Copyright Case: Delhi HC Directs A R Rahman, Ponniyin Selvan 2 Makers To Deposit Rs 2 cr

A R Rahman

The Delhi High Court has determined that “Veera Raja Veera,” featured in the film Ponniyin Selvan 2 and composed by AR Rahman, is virtually a copy of “Shiva Stuti,” the classical masterpiece created by the renowned Dagar siblings—Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin and Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar.

Copyright Suit

The dispute began when Padma Shri awardee and classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar filed a copyright infringement case. He claimed that the Rahman composition lifted the essence and structure of his family’s century-old work without proper acknowledgment.

Court’s Observation On Musical Similarity

Presiding over the trial, Justice Prathiba M. Singh concluded that Rahman’s piece went beyond mere inspiration. The judgment explicitly states the challenged composition is “not merely based or inspired” by “Shiva Stuti” but is, in fact, “identical” in its musical framework, differing only in negligible embellishments.

Orders For Correct Attribution

The court has mandated that AR Rahman and Madras Talkies, the production company behind Ponniyin Selvan 2, update the song’s credits wherever it appears. Instead of referencing the generic “Dagarvani tradition,” the credit roll must now read:

“Composed by Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar.”

This corrected acknowledgment must be applied across all OTT platforms, streaming services, and any digital outlets featuring the track. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting classical creators under the Copyright Act.

Financial Penalties & Security Deposit

Alongside the credit revision, the court imposed substantial financial conditions:

₹2 crore to be deposited with the court registry as security pending the outcome of further proceedings.

₹2 lakh payable to the Dagar family to cover their litigation costs.

Justice Singh reproached the film’s producers for initially omitting specific credit to the Dagar brothers and only offering minimal acknowledgment after being prompted.

Importance Of Honoring Classical Heritage

This landmark verdict highlights the vital importance of respecting India’s classical music legacy. By insisting on accurate credits and financial safeguards, the court has sent a clear message: original composers, especially those from venerable traditions, deserve explicit recognition and protection against unauthorized appropriation.

As Ponniyin Selvan 2 continues to stream globally, viewers will now see proper attribution to the Dagar maestros, ensuring their contribution to India’s musical heritage receives the spotlight it merits.