In May, the veteran music director sent a legal notice to the Malayalam film’s producers for "unlawfully" using "Kanmani Anbodu" from 'Gunaa' without his consent, permission, or license.
Published Aug 05, 2024 | 12:09 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2024 | 12:09 AM
Ilaiyaraaja. (X)
Earlier this year, Ilaiyaraaja issued a legal notice to the makers of Manjummel Boys for using his song “Kanmani Anbodu” from Gunaa (1991) without permission. Recently, citing the film’s commercial success, he demanded ₹2 crore. The legal issue has now been resolved.
After receiving the legal notice, the Manjummel Boys producers met with Ilaiyaraaja. Initially, he demanded ₹2 crore due to the film’s success, but the issue was settled for ₹60 lakh, which the producers paid.
The producers acknowledged Ilaiyaraaja’s contribution to the music industry but found the demand exorbitant. After intense negotiations, both parties agreed to a ₹60 lakh settlement.
The financial settlement ended the legal dispute but sparked public debate. Ilaiyaraaja faced criticism for legal action against a young team instead of supporting their talent.
Meanwhile, the producers sought to avoid prolonged legal battles, prioritising the film’s reputation. Ultimately, the issue was resolved, allowing both sides to move on.
This isn’t the first time Ilaiyaraaja has issued legal notices. Previously, he sent a copyright notice to the makers of Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, for using his music in the promo video without his approval.
‘Manjummel Boys’ creates history by grossing ₹200 crore club in Malayalam. (X)
Originally composed for the Kamal Haasan starrer, Gunaa, “Kanmani Anbodu” was used in Manjummel Boys without permission, as noted by Ilaiyaraaja’s lawyers.
In the notice, Ilaiyaraaja demanded that the filmmakers either obtain his authorisation or remove the song from the film.
Though credited in the title cards of Manjummel Boys, Ilaiyaraaja pointed out that no formal consent or license was granted for its use.
The unauthorised use has drawn attention, especially with the film’s monumental success.
Rather than depicting it as a romantic song, the film reimagines it as a tribute to friendship. Sung by Kamal Haasan and S Janaki, the music is seamlessly woven into Sushin Shyam’s score for Manjummel Boys.
The story follows a group of friends on a trip to Kodaikanal, which takes a dramatic turn when they explore the Gunaa cave, the iconic setting of “Kanmani Anbodu.”
The plot thickens when one of the boys, Subash, falls into a 900-ft pit, revealing the film’s central theme.
The universal theme of friendship resonated with a broad audience. Additionally, its release during a period with no major Tamil star films enhanced its success.
Produced by Soubin’s Parava Films, the film, directed by Chidambaram, surpassed ₹100 crore at the global box office in March—making it the fastest Malayalam film to do so—and is the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever, with global earnings nearing ₹200 crore.
A significant portion of the film’s success is due to its exceptional performance in Tamil Nadu, where it has earned over ₹50 crore.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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