Journalism of Courage
Ilaiyaraaja
ILAIYARAAJA NEWS
How maestro Ilaiyaraaja fought closest friends, billion-dollar labels to claim his music
June 03, 2026 7:00 pm
For decades, Ilaiyaraaja has done what almost no other composer in Indian cinema has: fought publicly and legally to be paid for his own work. The musician-composer turned 83 on Wednesday.
Ilaiyaraaja vs Saregama: Delhi High Court rules on Tamil hit song ‘En Iniya Pon Nilave’ copyright
May 21, 2026 8:46 pm
The Delhi High Court said he only holds right over the musical component of the 1981 hit Tamil song.
Suriya’s Karuppu makers apologise for Ilaiyaraaja jab, say scene will be modified or removed
May 19, 2026 8:53 pm
A comedic scene in Suriya's Karuppu referencing Ilaiyaraaja's copyright disputes sparked backlash, prompting makers to apologise and pull the controversial dialogue.
Ilaiyaraaja slashed fee from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50,000 for Adharvam, made at Rs 22 lakh, as he loved Mammootty's New Delhi; composed its 4 songs in just 30 minutes
March 27, 2026 6:05 pm
Mammootty's legacy includes the cult classic Adharvam, a dark fantasy horror by Dennis Joseph, featuring Ilaiyaraaja's masterful songs, composed in less than 30 minutes.
Ilaiyaraaja restrained from using songs from 134 films as Saregama gets Delhi HC relief
February 17, 2026 3:01 pm
The Delhi High Court has restrained Ilaiyaraaja from 'exploiting or licensing' certain copyrighted musical works that belong to Saregama.
Dhanush's Ilaiyaraaja biopic: Makers shut down rumours of director Arun Matheswaran’s exit
February 09, 2026 9:31 pm
Contrary to recent whispers in industry circles suggesting Arun Matheswaran might be departing the Ilaiyaraaja biopic, producers have emphatically stated that the director will take the helm once he completes his current commitment, a film titled DC.
Madras High Court closes copyright case after 'Dude' movie makers agree to pay Rs 50 lakh to Ilaiyaraaja
December 04, 2025 5:35 pm
Madras high court copyright case, mythri movie makers case: The music director and Mythri Movie Makers have now entered into negotiations and concluded a settlement.
Ilaiyaraaja moves to Madras HC against Sony Music over commercially exploiting his work without consent
October 23, 2025 12:15 pm
Ilaiyaraaja Copyright Case Against Sony Music: Ilaiyaraaja alleged the music companies have been monetising across social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by adapting and publishing his original work without authorisation.
Ilayaraja sues Dude makers over the use of song 'Karutha Machan’ in the Pradeep Ranganathan blockbuster
October 22, 2025 6:24 pm
Illayaraja has filed a lawsuit in Madras High Court against the makers of Pradeep Ranganathan's Dude over the use of the song "Karutha Machan" song in the film.
Rajinikanth recalls Ilaiyaraaja’s grief at SP Balasubrahmanyam's passing: 'The eyes which never welled up at the death of his sibling, wife or daughter...'
September 15, 2025 5:40 pm
At a recent event, Rajinikanth reflected on Ilaiyaraaja’s close bond with the late singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, who gave voice to many of the composer’s chartbusters.
ILAIYARAAJA PHOTOS
Happy birthday Ilaiyaraaja: Rare photos of the maestro
June 03, 2019 7:27 am
On the occasion of Ilaiyaraaja’s 75th birthday, here is a look at some rare photos of the music composer from the Express Archives.
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