Ilaiyaraaja hits out at film producers for selling his songs to music labels: ‘They cannot sell the rights of songs without my express consent’

Emphasizing the distinction between a film and the music featured in it, the counsel said, “A cinematograph film is separate, and the musical work in it is separate. The producers can exploit the film along with the songs, but they cannot sell the rights to the songs alone to third parties without my express consent.” He further argued that no producer would be able to produce documents proving that Ilaiyaraaja had ever legally transferred ownership of his music to them.

Also Read | Kamal Haasan: A director driven by conviction, not convenience

The hearing took place in connection with a case filed by producers Mythri Movie Makers, who sought to lift the interim injunction previously granted to Ilaiyaraaja in September. The composer had approached the court alleging unauthorized use of three of his songs, “Otha Rooba Thaaren” from Nattupura Pattu (1996), “Ilamai Idho Idho” from Sakalakala Vallavan (1982), and “En Jodi Manja Kuruvi” from Vikram (1986), in in the Ajith Kumar-starrer Good Bad Ugly.

Music labels, however, argued that Ilaiyaraaja’s dispute should be with the original film producers, not the labels, who they claim legally acquired and subsequently licensed the rights.

The court has reserved its order on the application to vacate the injunction.