The Ajith Kumar starrer Good Bad Ugly, widely seen as a fanboy service to the star, is a big box office success. The film is running to packed houses. 

Rather than make headlines for that, the film is, however, making news for a different reason.  Tamil film music legend Ilaiyaraaja has legal notice on the producers --- Mythri Movie Makers. The veteran composer has alleged that the film team had no authorisation from him to use and alter his iconic songs. He has demanded Rs 5 crore compensation and accountability.

As per the legal notice from the music director, three of his famed numbers — Otha Rubayum Tharen (Nattupura Pattu, 1996), Ilamai Idho Idho (Sakalakala Vallavan, 1982), and En Jodi Manja Kuruvi (Vikram, 1986) — were used in Good Bad Ugly without his consent or payment of royalties. The songs were reportedly altered and integrated into the film's soundtrack, which is a violation of his copyright and moral rights. He has also sought immediate removal of the altered tracks from all versions of the movie.

Also Read: Ajith Kumar’s ‘Good Bad Ugly’ Becomes 2025’s Biggest Tamil Opener with ₹28.5 Cr on Day One

The notice  said that no form of consent — express or implied — was granted, making the act a clear infringement under Section 51 of the Copyright Act.

This isn't the first time Ilaiyaraaja has taken legal steps to protect his compositions. In 2024, he issued a similar notice to the makers of Malayalam movie Manjummel Boys for using his iconic song Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan (Gunaa, 1991), which was settled for Rs 60 lakh. 

As of now, Mythri Movie Makers, the producers of Good Bad Ugly, have not issued an official response to the legal notice sent by Ilaiyaraaja. But it is said that the production house has reportedly obtained No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from music labels for the usage of the songs, Ilaiyaraaja's legal team, however, claims that the composer’s moral and copyright rights have been violated. Interestingly, the film also features the song Thottu Thottu Pesum Sultana (Ethirum Puthirum, 1999). And there has been no issue with it. Or at least, the music director concerned, Vidyasagar, has not dashed off any legal notice.

The controversy may overshadow the film's box office success, which has already crossed  Rs 170 crore globally.  Directed by Adhik Ravichandran and featuring Ajith Kumar and Trisha Krishnan, the film has emerged as the biggest Tamil blockbuster of 2025.

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