In a copyright infringement case related to a song from the movie Ponniyin Selvan 2, renowned music composer AR Rahman has been ordered by the Delhi High Court to deposit ₹2 crore. The issue concerns the song “Veera Raja Veera” from the 2023 film, which was found to bear strong similarities to the famous “Shiva Stuti” composed by the Junior Dagar Brothers, celebrated classical musicians.
The Delhi High Court issued an interim order on Friday after determining that the two compositions were not just “inspired,” but “substantially similar.” Along with Rahman, the film’s co-producers have also been directed to deposit ₹2 crore.
Additionally, the court ordered that credit be given to the Dagar Brothers in all online versions of the film and mandated that Rahman and the other defendants pay ₹2 lakh as legal costs to Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, the plaintiff, within four weeks.
The allegation against Rahman and the production companies — Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions — is that they unlawfully used the “Shiva Stuti”, originally composed by the late Ustad N. Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar, collectively known as the Junior Dagar Brothers.
The court pointed out the close connection between the two musical works, observing that “Veera Raja Veera” was not merely inspired by “Shiva Stuti” but had undeniable similarities. It further noted that only the lyrics were changed, while the fundamental musical composition remained the same.
The High Court emphasized that authentic musical works, such as those in Hindustani classical tradition, are protected under copyright law, while delivering its interim ruling.
