Ilaiyaraaja Wins Copyright Case Against GV Prakash’s Happy Raj; Madras HC Restrains Use of Hit Song

Veteran

composer Ilaiyaraaja has secured another legal victory in his long-running effort to protect the copyright of his musical compositions. The Madras High Court has restrained the makers of GV Prakash Kumar’s Happy Raj from using the iconic song Pothuvaaga En Manasu Thangam after Ilaiyaraaja alleged it had been included in the film without his permission. The order comes months after the film's theatrical release and marks a new win in the composer’s efforts to safeguard his creative works. Recently, The Delhi High Court upheld an interim injunction against Tamil composer Ilaiyaraaja, preventing him from exploiting, licensing, or asserting ownership over the music of 134 films until the case reaches its final verdict.

Madras High Court Restrains Use of Ilaiyaraaja's Song

Ilaiyaraaja has won a major copyright case after the Madras High Court ruled in his favour in a dispute involving GV Prakash Kumar's Happy Raj. The composer had alleged that the makers used his iconic song Pothuvaaga En Manasu Thangam from Murattu Kaalai without obtaining his consent.

According to Times Of India, the court has restrained the film's makers from using the song, even thoughHappy Raj had already completed its theatrical run after releasing on March 27. The ruling is seen as another important victory for Ilaiyaraaja, who has consistently taken legal action against the unauthorised use of his compositions, maintaining that his music cannot be used without prior permission.

About Happy Raj and Ilaiyaraaja's Copyright Stand

Directed by debutant Maria Raja Elanchezian, Happy Raj stars GV Prakash Kumar and Sri Gouri Priya in the lead roles. The film also marked Abbas' return to Tamil cinema and featured George Maryan, Geetha Kailasam, Prarthana, Madurai Muthu, Adhirchi Arun, and Devi Mahesh in supporting roles.

The story follows Anandraj, popularly known as Happy Raj, as he moves to Bengaluru to escape the stigma surrounding his family and begins a new chapter after meeting Kavya. Blending romance with emotional drama, the film explores themes of identity, dignity, and acceptance.The latest verdict adds to Ilaiyaraaja's ongoing efforts to protect his intellectual property. Recently, the legendary composer has also been involved in a long-running legal dispute with music label Saregama over copyright ownership. While courts have recognised Ilaiyaraaja's rights over his musical compositions, Saregama retains the exclusive rights to the sound recordings and lyrics of 134 commissioned films released between 1976 and 2007. The injunction covers several landmark films in Tamil cinema, including Annakkili, 16 Vayathiniley, Kavikkuyil, Bharathi, Pallavi Anu Pallavi, Mullum Malarum, and Raaja Paarvai, among many others.