dr Ilayaraja was made out and hence granted interim injunction over the use of the two songs in the movie “Dude”. While being so, Senior advocate PV Balasubramanian requested 7 days to comply with the order, The Hon’ble Judge refused to grant the same.
[28/11, 14:47] Sekarreporter: 👍