The Delhi High Court has directed renowned composer AR Rahman and the makers of the film Ponniyin Selvan 2 to deposit Rs 2 crore in connection with a copyright infringement case concerning the musical piece ‘Shiv Stuti’ originally composed by the Junior Dagar Brothers.

In an interim order issued by Justice Prathiba M Singh on April 25, the court observed that the song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ from the film was “not just inspired but is, in fact, identical” to the ‘Shiv Stuti’ in terms of notes, emotional tone, and overall aural experience. The court emphasized that from a listener’s perspective, the two compositions are fundamentally the same.

Rights violation confirmed by court

Justice Singh highlighted that the rights of the original composers — Late Ustad N. Faiyazuddin Dagar and Late Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar — were violated. The court further directed that a slide crediting the Junior Dagar Brothers must be inserted across all OTT and online platforms where the film is available. Additionally, the court awarded Rs 2 lakh as costs to a family member of the late artists.

Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of Zahiruddin Dagar, had filed the lawsuit, asserting that he held the copyright to all original works of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including ‘Shiv Stuti’. The lawsuit alleged unauthorized use by the makers of Ponniyin Selvan 2.

Court highlights clear copyright infringement

The court ruled that despite the addition of modern elements and changes in lyrics, the essence of ‘Veera Raja Veera’ remains identical to ‘Shiv Stuti’. Thus, it amounts to copyright infringement. The court ordered that the Rs 2 crore deposited be held in a fixed deposit pending the final outcome of the case.

The court also pointed out that AR Rahman initially failed to acknowledge the original composers. It noted that Rahman only credited the work after being contacted by the plaintiff, suggesting a reluctant recognition.

Defendants’ arguments rejected

Rahman’s legal team had argued that ‘Shiv Stuti’ was based on the traditional dhrupad genre, a style in the public domain, and thus not eligible for copyright protection. However, the court found sufficient grounds to believe that the specific composition held copyright value.

The court maintained that without interim protection, irreparable harm would be caused to the original creators’ moral and creative rights. It also acknowledged the deep musical connection between the Junior Dagar Brothers and the defendants, noting that the singers of the disputed song were disciples of the plaintiff.

Digital content creator Misha Agarwal, admired for her relatable humor and authenticity, has tragically passed away just two days before her 25th birthday. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news through an official statement shared on her Instagram account, seeking privacy as they cope with this profound loss.

Known for her unfiltered take on everyday life, Misha developed a strong and devoted following across social media platforms. Her content, filled with warmth, humor, and sincerity, resonated deeply with thousands who found comfort and laughter through her posts.

In their emotional statement, Misha’s family wrote:
“Misha Agrawal April 26, 2000 – April 24, 2025. It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news of Misha Agrawal’s passing. Thank you all for the love and support you showed her and her work. We are still trying to come to terms with this immense loss. Please keep her in your thoughts and continue to carry her spirit in your hearts.”

The news of her sudden demise has left her fanbase and the larger creator community in mourning. Tributes have poured in from fellow content creators, fans, and followers, many of whom remembered her ability to brighten even the darkest days.

On social media, emotional comments flooded her posts. One user expressed confusion and sadness, saying, “Her sister posted this too, I’m totally confused, somebody please enlighten me,” while another wrote, “Ideally it’s her birthday today…. Please tell me is it something like she is reborn today… now that she’ll be 25 today… please… ritu you have said ‘don’t worry we’ll keep her alive in our hearts’ please tell us what is going on…”

Misha’s unique ability to spotlight the humor in everyday struggles, relationships, and adulthood endeared her to a diverse audience. Her presence was not just entertaining but also comforting, making her a cherished voice in the digital world.

Despite her untimely passing, Misha Agarwal leaves behind a legacy rich with laughter, sincerity, and human connection. In a digital space often craving genuine voices, her memory and impact will continue to live on through her work and the hearts she touched.

Thudarum, starring Mohanlal and Shobana, made a significant mark at the box office on its opening day by earning Rs 5.5 crore. Despite opting for a low-profile release, the film has emerged as the second-biggest Malayalam opener of 2025, following Empuraan, which collected Rs 18.6 crore on its first day.

Strong start despite limited promotions

In an unusual move for a superstar-led film, the makers of Thudarum chose to let the film’s content speak for itself rather than indulging in heavy promotions. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film’s organic buzz worked well, with audiences flocking to theaters and resulting in impressive occupancy rates.

The opening day saw a 62.27% occupancy, with evening shows at 68.25% and night shows touching an outstanding 84%. Major cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kollam, Kottayam, and Alappuzha reported occupancy levels between 95% and 99% for night screenings.

A strong contender among recent Malayalam releases

Despite facing multiple release delays, Thudarum outperformed several Vishu season releases. It did better than Mammootty’s Bazooka (Rs 3.2 crore), Alappuzha Gymkhana (Rs 2.65 crore), and Rekhachithram (Rs 1.9 crore), showcasing Mohanlal’s enduring box office pull.

Positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim, especially highlighting the ‘vintage Mohanlal’ charm, hint at a promising weekend run for the film.

Mohanlal expresses heartfelt gratitude

Reacting to the overwhelming response, Mohanlal penned an emotional note, thanking audiences for embracing Thudarum. He expressed gratitude to his co-stars, director Tharun Moorthy, and the entire crew for their dedication in bringing the project to life.

Reunion of legends

Thudarum marks the much-awaited reunion of Mohanlal and Shobana after Mambazhakaalam (2004). The story follows a family man whose life spirals into chaos after his beloved car becomes the center of a legal battle. Alongside Mohanlal and Shobana, the film features Prakash Varma, Binu Pappu, Farhaan Faasil, Thomas Mathew, and Bharathiraja. Produced by M Renjith, it is Tharun Moorthy’s third directorial venture after the success of Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka.