A.R. Rahman, Madras Talkies Directed to Pay ₹2 Crore in Copyright Row Over “Vira Raja Vira” Song
Renowned composer A.R. Rahman and the production house Madras Talkies are facing legal action following allegations of copyright infringement regarding the song “Vira Raja Vira” from the 2023 historical drama Ponniyin Selvan 2, directed by Mani Ratnam.
The Delhi High Court, in an interim order, has directed Rahman and Madras Talkies to pay ₹2 crore in compensation to Indian classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar. The court also ordered that Dagar be given due credit in the film for the alleged use of a traditional Shivastuti composition originally composed by his father, Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and uncle, Zahiruddin Dagar—renowned exponents of the Dhrupad tradition.
The controversy centers around claims that “Vira Raja Vira” closely mirrors a Shivastuti rendition composed by the Dagar brothers. Dagar, asserting that the song’s melody and rhythm were directly derived from the original piece, approached the Delhi High Court seeking justice.
In his petition, Dagar argued that the adaptation of the Shivastuti tune was done without authorization or acknowledgment, amounting to a violation of intellectual property and traditional music heritage.
In response, the Delhi High Court acknowledged notable similarities between the two compositions and issued the interim directive. The court emphasized the need to protect traditional and classical works from unauthorized usage, especially in commercial projects.
The film Ponniyin Selvan 2, which features a star-studded cast including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was the second installment of Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic novel.
While A.R. Rahman and Madras Talkies are yet to make a public statement on the court’s order, industry observers note that the ruling could set a significant precedent in disputes involving classical music and its adaptation in mainstream cinema.
The case will continue to be heard in the coming weeks as the court awaits further submissions.
