In a major development in a high-profile copyright dispute, the Delhi High Court has directed renowned music composer AR Rahman and the makers of the film Ponniyin Selvan 2 to deposit ₹2 crore in connection with the song “Veera Raja Veera”. The order comes after the court found striking similarities between the song and the classical piece ‘Shiva Stuti’, originally performed by the Junior Dagar Brothers.
Court Finds Song “Identical” in Musical Essence
Justice Prathiba M Singh, delivering the interim order on April 25, ruled that from a listener’s point of view, Rahman’s composition was not just inspired by but “identical” in its musical core, emotional impact, and aural structure to the traditional Dhrupad composition ‘Shiva Stuti’.
“In the ultimate analysis, this court holds that the impugned song is not merely based on or inspired from the suit composition Shiva Stuti but is, in fact, identical to it with mere change in lyrics,” the judge observed. The court clarified that the addition of modern elements did not change the foundational similarity in the composition.
Legal Action Brought by Dagar Family Member
The lawsuit was filed by Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of the late Ustad N. Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of the late Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar. He contended that he holds the copyright to the original compositions of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including Shiva Stuti, and accused the defendants of copyright infringement.
The court found that there was a prima facie case of infringement and emphasized the potential “irreparable injury” to the creative and moral rights of the original artists, who are no longer alive.
OTT Platforms to Credit Original Artists
In addition to the ₹2 crore deposit, the High Court also directed that a credit slide be inserted in all versions of Ponniyin Selvan 2 streamed on OTT and digital platforms. This slide will acknowledge the contribution of the Junior Dagar Brothers to the musical work that inspired “Veera Raja Veera”.
Furthermore, the court awarded ₹2 lakh as legal costs to the family of the late artists.
Defence by AR Rahman’s Counsel
Rahman’s legal team argued that Shiva Stuti was rooted in the traditional dhrupad genre, which exists in the public domain. They further contended that the composition lacked originality and was not eligible for copyright protection under Indian law.
However, the court dismissed this line of reasoning, noting that the defendants had failed to provide proper credit until approached by the plaintiff and that even the vocalists who performed “Veera Raja Veera” were disciples of the plaintiff, reinforcing the connection between the two works.
Case to Continue, Funds to Be Held in Court
The ₹2 crore deposit is to be held in a fixed deposit account by the court and is subject to the final outcome of the lawsuit. The High Court emphasized that any further delay in recognising the original composers’ work could diminish their chance at rightful acknowledgement, especially as the film and song lose audience attention over time.
The case continues to draw attention from the music and film industries, reigniting the debate over inspiration versus imitation in artistic creation.
Sources By Agencies
