Music maestro AR Rahman and the makers of Ponniyin Selvan 2 have found themselves entangled in a copyright dispute involving the classical piece Shiv Stuti, originally rendered by the late Junior Dagar Brothers. The Delhi High Court has directed Rahman and the production house Madras Talkies to deposit ₹2 crore as part of an interim relief in the ongoing lawsuit.
What the Court Said
In an order passed on April 25, Justice Prathiba M Singh noted that Rahman’s song Veera Raja Veera from Ponniyin Selvan 2 was “not just inspired but is, in fact, identical” to Shiv Stuti, based on a listener’s perspective.
- The Court observed that while the lyrics differ, the taal, beat, and musical structure of Veera Raja Veera are nearly identical to Shiv Stuti.
- It further ruled that adding modern elements to the song does not diminish the original composition’s core resemblance.
The Court ordered:
- A deposit of ₹2 crore with the Court, to be kept in a fixed deposit until the final outcome of the case.
- A special credit slide acknowledging the Junior Dagar Brothers to be added to all OTT and online platforms where Ponniyin Selvan 2 is available.
- A sum of ₹2 lakh to be granted to the family of the Junior Dagar Brothers in recognition of their contribution to Indian classical music.
Veera Raja Veera and the Shiv Stuti Controversy
The lawsuit was initiated in 2023 by classical singer Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of Ustad Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar. Faiyaz claimed:
- He holds the copyright over original compositions of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including Shiv Stuti.
- The musical structure of Veera Raja Veera — despite different lyrics — mirrors Shiv Stuti’s original composition.
- He sought a permanent injunction, damages, and formal recognition of the Junior Dagar Brothers’ moral rights.
In defense, Rahman’s legal team argued:
- Shiv Stuti belongs to the traditional Dhrupad genre, which they claimed is part of the public domain.
- They contended that the style and structure lacked sufficient originality to qualify for copyright protection.
However, the Court’s interim findings favored Faiyaz’s position, pending a final ruling.
About Ponniyin Selvan 2
Ponniyin Selvan 2, directed by Mani Ratnam, is the second installment of the epic historical fiction based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel. Featuring a star-studded cast and Rahman’s powerful musical score, the film has been critically acclaimed for its grand storytelling and cinematic excellence.
Final Word
This case could set an important precedent in Indian copyright law, especially regarding the protection of traditional classical compositions. As the legal battle unfolds, the music community and fans alike will be closely watching how the Court ultimately rules.
