Composer Ilaiyaraaja Accuses Music Labels of Unauthorized Use of His Songs

As of October 23rd, 2025, renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja is engaged in an ongoing copyright battle against several music labels. In the latest development, Ilaiyaraaja has informed the Madras High Court that the Tamil film 'Dude', starring Pradeep Ranganathan, has used two of his songs without his prior authorization.

Ilaiyaraaja's legal representative, senior advocate S. Prabakaran, expressed his client's grievances, stating, "I am being cheated by music companies who continue to exploit my compositions without my prior authorization, even after the issue was brought before this court." The composer alleges that the music companies are persistently using his works without his consent, despite the matter being addressed in the court.

Opposing the submissions, the music company's senior advocate Vijay Narayan informed the court that they have filed a transfer application before the Supreme Court, and the apex court has issued a notice on the same. However, Ilaiyaraaja's lawyer argued that the Supreme Court has not issued any interim orders staying the proceedings before the High Court, and therefore, there is no impediment for the High Court to hear the case.

The High Court has also directed the music company to file a report on the day-to-day revenue generated by exploiting Ilaiyaraaja's compositions. While the company claims the report is ready and they are inclined to file it in a sealed cover to maintain confidentiality, Ilaiyaraaja's lawyer has objected to the use of sealed covers, citing the Supreme Court's stance on the matter.

The court has adjourned the hearing to November 27th, 2025, and has asked Ilaiyaraaja to file a separate application for his grievances against the movie 'Dude'. The ongoing battle highlights the composer's fight to protect his intellectual property rights and ensure fair compensation for the use of his musical works.