AR Rahman Ordered to Pay Rs 2 Crore by Delhi High Court in Song Dispute

The Delhi High Court has asked music legend A.R. Rahman and Madras Talkies, the production company behind the Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan 2, to deposit Rs 2 crore in a copyright case. The court also directed them to pay Rs 2 lakh to Anil Kumar Dagar, who claims the film's song Veera Raja Veera copies his original work.

The controversy revolves around Dagar’s accusation that the song, featured in the 2023 hit movie directed by Mani Ratnam, borrows heavily from his copyrighted composition. Rahman and Madras Talkies have denied the allegations, saying the song was inspired by a 13th-century piece by Narayana Panditacharya, which they argue is in the public domain. Rahman’s lawyers called Dagar’s claims a money-making scheme, but the court issued the temporary fine while the case continues.

The ruling has stirred up a storm online and among fans. Many of Rahman’s supporters, who know him as a two-time Oscar winner with a track record of originality, find it hard to believe he’d copy someone else’s work. Others say the court’s decision is a step toward protecting artists’ rights and that the truth needs to come out. Social media posts on X show fans split, some back the court’s move, while others stand firmly by Rahman.

This legal trouble adds to a tough period for Rahman, who recently opened up about his divorce in November 2024. He’s admitted that such controversies take a toll on his mental health, even as he prepares for his “Wonderment” tour.

The case highlights how tricky copyright issues can be in music, where inspiration and imitation often overlap. The court will hold more hearings to decide if Dagar’s claims hold up, and the final ruling could influence how similar cases are handled in India’s entertainment world.