The Madras High Court on Wednesday reserved its order in a copyright infringement suit filed by legendary music composer Dr. Ilaiyaraaja against Mythri Movie Makers. The case was heard by Justice N. Senthilkumar, who reserved judgment after hearing detailed arguments from both sides on November 26, 2025.

[26/11, 13:28] Sekarreporter: http://youtube.com/post/UgkxQh2SoRC1-6M0zXSl4c7UEGHpMmI2BDS2?si=-kdCON0ZmbrvWRGy
[26/11, 13:28] Sekarreporter: [26/11, 13:27] Sekarreporter: The Madras High Court on Wednesday reserved its order in a copyright infringement suit filed by legendary music composer Dr. Ilaiyaraaja against Mythri Movie Makers. The case was heard by Justice N. Senthilkumar, who reserved judgment after hearing detailed arguments from both sides on November 26, 2025.
In the plaint it was averred that the plaintiff, Dr. Ilaiyaraaja, is the sole creator and first author of his musical compositions and sound recordings.The Plaintiff has always retained absolute ownership, including all moral and creative rights, over his original works. The defendant the producer of the film Dude had distorted, remixed and modified one of his renowned compositions, Karutha Machan from the Tamil movie Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Nathu, without authorization.

Senior counsel S. Prabakaran, appearing on behalf of the Plaintiff, argued that the altered and distorted version of the song was incorporated into the film in a manner, degrading the aesthetic and emotional essence of the original composition. He further submitted that its improper placement in the film subjected the work to ridicule and created a false impression among the public that the remix was an original composition by someone else.
During the hearing, the Hon’ble judge questioned the plaintiff’s counsel regarding the song’s vintage, noting it was released in the 1990s. In response,Senior Counsel Mr. S.Prabhakaran reiterated that despite the age of the work, any modification or distortion that affects the composer’s reputation constitutes a violation of moral rights. To substantiate his claim, he played both versions of the song in court to demonstrate the alleged distortion.

Appearing on caveat, Advocate P.V. Subramaniam, representing Mythri Movie Makers, argued that the production house had lawfully acquired rights to the song from Sony Music. However, Senior counsel S. Prabhakaran countered that Sony had in turn purchased rights from Echo, against whom the use of such works had been stayed by a Division Bench of the High Court.
An advocate appearing on behalf of Sony Music sought to be impleaded in the proceedings, but the Court asked them to file appropriate application.
After hearing all parties, Hon’ble Justice Senthilkumar reserved orders in the matter.
[26/11, 13:27] Sekarreporter: 👍