Delhi High Court Slaps ₹2 Crore Order On AR Rahman, Ponniyin Selvan 2 Makers Over Copyright Row

AR Rahman, Ponniyin Selvan 2 Makers Told to Pay ₹2 Crore in Copyright Case

The Delhi High Court has ordered music composer AR Rahman and the makers of Ponniyin Selvan 2 to deposit ₹2 crore in a copyright dispute over the use of the classical song “Shiv Stuti.”

In 2023, singer Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar had filed a case against Rahman and the production company Madras Talkies, claiming that their song “Veera Raja Veera” copied the musical work of his late relatives, the Junior Dagar Brothers.

On April 25, Justice Prathiba M Singh ruled that to an ordinary listener, Rahman’s song sounds “not just inspired but identical” to “Shiv Stuti.” The court said that even though the lyrics are different and some modern elements were added, the main musical composition remains the same.

As part of the interim order, the court also directed that a special credit be added to the film on all OTT platforms where Ponniyin Selvan 2 is available, acknowledging the Junior Dagar Brothers’ contribution. Additionally, ₹2 lakh will be given to their family as recognition of their work.

Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar claimed that he owns the rights to all original compositions of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including “Shiv Stuti,” and alleged that Rahman’s song copied the same beat, rhythm, and musical structure.

The High Court said that Rahman, Madras Talkies, and Lyca Productions must deposit ₹2 crore with the court, where it will stay in a fixed deposit until the case is fully decided.

Meanwhile, Rahman’s legal team argued that “Shiv Stuti” belongs to the ancient Dhrupad genre, which they said is traditional and part of the public domain, meaning it shouldn’t be protected by copyright laws.

The case is still ongoing.

watch video here:

https://youtu.be/KBxe26He2Gg?si=8VqnaWXJWHYzLtuL

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