Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja has initiated legal proceedings against the makers of the Tamil film Good Bad Ugly, accusing them of using his compositions without permission. The film, featuring Ajith Kumar in the lead, has become a box office success, but is now facing controversy over its soundtrack.
Ilaiyaraaja issued a legal notice to the production team, alleging that three of his original tracks—Otha Rubayum Tharen from Nattupura Pattu, Ilamai Idho Idho from Sakalakala Vallavan, and En Jodi Manja Kuruvi from Vikram—were used in the film without seeking his consent. He has expressed deep disappointment over what he describes as a violation of his copyright and artistic integrity.
In the notice, Ilaiyaraaja strongly stated, “Such actions constitute unauthorized use, appropriation and a clear infringement of our Client’s copyright and moral rights. You may also please take note that he has never accorded any permission or consent, either express or implied, for using/altering/distorting/changing the form of the of the musical work that has been used in the cinematograph Good Bad Ugly.”
The composer has demanded a compensation of ₹5 crore for the infringement and has called on the filmmakers to immediately cease the use of the songs in question. Furthermore, he insists that the altered versions of the tracks be removed from all platforms, both online and offline, and that a formal written apology be issued.
“Remove the altered versions of the songs Otha Rubayum Tharen from the Tamil movie Nattupura Pattu, the song Ilamai Idho Idho from the Tamil movie Sakalakala Vallavan and En Jodi Manja Kuruvi from the Tamil movie Vikram and all platforms where they are published or performed; Tender an unconditional,” the notice demands.
As of now, the production house behind Good Bad Ugly has not issued any official response to Ilaiyaraaja’s complaint.
Good Bad Ugly follows the story of AK, a gangster portrayed by Ajith Kumar, who attempts to escape his violent past and build a peaceful life with his family. Despite his efforts, the shadows of his past continue to haunt him. The film has crossed the ₹50 crore mark at the Indian box office, further raising the stakes in this unfolding legal drama.
