Copyright disputes are increasingly impacting India’s film and OTT sectors, with a notable case in the spotlight. Ajith Kumar’s film Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, has been taken down from Netflix following an interim ruling by the Madras High Court regarding copyright infringement allegations. The movie, featuring Trisha, Arjun Das, Prasanna, Prabhu, and Sunil, was released in theaters on April 10 and became available on Netflix on May 8. However, it is now unavailable for viewing after renowned composer Ilaiyaraaja claimed that multiple iconic songs of his were used without authorization. The songs in question include Ottha Ruba Tharen, En Jodi Manja Kuruvi, and Ilamai Idho Idho.
Reports indicate that Ilaiyaraaja initially sought ₹5 crore in damages along with a formal apology. After negotiations broke down, he proceeded to file a lawsuit against the producers, Mythri Movie Makers. Although the production company asserted they had secured permission, they could not provide legal documentation to the court. In his interim decision, Justice N Senthilkumar prohibited the filmmakers from showcasing, distributing, or streaming the film on any platform, including Netflix, until the issue is resolved. This ruling highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on copyright enforcement within the entertainment industry. This situation is not unprecedented; previously, Nani’s 2021 thriller V was removed from Amazon Prime Video due to similar copyright concerns.
Netflix has also faced challenges, particularly with documentaries featuring actress Nayanthara, which encountered issues related to personality rights. The controversy surrounding Good Bad Ugly emphasizes the increasing complexities regarding music rights and fair use within films. For now, Ajith’s fans will have to wait, as the film remains offline until the legal proceedings are concluded.