Delhi High Court stays interim order in copyright dispute over AR Rahman – composed song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ from Ponniyin Selvan 2

The Delhi High Court has stayed an interim order issued in a copyright case involving celebrated music composer A.R. Rahman and the makers of the Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan 2. The dispute revolves around the film’s song ’Veera Raja Veera’, which allegedly infringes upon an original composition titled ‘Shiva Stuti’ by the late Junior Dagar Brothers — Ustad N Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar.

 

Delhi High Court stays interim order in copyright dispute over AR Rahman – composed song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ from Ponniyin Selvan 2

 

A division bench of Justices C Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul, while staying the single judge’s earlier interim directive, ordered Rahman and the film’s producers — Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions — to deposit Rs. 2 crore with the court registry within 10 days. This amount will be held in a fixed deposit until the case reaches a final verdict.

 

The case was initiated by Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son and nephew of the original composers, who claimed that he holds the copyright to all original compositions of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including ‘Shiva Stuti’. He argued that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ unlawfully replicated their work without consent or credit.

 

In the previous interim order, the single judge had noted that the musical essence of ’Veera Raja Veera’ was not merely inspired by but nearly identical to ‘Shiva Stuti’, with only the lyrics modified. The order also mandated that a slide be inserted across all OTT and online versions of Ponniyin Selvan 2 to acknowledge the original artists. A cost of Rs. 2 lakhs was awarded to the complainant’s family.

 

While the court acknowledged a prima facie case of copyright infringement, Rahman's counsel argued that ‘Shiva Stuti’ belongs to the dhrupad tradition, which is in the public domain. They claimed the composition lacked sufficient originality to be protected under copyright laws.

 

The bench observed that not granting interim protection would risk irreparable damage to the legacy and moral rights of the original composers, who are no longer alive. However, the matter remains sub judice, and the final outcome will determine whether copyright infringement indeed occurred.

 

Also Read: Shruti Haasan reflects on working with A.R. Rahman; says, “He’s truly evolved”

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