The Supreme Court on Friday made significant observations regarding the song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ composed by A.R. Rahman for Ponniyin Selvan 2. The apex court asked the composer to clarify the attribution and consider acknowledging the original contributors linked to the Dagarwani musical tradition.

Ponniyin Selvan, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. For the sequel, music maestro A. R. Rahman composed ‘Veera Raja Veera’. However, Ustad Fayaz Wasifuddin Dagar alleged that the composition draws from a traditional Shiva Stuti belonging to the Dagarwani lineage and approached the court under the Copyright Act.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed Rahman and the film’s production house, Madras Talkies, to deposit Rs 2 crore in connection with the dispute. However, a division bench later set aside the interim order. Subsequently, Fayaz Wasifuddin moved the Supreme Court of India seeking further relief.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joy Mallya Bagchi heard the matter. The court noted that Rahman had acknowledged the song’s roots in the Dagarwani tradition and observed that giving due credit would be appropriate. The bench emphasized that traditional gharanas represent generations of dedication to classical music and deserve proper recognition.

The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on May 20.