Ilayaraja Sends Legal Notice to ‘Good Bad Ugly’ Makers, Demands ₹5 Crore for Unauthorized Song Use:

Legendary music composer Ilayaraja has served a legal notice to the producers of the Tamil film Good Bad Ugly, demanding ₹5 crore as compensation for using his iconic songs without permission. The notice was sent to the production house, Mythri Movie Makers, through his legal counsel.

The veteran composer objected to the unauthorized use of the following classic tracks:

Otha Roobaiyum Tharen...

En Jodi Manja Kuruvi...

Ilamai Idho Idho...

In the notice, Ilayaraja demanded the immediate removal of these songs from the film and an unconditional public apology within seven days.

Songs Featured Prominently in Key Scenes

The film, which pays tribute to actor Ajith Kumar’s past works, includes several references to his earlier films. Ilayaraja’s hit number Ilamai Idho Idho... is featured during a high-intensity fight sequence, while Otha Roobaiyum Tharen... is used in key scenes, notably during the villain Arjun Das’s introduction.

Not Ilayaraja’s First Legal Dispute Over Music Rights

This isn't Ilayaraja's first legal confrontation over song rights. In 2024, the Malayalam film Manjummel Boys faced a similar issue for using the track Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan... without prior approval. That case reportedly ended in a settlement of ₹60 lakh after the film’s strong box office run.

Good Bad Ugly’s Box Office Run Remains Strong

Despite the controversy, Good Bad Ugly continues to perform exceptionally well at the box office:

₹100+ crore in India

₹170+ crore globally

The film, released on April 10, 2025, remains a commercial success across South India. However, it remains to be seen whether the production team will comply with Ilayaraja’s demands or opt for legal proceedings.