Ilaiyaraaja’s Copyright Threat to Chiru’s MSG? Anil Breaks Silence!

Infusing iconic old songs in between scenes to take moviegoers on a nostalgic trip is not a new trend in South cinema. But this strategy proving to be both controversial and costly in recent times as legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja sued several filmmakers for unauthorised use of his songs in their films. Even Courts intervened and ordered removal of such songs when the films were running in theatres 

With the release of Megastar Chiranjeevi’s latest film Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu, the debate is back because there is an episode which features the legendary composer’s evergreen romantic melody ‘Sundari’ from Dalapathi movie. Audience are going gaga over this particular episode and director Ravipudi is getting widespread appreciation for recreating a beautiful scene. 

Looking at how Ilaiyaraaja adopted a zero tolerance policy towards those who use his songs without permission, many felt that Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu will also face a similar copyright threat from him. Those who watched the film were surprised as many recent big-ticket films faced legal cases from Ilaiyaraaja over a similar issue. 

But, Ravipudi has finally clarified on this matter. During his media interaction at the Thank You meet today evening, he stated that the team had approached the maestro to seek permission and got his nod to use the evergreen song in the film. Ravipudi further stated that there is a neat process for everything and it should be followed without fail to not invite any further controversy. 

Ravipudi said Ilaiyaraaja immediately accepted the proposal of his producers and clarified that there no need to worry on the issue.