Delhi HC Lifts Ban on AR Rahman’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan II’ Song
The Delhi High Court has lifted an interim injunction that previously barred renowned composer A.R. Rahman and others from using the song “Veera Raja Veera” from the film “Ponniyin Selvan II.” This decision came after Rahman appealed a single-judge ruling that favored classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, who claimed copyright infringement. While the court’s ruling allows the song’s use to continue, it did not address the underlying copyright issues, which remain to be resolved in future proceedings.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle began when Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar filed a copyright lawsuit against A.R. Rahman, along with Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions, and Tips Industries. Dagar alleged that “Veera Raja Veera” was a copy of “Shiva Stuti,” a classical piece created in the 1970s by his father, Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and his uncle, Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar, known as the Junior Dagar Brothers. Dagar pointed out that “Shiva Stuti” had been performed internationally, including at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam in 1978, and was featured in the album “Shiva Mahadeva.” He claimed that as the rights holder to his family’s compositions, Rahman’s adaptation infringed on his copyright.
Initially, Justice Prathiba M Singh of the Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Dagar, stating that “Veera Raja Veera” was not merely inspired by “Shiva Stuti” but was nearly identical, differing only in lyrics. This ruling led to an interim injunction that prohibited Rahman and the other defendants from using the song.
Allegations and Responses
In his lawsuit, Dagar sought proper credit for the original composition and requested an injunction to prevent further use of Rahman’s version. He also mentioned that Rahman had previously assured him over a phone call that he would work towards resolving the issue, but no further communication occurred.
The defendants, however, strongly rejected Dagar’s claims. Madras Talkies characterized the allegations as “misconceived,” asserting that “Veera Raja Veera” was based on a traditional song. They accused Dagar of attempting to gain publicity and financial advantage from the situation. Tips Industries added that copyright laws do not extend to the “manner of singing” or the style of performance, further contesting Dagar’s claims.
Current Legal Status
With the recent ruling from the Division Bench, A.R. Rahman and the producers of “Ponniyin Selvan II” are now free to use “Veera Raja Veera” without restrictions. However, the broader issue of whether the song constitutes copyright infringement remains unresolved. This question is expected to be addressed in upcoming legal proceedings, as both parties prepare for the next steps in this ongoing dispute. The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the case, but the final determination on copyright issues is still pending.
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