Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar’s latest blockbuster “Good Bad Ugly” finds itself in hot water as music maestro Ilaiyaraaja takes legal action against the film’s makers. The copyright controversy threatens to remove the film from Netflix and other OTT platforms, creating a significant setback for one of 2025’s highest-grossing Tamil films.
Table of Contents
Good Bad Ugly Legal Battle: Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Good Bad Ugly (2025) |
| Production House | Mythri Movie Makers |
| Legal Action By | Ilaiyaraaja (Music Composer) |
| Compensation Demanded | ₹5 Crore |
| Court | Madras High Court |
| Judge | Justice Senthikumar |
| Current Status | Interim order restraining distribution |
What Songs Are in Dispute?
Ilaiyaraaja claimed that his songs Otha Rubayum Tharen from Nattupura Pattu, Ilamai Idho Idho from Sakalakala Vallavan, and En Jodi Manja Kuruvi from Vikram were used without his authorization. These classic tracks were reportedly incorporated into the film without proper permissions or royalty payments to the legendary composer.
Court’s Decisive Action
Justice Senthikumar passed an interim order restraining Mythri Movie Makers from exhibiting, screening, selling, distributing, publishing, or broadcasting Good Bad Ugly on any platform, including OTT. This comprehensive ban affects all forms of the film’s distribution, including its Netflix streaming.
The court’s decision came after the production house replied that they had obtained authorizations but failed to specify the entities from whom they received permissions. The judge found this response insufficient, lacking proper supporting evidence.
Producer’s Defense Falls Short
Y. Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers said they have taken the NOCs from the music labels, attempting to justify their position. However, the injunction was granted, stating that the production house’s reply was bald without any supporting evidence.
Impact on Film’s Success
Despite the legal troubles, “Good Bad Ugly” emerged as one of the highest grossing Tamil film of 2025 following its worldwide release on April 10, 2025. The film was released in both standard and EPIQ formats, though it opened to mixed reviews from critics who noted that it struggled to balance homages to Ajith’s previous films with storytelling.
What This Means for Netflix Viewers
This means the film will likely be removed from Netflix soon, and the court order will remain in force until the next hearing. Fans who were planning to stream the film on the platform may need to wait until the legal dispute is resolved.
The Bigger Picture: Copyright in Indian Cinema
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the Indian film industry regarding intellectual property rights. The maestro has demanded Rs 5 crore in damages and seeks a written apology and a detailed report of the revenue generated, setting a precedent for how music rights violations are handled in contemporary cinema.
Family Perspectives
The controversy has even drawn reactions from Ilaiyaraaja’s family. His brother Gangai Amaran broke silence on whether Ilaiyaraaja sent the legal notice over financial motives, adding another layer to this high-profile legal battle.
Stay updated with the latest entertainment industry legal battles and OTT news at technosports.co.in. For more Tamil cinema updates, explore our comprehensive coverage of South Indian films.
FAQs
Q: Why is “Good Bad Ugly” being removed from Netflix?
A: The Madras High Court issued an interim order restraining the film’s distribution on all platforms, including Netflix, following Ilaiyaraaja’s legal notice for unauthorized use of his songs without proper permissions or royalty payments.
Q: How much compensation is Ilaiyaraaja demanding from the makers?
A: Ilaiyaraaja has demanded ₹5 crore in compensation, along with immediate removal of his songs from the film, a written public apology, and a detailed account of the revenue generated by the movie.
