Music directors getting involved in copyright claims is not a new thing. The legendary musicians Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman are known to be strict about their works, and they would not spare anyone who illegally claims their works. However, surprisingly, AR Rahman faces copyright heat because of Veera Raja Veera song from PS-2.
The Delhi High Court has directed A.R. Rahman and the production house Madras Talkies to deposit ₹2 crore in a copyright infringement case related to the song “Veera Raja Veera” from Ponniyin Selvan 2, following a lawsuit filed by the Junior Dagar Brothers, who allege that the song completely copies their composition “Shiva Stuti.”
A.R. Rahman Faces Copyright Heat because of Veera Raja Veera Song from PS-2
Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar claimed in court that he owns the copyright to all original works by the Junior Dagar Brothers, including Shiv Stuti, and accused the defendants of infringement.
On April 25, Justice Prathiba M. Singh found that from a listener’s view, Rahman’s ‘Veera Raja Veera’ closely resembles Shiva Stuti in notes and emotional impact.
The Court orders AR Rahman and the producers of PS-2 to deposit 2 Crores
In conclusion, the court determines that the disputed song closely resembles the Shiva Stuti, with only a change in words. Adding other elements made the song seem more modern, but the core musical work remains the same, the court stated.
The court ordered Rahman, Madras Talkies, and Lyca Productions to deposit Rs 2 crore in a fixed account until the case concludes. The fans are shocked as AR Rahman faces copyright heat because of Veera Raja Veera song from PS-2.