Copyright Controversy in Ponniyin Selvan 2: Delhi High Court Orders A.R. Rahman to Pay Rs 2 Crore
The grand historical Tamil movie series Ponniyin Selvan, directed by Mani Ratnam, has recently found itself entangled in a copyright controversy. A.R. Rahman, who composed the music for the film, is now facing legal consequences regarding one of the songs featured in the second part of the movie. The song in question, Veera Raja Veera, has led to a copyright infringement case.
Fayaz Wasifuddin Dagar, a petitioner, claimed that Veera Raja Veera was based on a Shiva Stuthi (a devotional hymn to Lord Shiva) originally composed by his grandfather and father. Alleging that the song used substantial parts of the original hymn without permission, he filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court demanding compensation for the infringement.
During the court proceedings, A.R. Rahman’s side explained that the Shiva Stuthi had indeed inspired them, and that Veera Raja Veera was created under the influence of the traditional hymn. However, they asserted that it was a fresh composition and not a direct copy. Despite these arguments, the Delhi High Court noted that Rahman’s team had not obtained permission from the original rights holders before creating the new version.
Taking into account the copyright violation and the unauthorized use of the traditional hymn, the court ordered A.R. Rahman to pay a compensation amount of Rs 2 crore. The amount is to be deposited with the Delhi High Court’s registrar office within the stipulated time frame.
This incident sheds light on the often complex relationship between traditional works and modern adaptations in cinema. It highlights how even world-renowned artists and celebrated filmmakers can face legal challenges when copyright regulations are not properly observed.
In the creative industry, it is common for artists to draw inspiration from earlier works, especially in culturally rich contexts like India where many traditional compositions exist. However, this case reminds everyone that intellectual property rights must be respected, regardless of the source or age of the original work. Proper authorization and acknowledgment are crucial to avoid legal disputes and to maintain the ethical standards of artistic creation.
The Ponniyin Selvan project, known for its massive scale, lavish production, and critical acclaim, now also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting copyright laws in the film industry. Going forward, it is expected that filmmakers, composers, and production houses will exercise extra caution in obtaining the necessary rights when incorporating traditional or previously existing works into their projects.
