Summary: Legendary musician Dr. Ilaiyaraaja and Mythri Movie Makers have settled a copyright dispute over the use of his songs in their films. The court case was resolved with a financial settlement and agreements on song usage.
On December 3, 2025, Dr. Ilaiyaraaja filed a lawsuit in the Madras High Court against Mythri Movie Makers, represented by Naveen Yerneni. The issue was about the unauthorized use of his copyrighted songs, "Nooru Varusham" and "Karutha Machan," in the movie "Dude." Dr. Ilaiyaraaja wanted the court to stop the misuse and demanded the removal of his works from public streaming platforms.
"A permanent injunction restraining the defendant from exploiting or infringing any of the plaintiff’s copyrighted works..."
The parties decided to settle the matter outside of court. On November 28, 2025, they signed a joint agreement. Mythri Movie Makers agreed to pay Dr. Ilaiyaraaja Rs. 50,00,000 after taxes. This payment was for the use of his songs in the films "Dude" and "Good Bad Ugly."
"The Defendant has paid a total sum of Rs.50,00,000..."
As part of the settlement, Mythri Movie Makers can continue using Dr. Ilaiyaraaja’s songs in "Dude." However, they agreed not to use his compositions in any other films, specifically "Good Bad Ugly." This agreement was crucial in resolving the dispute peacefully.
"The Defendant shall continue to use the songs originally composed by the Plaintiff in the movie 'Dude'..."
The Honorable Mr. Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy closed the case based on the agreement between both parties. With both sides agreeing to cover their own legal costs, the case was officially closed on December 3, 2025.
"Accordingly, C.S.(Comm.Div.) No.299 of 2025 is decreed in terms of joint memorandum of compromise..."
This settlement marks the end of a significant legal battle over copyright infringement, ensuring that Dr. Ilaiyaraaja’s creative rights are respected while allowing Mythri Movie Makers to continue their movie projects.
