Ponniyin Selvan 2 song ‘Veera raja veera’ plagiarised; AR Rahman, producers directed to pay Rs 2 Cr

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has, in an interim order, held that the music of the Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan 2 song “Veera Raja Veera...” composed by A R Rahman was copied. The court observed that the composition was lifted from Shiva Stuti, a classical piece arranged by renowned Dhrupad musicians Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar and his brother Zahiruddin Dagar.

The order was issued in response to a petition filed by Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of Nasir Faiyazuddin. Justice Pratibha M Singh noted that although there are some modifications, the songs are essentially the same and cannot be said to be merely inspired.

The court has directed A R Rahman and the film’s producers to deposit Rs 2 crore. In addition, they must pay Rs 2 lakh to Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar towards legal costs. The petition was filed in 2023.