Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja has been sending copyright notices to movie makers left, right and center, lately. He has been annoyed with anyone using his songs without his permission. If filmmakers find it enough to get permission from audio labels, movie producers he is stating that isn’t. He has been very serious about the copyrights to his songs.
He has been adamant in stating that no one can use his songs, sing them on stage or recreate them without his prior permission. Ilaiyaraaja even sent notices to his long time friend and legendary singer, SP Balasubramanyam during SPB50 tour. Now, he gave copyright notices to Manjummel Boys makers.
He accused the makers of not asking his permission before using his “Kanmani Anbodu” song from the movie, Gunaa. He gave makers two options, either to remove the song henceforth from the movie or pay him license and compensatory fees. Ilaiyaraaja and his legal team have acknowledged that team gave his credit but it isn’t sufficient.
Kamal Haasan has honored the makers for using Gunaa film and references in Manjummel Boys. But Ilaiyaraaja is not pleased with anyone gaining any kind of monetary benefits from his work without paying him royalty and licensing fees. Well, while this might set some great example to upcoming composers against exploiting, as a person, he would be facing lots of criticism for being so heartless.