Did the Madras HC Deny Interim Relief to Ilaiyaraaja Regarding His Song in Mrs and Mr?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Madras High Court has denied interim relief to music maestro R. Ilaiyarajaa in his lawsuit against Vanitha Film Productions over unauthorized use of his song in the film Mrs. and Mr.. This decision raises important questions regarding intellectual property and personality rights in the film industry.
Key Takeaways
- Madras High Court denied interim relief to Ilaiyarajaa.
- Concerns raised over unauthorized use of Sivarathri.
- Production house given a week to respond.
- Case highlights issues of intellectual property rights.
- Further hearings scheduled for next week.
Chennai, July 14 (NationPress) The Madras High Court on Monday refused to provide any ex-parte interim relief in a civil lawsuit initiated by the esteemed music composer R. Ilaiyarajaa. He has charged Vanitha Film Productions with the unauthorized use of one of his famous songs and the infringement of his personality rights in the newly released film Mrs. and Mr.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, who presided over the case, remarked that no interim order could be issued without allowing the opposing party an opportunity to respond.
He allotted a week for the production company, represented by actor-producer Vanitha Vijayakumar, to submit a counter-affidavit.
Ilaiyarajaa sought the court's intervention to remove the song Sivarathri—originally composed for the 1990 Tamil movie Michael Madana Kama Rajan—from Mrs. and Mr., which premiered in theaters last week.
Furthermore, he requested a permanent injunction to prevent Vanitha Film Productions from using his likeness or image in the film's promotional content.
Ilaiyarajaa also demanded that the production house reveal any profits made from the alleged unauthorized exploitation of his personality rights.
Two interim applications were submitted alongside the suit—one aiming for the immediate removal of the song from the film and the other requesting a halt on the sale, screening, or broadcasting of the movie featuring the disputed song.
During the proceedings, Justice Ramamoorthy noted the necessity to clarify whether the producer of Michael Madana Kama Rajan had indeed sold the rights to the song.
Ilaiyarajaa’s attorney, A. Saravanan, contended that the composer retains full rights to the song, with the original producer holding only limited usage rights tied to the 1990 film.
Representing Vanitha Film Productions, senior counsel Sridhar Moorthy argued that his client had obtained rights to use the song from an audio company.
He also highlighted that a related legal dispute involving Ilaiyarajaa, Echo Recording, and Sony Music is presently unresolved before a Division Bench of the High Court.
When queried by the judge regarding how the production house had utilized Ilaiyarajaa’s personality rights in promotional materials, Moorthy requested additional time to gather instructions from his client and respond with a comprehensive affidavit.
The case has been scheduled for further hearings next week.
Point of View
The decision by the Madras High Court underscores the delicate balance between artistic rights and creative expression in the entertainment sector. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is crucial to support the rights of creators while fostering innovation in filmmaking.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Ilaiyarajaa's lawsuit?
Ilaiyarajaa filed a lawsuit against Vanitha Film Productions for unauthorized use of his song and infringement of his personality rights in the film Mrs. and Mr..
What did the Madras High Court decide?
The Madras High Court declined to grant any ex-parte interim relief, emphasizing the need for the other party to respond.
What song is at the center of the dispute?
The song in question is Sivarathri, originally composed by Ilaiyarajaa for the 1990 film Michael Madana Kama Rajan.
What are the next steps in this legal case?
The production house has been given a week to file a counter-affidavit, and further hearings are scheduled for next week.
Why is this case significant?
This case highlights ongoing issues related to intellectual property and the rights of creators in the film industry.
