Ilayaraja sends legal notice to makers of 'Manjummel Boys' for unauthorized use of song from 'Gunaa'

CHENNAI: Veteran musician Ilayaraja has filed a copyright infringement complaint against the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys stating that the song 'Kanmani Anbodu' was included in the film without seeking his permission.

Ilayaraja clarified that his permission was not sought to include 'Kanmani Anbodu' song in the film. In the notice, he clarified that though the makers of the Malayalam movie had given credit to him in the title cards, it is not a substitute for his permission/license/consent for using the musical work. He added that the exploitation of the work for commercial gain without his permission/license and without payment of royalty or license fee was a violation of law. Ilayaraja has also demanded compensation within 15 days failing which legal action will be taken.

Ilaiyaraja claimed that being the first owner of his original musical works, he holds absolute rights, including moral rights of the song he composed for 'Gunaa'.

Earlier, the court had stayed the further proceedings in the case filed against the producers of Manjummel Boys on charges of conspiracy and fraud. The court's interim order came on a petition filed by Babu Shahir, a partner of the manufacturer Parava Films. The court had earlier stayed the arrest of Soubin and Shawn Anthony in the case. A case was filed against the makers of Manjummal Boys on the complaint of Siraj Valiyatharayil, who alleged that the profit share of the film was not shared.

Manjummel Boys, directed by Chidambaram, emerged as an industrial hit film and grossed Rs 200 crores worldwide and was well received in Kerala and outside.