‘Veera Raja Veera’ Dispute against A.R. Rahman

Background

The Supreme Court of India has resolved a copyright dispute between music composer A.R. Rahman and Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar over the song 'Veera Raja Veera' from the film Ponniyin Selvan II. The dispute arose from the use of the classical Dhrupad composition 'Shiva Stuti' in the film song, with Dagar alleging that protectable portions of 'Shiva Stuti' were incorporated into the film song without authorization.

Court's Observation

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi recorded Rahman's undertaking to give credit to Late Ustad Faiyazuddin Dagar and Late Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar in relation to the song 'Veera Raja Veera'. The court noted that the revised credits would be displayed on all OTT and online platforms within five weeks.

The revised credit will read: 'Composition inspired from the Dagarwani tradition Dhrupad, first recorded by Late Ustad Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of Late Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar, recorded as Shiv Stuti.' The court clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the copyright claims and that the trial court would adjudicate the suit in accordance with law.

Decision

The court closed the appeal filed by Dagar against a division bench order of the Delhi High Court that had modified interim relief granted in the copyright dispute. The court also recorded that the sum of Rs. 2 crore deposited pursuant to the April 25, 2025 judgment of the Delhi High Court would continue to remain with the Registrar, subject to further orders.

The key points of the decision are:

• Rahman undertook to give credit to Late Ustad Faiyazuddin Dagar and Late Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar in relation to the song 'Veera Raja Veera'.
• The revised credits would be displayed on all OTT and online platforms within five weeks.
• The court clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the copyright claims and that the trial court would adjudicate the suit in accordance with law.

Cause Title: Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar vs. A.R. Rahman