Madras High Court Bars Use of Ilaiyaraaja Composition in Happy Raj

The Madras High Court restricted the use of a song composed by Ilaiyaraaja in the movie Happy Raj starring GV Prakash Kumar.

The film, which was released on March 27, featured the popular song “Podhuvaga En Manasu Thangam” from the movie Murattu Kaalai, originally composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The composer went to court, claiming that his work had been used and modified in a way that violated copyright laws. Ilaiyaraaja claimed that the song was adapted/altered and included in the film without his license or consent.

During the hearing before Justice M. Kumaresh Babu, Ilaiyaraaja’s lawyer argued that the song was adapted unlawfully and sought a ban on its use in the film. Accepting the allegations, the court directed that the song should not be used in Happy Raj. It also issued notices to the film’s director and producer seeking their responses.

The decision may affect future television broadcasts and OTT broadcasts unless the disputed portion is removed or permission is obtained. Indian copyright law protects musical compositions, and using or modifying them usually requires the permission of the copyright owner. Ilaiyaraaja had previously approached the courts to protect his musical works from unauthorized use and provided context without editing.