Manjummel Boys, a blockbuster directed by Chidambaram, has garnered rave reviews from both audiences and critics. The film, which serves as an homage to the 1991 Kamal Haasan starrer Gunaa, features dialogues and a climactic scene that includes the iconic song ‘Kanmani Anbodu’.
However, the tribute took a controversial turn when Ilaiyaraaja, the original composer of the song, sent a legal notice to the Manjummel Boys team for using the song without his permission. This legal notice initiated a battle over the unauthorized use of the song, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property rights in the film industry.
Ilaiyaraaja Wins Legal Battle
Recent updates reveal that Ilaiyaraaja has emerged victorious in his legal battle against the makers of Manjummel Boys. The producers have compensated the legendary composer with Rs. 60 lakh for the unauthorized usage of the ‘Kanmani Anbodu’ song. Initially, Ilaiyaraaja demanded Rs. 2 crore, considering the film’s massive success. The settlement marks a significant moment in the protection of artistic rights, highlighting the need for filmmakers to secure proper permissions before using copyrighted material. The resolution through an out-of-court settlement underscores the value of negotiation and respect for intellectual property.
Manjummel Boys Out-of-Court Settlement
The Manjummel Boys team opted for an out-of-court settlement, agreeing to pay Ilaiyaraaja Rs. 60 lakh after extensive discussions with his legal team. The legal notice issued by Ilaiyaraaja’s team revealed that the ‘Kanmani Anbodu’ song was used without the composer’s consent, despite his holding complete rights over his original works under the Copyrights Act 1957.
Ilaiyaraaja’s Stance on Copyright Infringement
Ilaiyaraaja has consistently asserted his ownership of his compositions. Making it clear that any commercial exploitation of his work requires his explicit permission. This stance has led him to send legal notices to various filmmakers. Including the recent one to the makers of Coolie, the upcoming Rajinikanth starrer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. For the unauthorized use of the ‘Disco’ song from the film Thanga Magan. Ilaiyaraaja’s actions serve as a reminder to the film industry. Signifying to respecting artists’ rights and the legal consequences of failing to do so. This proactive approach by the legendary composer aims to safeguard his legacy and ensure that his works are used appropriately and respectfully.