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Music legend Ilaiyaraaja has taken legal action against the makers of Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, accusing them of using his songs without permission. The composer moved the Madras High Court, claiming that music labels and film producers have been using and altering his original compositions without authorisation. He told the court that these companies continue to “cheat” him by adding new beats and modifying his work, violating his moral and creative rights.

The case was heard by Justice N Senthilkumar, with senior advocate S Prabhakaran representing Ilaiyaraaja. The plea has been filed against Sony Music India for allegedly allowing the use of Ilaiyaraaja’s songs, including Karutha Machan from the 1991 Tamil film Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu, in Dude. Prabhakaran argued that Sony had not submitted a proper written response or detailed revenue accounts as previously instructed by the court. Although Sony’s lawyer claimed the company submitted financial details in a sealed cover for confidentiality, the judge refused to accept it, stating that the Supreme Court had criticised such practices.

Meanwhile, Ilaiyaraaja’s legal team also pointed out that it was unrealistic for the composer to file individual petitions every time his music was used without consent. “I may be a famous music composer, but I am being cheated by these companies. They keep using my songs without authorisation, distorting them, and adding unnecessary beats,” Prabhakaran said on Ilaiyaraaja’s behalf. The court noted that the musician was free to file separate complaints if more unauthorised uses were discovered.

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On the other hand, this isn’t the first time Ilaiyaraaja has taken a strong stand against big production houses. Earlier this year, his lawsuit against Good Bad Ugly, starring Ajith Kumar, resulted in the film being removed from Netflix for using his songs without permission. Dude is also backed by Mythri Movie Makers, the same production house. Reports suggest that the label paid around Rs 15–20 lakh for two songs, but Ilaiyaraaja insists that no one can use his music without his personal consent. The next hearing in the case will continue next month, as the dispute between Ilaiyaraaja and Sony Music India over copyright and moral rights unfolds.

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