In a twist to the lingering copyright battle over ‘Veyra Raja Veyra,’ India’s Supreme Court has postponed proceedings involving legendary singer Ustad Fayyaz Wasifuddin Dagar against composer AR Rahman. The matter, now rescheduled to February 13, stems from allegations that the Ponniyin Selvan 2 track plagiarizes Dagar’s family heirloom ‘Shiv Stuti.’
Dagar, from the illustrious Dagar lineage of dhrupad exponents, filed the suit in 2023, arguing that the song replicates the rhythm and essence of their 1970s-era devotional piece, showcased globally without consent.
Defending his creation, Rahman emphasized distinct lyrics and a fresh musical framework, rooted in medieval Sanskrit poetry by Narayan Pandit, not the claimants’ rendition.
The case’s journey through courts has been rollercoaster-like. Delhi High Court’s initial single judge mandated financial security from Dagar and credit insertions on streaming services. Yet, an appellate bench dismissed the plea months later, citing insufficient proof of exclusive authorship by the Junior Dagar Brothers.
This deferral keeps the spotlight on intellectual property rights in Indian music, where ancient hymns often inspire contemporary scores. As legal arguments evolve, the dispute raises broader questions about crediting oral traditions in commercial cinema.
With Supreme Court intervention, expect deeper scrutiny into melodic similarities, potentially reshaping how filmmakers honor classical influences while safeguarding artists’ legacies.