Composer Ilaiyarajaa has taken legal action against Vanitha Film Productions, accusing them of using his composition ‘Sivarathri’ without permission in their recent film ‘Mrs. and Mr.’
However, on Monday, the Madras High Court declined to pass any immediate interim order, saying the other party must first have a chance to respond.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, who heard the case, made it clear that the court would not grant any ex-parte relief at this stage. The judge has now given actor-producer Vanitha Vijayakumar, who heads Vanitha Film Productions, one week to file a counter-affidavit.
At the heart of the controversy is the song ‘Sivarathri’, which Ilaiyarajaa originally composed for the 1990 Tamil classic ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan’.
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According to the composer, the new film ‘Mrs. and Mr.’, which released just last week, has used the song without seeking his permission.
But Ilaiyarajaa’s concerns don’t end there. He has also accused the makers of misusing his ‘personality rights’; in other words, his image, identity, or reputation for the film’s promotion.
In his plea, he has demanded that the song be immediately removed from the movie and has sought a permanent injunction to prevent any future use of his name or work without consent.
Additionally, the composer has asked the court to direct the production house to disclose the profits they have earned by allegedly capitalising on his reputation.