Filmmaker T. Rajhentherr and his wife, Usha Rajhentherr, have filed a joint civil suit before the Madras High Court alleging copyright infringement involving songs from the 1983 blockbuster Uyir Ulla Varai Usha.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy on Monday, March 30, 2026, granted AVM Productions (AVM audio division) and WL Epic Media Private Limited, formerly known as Kosmic Music Private Limited, time until April 20, 2026, to respond to the plaintiffs’ request for interim relief.
Rajhentherr, who wrote the script and screenplay, directed, acted, composed the music, and penned the lyrics for the film, claims that the songs are being commercially exploited across streaming platforms without authorization or payment of royalties.
The 1983 film, starring Rajhentherr, Saritha, and Nalini, became a box-office hit and was later remade in Kannada and Hindi. It was also dubbed in Telugu as Prema Sagaram. The movie featured popular songs including “Vaigai karai kaatre nillu,” sung by K.J. Yesudas, “Indiralogathu sundari,” sung by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and “Unnaithane azhaithen,” sung by S. Janaki.
Produced by Thanjai Cine Arts, owned by Usha Rajhentherr, the film was re-released digitally in February 2026 by Simbu Cine Arts. The couple said they discovered during the re-release that the audio rights had changed hands multiple times and were being commercially exploited on various platforms.
According to their counsel, K. Thyagarajan, no royalties have been paid to either the producer or the composer by WL Epic Media despite ongoing commercial use of the songs.
The plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction restraining the defendants and their partners, licensees, and assignees from exploiting the songs. They also requested a mandatory injunction directing the removal of the songs from all platforms where they are allegedly being used without authorization.
Additionally, the couple is seeking disclosure of profits derived from the alleged unauthorized use, along with compensation and litigation costs. They have also requested an interim injunction to prevent continued commercial exploitation pending the outcome of the case.
The Madras High Court is expected to hear the matter after the defendants file their responses by April 20, 2026.
