In a legal twist that has caught the attention of music lovers and fans of the iconic A R Rahman, the renowned composer is now entangled in a copyright infringement case over the song Veera Raja Veera. The song, which appeared in the 2023 film Ponniyin Selvan: II, has sparked a fierce legal battle between Rahman, the production house Madras Talkies, and Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, a prominent Dhrupad maestro.
A R Rahman Faces Copyright Infringement Allegations
At the heart of this case lies an emotional dispute over musical heritage and intellectual property. Ustad Dagar claims that the melody of Veera Raja Veera is strikingly similar to Shiva Stuti, a composition created by his father, Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and his uncle, Zahiruddin Dagar.
The legal proceedings, which began in 2023, have escalated to an interim order by the Delhi High Court. In a recent ruling, the court has directed Rahman and Madras Talkies to deposit ₹2 crore with the court registry while the case continues. The court’s ruling also calls for a thorough review of the song’s composition, demanding that the raw recording of Veera Raja Veera be submitted for further examination.
The Emotional Battle: A Legacy Under Threat
For Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar and his family, this case represents more than just a legal matter; it is a fight to protect their musical legacy. They allege that Veera Raja Veera is not merely inspired by Shiva Stuti but is, in fact, identical to it in terms of its beat, structure, and melody. This claim has been supported by the court’s decision to listen to both compositions during hearings, with the judge noting the similarities in the musical elements of both pieces.
The dispute has stirred deep emotions within the Dagar family, as they believe their cultural inheritance has been misused. According to Dagar, A.R. Rahman took the complete composition and used it without permission. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “He took the entire composition, and used it as he pleased.” This is a serious accusation that touches on the heart of creativity, ownership, and respect for tradition.
A R Rahman Defence: A Matter of Inspiration, Not Theft
On the other side of the legal battle, A R Rahman and Madras Talkies have denied the allegations of plagiarism. Their defence argues that Veera Raja Veera was inspired by a different source, a 13th-century composition by Narayana Panditacharya, rather than Shiva Stuti. Rahman’s legal team also accused Dagar of seeking financial gain from the situation, asserting that the song’s composition was not a case of plagiarism but rather a homage to the rich tradition of Indian music.
Despite the defence, the court has sided with the plaintiff for now, stating that the song was not simply inspired by Shiva Stuti, but instead shared strikingly similar characteristics. This ruling has led to a temporary injunction requiring the producers of Ponniyin Selvan: II to add credits to the Dagar brothers on digital platforms and to correct the attribution of the song’s tradition from “Dargavani” to “Dagarvani” on YouTube within 48 hours.
A Fight for Cultural Integrity
The outcome of this case goes beyond just a financial settlement; it represents a larger battle over the ownership of India’s musical heritage. Dhrupad music, known for its deep spiritual and meditative qualities, is a precious part of India’s cultural fabric. When such a tradition is allegedly misused, it is seen as a loss not just for the family involved but for the preservation of a centuries-old art form.
The ongoing legal process will continue to examine the case’s complexities, and it is yet to be seen whether a permanent injunction will be imposed or whether A R Rahman and the producers of Ponniyin Selvan: II will be required to make further amends. What remains clear is that the case has ignited a broader conversation about respect for artistic heritage and the responsibility of those who create and share music with the world.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the ongoing legal case and the publicly available information at the time of writing. All parties involved in the case have the right to present their side, and the facts are subject to legal proceedings. The views expressed here are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute any judgment on the case’s outcome.
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