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New Delhi: In a dramatic courtroom twist, Tamil film Dude’s producers have shelled out Rs 50 lakh to music legend Ilaiyaraaja to end a heated copyright battle. The 82-year-old maestro accused big music labels of “cheating” him by sneaking his iconic songs into Pradeep Ranganathan’s blockbuster without permission.

What started as a Madras High Court showdown over unauthorised use has now wrapped up in a surprise settlement, revealing the high stakes of Tamil cinema’s music wars. Will this quiet Ilaiyaraaja’s long fight against labels?

Courtroom settlement details

Mythri Movie Makers, the production house behind Dude, reached a compromise with Ilaiyaraaja after he dragged them to the Madras High Court. The veteran composer alleged unauthorised use of his chartbuster songs Nooru Varusham and Karutha Machan in the Pradeep Ranganathan-starrer. According to PTI reports, Mythri paid Ilaiyaraaja Rs 50 lakh as part of the deal recorded in a joint memorandum dated November 28, 2025.

Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy examined the agreement and found “no legal impediment for decreeing the suit in terms thereof.” He closed the application, bringing the copyright infringement case to an end. The suit sought relief over the alleged misuse of Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions.

About the film Dude

Dude is a Tamil romantic comedy-drama directed by Keerthiswaran, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju. Released earlier in 2025, the film raked in Rs 100 crore at the box office, making it one of Tamil cinema’s biggest hits that year. However, its success hit a snag when Ilaiyaraaja filed the suit, spotlighting the unauthorised song usage.

 Ilaiyaraaja’s legacy and stance

Ilaiyaraaja, a Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner, has composed over 8,600 songs and scored 1,523 films across nine languages in a 50-year career. He ranks as the only Indian on Taste of Cinema’s list of the 25 greatest film composers. The legend has repeatedly called out big music labels, stating he is being “cheated” by them for using his work without consent or knowledge.

This settlement underscores ongoing tensions in the industry, where Ilaiyaraaja continues to protect his vast musical empire. Fans hope it paves the way for fairer practices in Tamil film music rights.