Mon Jul 14 06:51:54 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Renowned music composer Ilaiyarajaa has filed a civil suit against Vanitha Film Productions, alleging the unauthorized use of his song “Sivarathri” from the 1990 film *Michael Madana Kama Rajan* in their recent movie, *Mrs. and Mr.* He also accuses the production house of misusing his personality rights for promotional purposes. The Madras High Court has declined to issue an immediate interim order against the production house, granting them a week to file a counter affidavit. Vanitha Film Productions claims to have obtained the rights to use the song from an audio company, while Ilaiyarajaa’s counsel argues he retains all rights to the song.

**News Article:**

**Madras High Court Hears Ilaiyarajaa’s Copyright Claim Against Vanitha Film Productions**

**CHENNAI – July 14, 2025** – The Madras High Court has heard a civil suit filed by legendary music composer R. Ilaiyarajaa against Vanitha Film Productions, alleging copyright infringement and misuse of personality rights. The suit centers on the use of Ilaiyarajaa’s song “Sivarathri,” originally composed for the 1990 Kamal Haasan film *Michael Madana Kama Rajan,* in the production house’s new movie, *Mrs. and Mr.*

Ilaiyarajaa is seeking the removal of the song from the film and a permanent injunction against Vanitha Film Productions exploiting his personality rights for promotional purposes. He is also demanding a disclosure of profits derived from the alleged infringement.

Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy refrained from issuing an immediate interim order to halt the use of the song or the film’s promotion, granting Vanitha Film Productions a week to file a counter affidavit.

During the hearing, Ilaiyarajaa’s counsel, A. Saravanan, asserted that the composer holds all rights to the song, while Vanitha Film Productions’ counsel, Sridhar Moorthy, argued that the production company obtained the rights from an audio company. Mr. Moorthy further stated a dispute between the composer and Echo Recording, as well as Sony Music, was still pending before a Division Bench of the High Court.
Justice Ramamoorthy questioned the basis for Vanitha Productions’ use of Ilaiyarajaa’s personality rights in their advertisements. The case is set to continue next week.

Read More