Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja has taken legal action against a film production for allegedly misusing his musical creations. The latest to land in legal hot water is superstar Ajith Kumar's Tamil action-comedy Good Bad Ugly, which the maestro claims used altered versions of his iconic songs without his consent.
In a legal notice sent to the film's producers, Ilaiyaraaja alleged that three of his popular tracks – Otha Rubayum Tharen (from 1996 film Nattupura Pattu), Ilamai Idho Idho (from the 1979 film Sakalakala Vallavan), and En Jodi Manja Kuruvi (from the 1986 film Vikram) – were used in the movie without authorisation.
The notice accuses the filmmakers of altering and commercially exploiting the songs without acquiring rights or paying royalties.
The notice sent by Ilaiyaraaja reportedly states, "It has come to our client's knowledge that his original creations… have been used, altered, and commercially exploited in your cinematograph film titled Good Bad Ugly without obtaining express consent… and without payment of royalties that he is statutorily entitled to."
The composer has demanded Rs 5 crore in compensation following the film's box office success, as well as the immediate removal of the altered tracks from all versions of the movie. He also seeks a written apology and a detailed report of the revenue generated through the usage of the said songs.
The notice further mentions that "no form of consent express or implied" was granted, and labels the act as a violation of his copyright and moral rights.
What's next?
With Good Bad Ugly enjoying a strong box office run, it remains to be seen how the producers of Ajith and Trisha Krishnan's film will respond to Ilaiyaraaja - whether they will settle the dispute quietly or fight it legally.
Good Bad Ugly's box office success
Good Bad Ugly isn't just setting new records for Ajith but it is also giving the Tamil film industry a much-needed boost after a slow start at the box office this year. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the film has now become the highest-grossing Tamil movie of 2025, overtaking Pradeep Ranganathan's Dragon.
According to Sacnilk, the film has earned Rs 170 crore globally within five days of its release.
When Ilaiyaraaja sent a notice to Manjummel Boys makers
This isn't the first time Ilaiyaraaja has taken such a step. In 2024, he had served a similar notice to the makers of Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys for using the track Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan from Gunaa, which released in 1991.
While he initially demanded Rs 2 crore, the matter was reportedly settled after the producers paid Rs 60 lakh.
Ilaiyaraaja, widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's greatest music composers, has been increasingly vocal about copyright enforcement and artistic integrity, especially as his classic tracks continue to be reimagined in modern cinema.
