Madras High Court used Ilaiyaraja’s songs in Ajit Kumar’s good bad ugly

The Madras High Court has issued an interim prohibitory verification, which prevented the makers of the film ‘Good Bad Badrms’ from displaying or distributing the film, creating a unauthorized use of songs by prominent composer Ilaiyaraja. The prohibitory order passed on 8 September comes in response to the claim of a copyright violation filed by Ilaiyaraja, who said their music was used without permission.

Ilaiyaraja, who holds copyright for songs in question, alleged that the Telangana-based production firm, Mythri filmmakers used their three works from earlier films without their consent. These works include ‘Nattupura Pattu’ (1996), ‘Ilamai Idho Idho’ from ‘Sakalakala Vallavan’ (1982) (1982) and ‘Vikram’ (1986) from ‘N Jodi Manja Kuruvi’ to ‘Ota Idho Idho’. The composer’s lawyer argued that this use violated the provisions of the Copyright Act of 1957.

The court’s decision to prevent the film from displaying described Justice N. St.hilkumar as an inadequate response of the production firm for the legal notice sent by Ilaiyaraja. The notice issued on 11 April requested the details of the authority claimed by the producers. In his reply on 28 April, the manufacturers failed to provide the nuances about the permissions they claimed to receive.

The court ruled in favor of Ilaiyaraja, provided interim prohibitory orders based on the “Bald” response of the production firm and lack of certified evidence about the license of songs. This order effectively prevents the film from being displayed, screening or being sold in all platforms, including dramatic release and online streaming services, until the case resolves.

In her plaintiff, Ilaiyaraja highlighted her significant contribution as a musician, conductor and lyricist in the music industry, with the title ‘Mestro’ and a music talent, or honor of being called Isganani. The famous artist emphasized his rights as a copyright holder of songs, stressing that the works of the manufacturers were a clear violation of their intellectual property.

While the court verdict is a temporary measure, it is an important step in addressing the alleged violation of the rights of Ilaiyaraja. The result of this case can set an example for future disputes, which includes the use of copyright material without clear authority from the correct owners.

After interim prohibitory orders, ‘Good Bad Ugly’ is likely to be removed from Netflix.