Delhi High Court Orders Mediation in Dhurandhar Music Rights Dispute

A brewing copyright battle over Dhurandhar: The Revenge has landed in the Delhi High Court, with the bench directing both parties to resolve their differences through mediation rather than prolonged litigation.

The dispute centers around the film's popular track Rang De Lal (Oye Oye), with Trimurti Films claiming the song illegally incorporates musical elements from Tirchi Topiwala, a memorable number from the 1989 blockbuster Tridev. The production house asserts they hold the exclusive rights to the original composition and alleges that B62 Studios, headed by filmmaker Aditya Dhar, used the music without securing proper licensing.

What makes this case particularly significant is the scope of alleged infringement. Trimurti Films contends that the disputed music wasn't just used in the film itself, but was also leveraged across promotional campaigns and digital streaming platforms: essentially maximizing commercial benefit without compensating the rights holders.

The Delhi High Court's decision to push for mediation reflects a pragmatic approach to what the bench characterized as primarily a financial disagreement. Rather than getting bogged down in lengthy legal proceedings that could drag on for years, the court has opened the door for both parties to negotiate terms around royalty payments and licensing fees.

B62 Studios has firmly denied the allegations, setting up what could be an interesting mediation process. However, with Dhurandhar already in theaters and generating revenue, the urgency to resolve this matter amicably has intensified.

This case highlights the increasingly complex web of music rights in contemporary Indian cinema, where composers and producers often draw inspiration from classic tracks, sometimes walking a fine line between homage and infringement. As the industry continues to expand its digital footprint, such disputes over legacy content usage are likely to become more frequent.

The mediation route offers both parties a chance to find middle ground without the uncertainty and expense of a full court battle, potentially setting a precedent for similar future disputes in Bollywood.