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.

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.

Rajkummar Rao is riding a wave of cinematic momentum in 2025, juggling multiple projects that showcase his versatility. The actor is currently immersed in promoting his upcoming romantic drama Bhool Chuk Maaf alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, while also generating excitement for his gritty gangster film Maalik.

In a recent update, Rao announced that Maalik, initially slated for June 20, will now hit theaters on July 11. This action-thriller marks Rao’s first foray into playing a ruthless gangster, promising a high-octane performance.

Rao shared the news on Instagram, unveiling a striking poster that captures his intense transformation. Dressed in a sharp white outfit, he stands atop a police jeep, gripping a gun with a steely gaze.

His caption read, “Raub, Rutba, aur RAJ hoga Maalik ka, 11 July se. Aa rahe hain #Maalik, sirf cinemagharon mein.” The poster, first revealed on Rao’s 40th birthday, carried the tagline, “Maalik. Paida nahi ho sakta, ban toh sakta hai,” hinting at a character forged by ambition and grit. Directed by a fresh talent and backed by a reputed production house, Maalik is poised to redefine Rao’s onscreen persona.

Meanwhile, Bhool Chuk Maaf is creating its own buzz, particularly with the release of its latest track, Chor Bazari Phir Se. The song, a vibrant blend of nostalgic charm and modern flair, has taken the internet by storm. Composed by Pritam and Tanishk Bagchi, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, it features powerhouse vocals from Sunidhi Chauhan, Neeraj Shridhar, Zahrah S Khan, and Bagchi himself. The track’s infectious energy and soulful undertones make it a celebration of free-spirited romance, amplified by a visually captivating music video that highlights the chemistry between Rao’s Ranjan Tiwari and Gabbi’s Titli Mishra.

Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Bhool Chuk Maaf promises a heartfelt narrative woven with humor and emotion. Set for a global theatrical release on May 9, 2025, the film is already generating anticipation for its fresh pairing and evocative soundtrack. Industry trends suggest a strong appetite for such genre-blending stories, with romantic dramas drawing diverse audiences in recent months.

Rao’s ability to pivot from a gangster’s intensity to a romantic lead underscores his range, cementing his status as one of India’s most dynamic actors. As Maalik and Bhool Chuk Maaf gear up for release, fans are eager to see how Rao’s performances will light up the big screen.