According to reports, the producers of the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys have paid ₹60 lakh to musician Ilaiyaraaja for the unauthorised use of his song ‘Kanmani Anbodu’ from the 1991 film Gunaa. Ilaiyaraaja had initially filed a lawsuit, alleging that his permission was not sought before using the song in the film.
The producers of Manjummel Boys reportedly settled the issue by paying ₹60 lakh to Ilaiyaraaja, although he had originally demanded ₹2 crore for the unauthorised use. The song was prominently featured in the film’s climax, which contributed significantly to its success.
In May, Ilaiyaraaja’s legal team issued a notice to the producers, accusing them of copyright violation for using the song without obtaining permission or an NOC (No Objection Certificate). The legal notice emphasised that Ilaiyaraaja holds absolute rights to his musical works, and despite the film’s credits acknowledging him, his counsel described this as exploitation. Additionally, no royalties were paid to Ilaiyaraaja, further highlighting the breach of copyright laws.
Directed by Chidambaram, Manjummel Boys earned over ₹200 crore worldwide and is considered one of the top hits of 2024. The film follows a group of friends on a trip to Kodaikanal, where one of them faces peril in the ‘Gunaa’ cave. Despite the producers’ claim that they had acquired the song’s rights in Tamil and Telugu from audio labels Pyramid and Sreedevi Sounds, Ilaiyaraaja’s team maintains that he is the sole owner of the work. The film is also seen as a tribute to Kamal Haasan and Ilaiyaraaja.
Vakilsearch offers expert assistance for navigating copyright disputes and intellectual property issues. Whether you’re dealing with unauthorised use of creative works or seeking fair compensation, our experienced legal team can help you secure your rights and negotiate settlements effectively. Ensure your legal matters are handled with precision and care—contact us today for professional guidance and support.
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