Rajiv Rai’s Copyright Dispute With Dhurandhar Makers Over “Tirchi Topiwale” Heads To Trial

A copyright dispute over the use of the iconic song “Tirchi Topiwale” from the 1989 film Tridev has escalated into a full trial after mediation between the makers of Dhurandhar and producer Rajiv Rai of Trimurti Films failed at the Delhi High Court, according to court proceedings on Wednesday. The case was filed by Rajiv Rai against Jio Studios and B62 Studios, alleging unauthorised use of the song in Dhurandhar 2. Rai contends that the song, originally composed by Kalyanji-Anandji and sung by Sapna Mukherjee and Amit Kumar, was incorporated into the film without obtaining proper permission from the rights holders.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed both parties to explore resolution through mediation in an attempt to avoid prolonged litigation. However, during the latest hearing, the court was informed that the mediation process had failed to produce any settlement, prompting the matter to be moved to a formal trial. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 8.

The disputed track, “Tirchi Topiwale,” became a major chartbuster upon its release in Tridev and has remained popular for over three decades. It is widely regarded as one of the defining Bollywood songs of the late 1980s, contributing significantly to the film’s commercial success and cultural legacy.

In Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the song reportedly appears during the film’s climax sequence, featuring actor Rakesh Bedi’s character narrating a key moment to the lead character played by Ranveer Singh. Alongside the original composition, the film also includes a remixed version titled “Rang De Lal,” with updated vocals and lyrics.

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The remix was composed by Shashwat Sachdeva and is part of the Dhurandhar 2 soundtrack, which has further intensified the dispute over rights and creative usage. The plaintiff argues that such use goes beyond permissible adaptation and requires explicit licensing from the original rights holders.

With mediation now exhausted, the case will proceed in court, where the central issue will revolve around intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, and the legality of using remixed versions of legacy film music in contemporary productions. The outcome is expected to have implications for future Bollywood practices involving the reuse and reimagining of classic songs.

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