Chennai Super Kings Ceases Use of Rajinikanth Film Music Following Copyright Dispute
In a significant development for Indian Premier League (IPL) enthusiasts, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise has officially committed to discontinuing the use of songs and background scores from popular Rajinikanth films in its promotional materials. This decision comes in response to a copyright infringement plea filed by Sun TV Network in the Madras High Court.
Legal Proceedings and CSK's Submission
During a recent hearing, senior advocate P S Raman, representing CSK, informed the court that the team would desist from using music tracks and songs from the films 'Jailer', 'Jailer 2', and 'Coolie'. This submission was made in light of a plea moved by Sun TV Network, which sought to restrain CSK from utilizing these copyrighted works in promotions shared on its official social media pages.
Raman clarified that CSK had been incorporating portions of these songs in its promos for approximately three years without prior opposition from the petitioner. However, with Sun TV Network now objecting, CSK has agreed to halt such usage immediately. The senior counsel assured the court that an affidavit would be filed to formalize this commitment, and CSK will refrain from using the songs without obtaining proper consent from the copyright owner or securing a Phonographic Performance Limited Licence (PPLL).
Sun TV Network's Allegations
Representing Sun TV Network, senior advocate J Ravindran contended that CSK's promotional activities infringed upon the copyrights held by Sun Pictures. The network specifically cited the unauthorized use of content such as:
- 'Harbour Gang BGM' from 'Coolie'
- 'Hukum Reloaded' from 'Jailer 2'
- 'Hukum' and Rajinikanth's dialogues from 'Jailer'
According to Sun TV Network, these elements were exploited in CSK's promotional videos, which were shared on social media platforms to unveil the team's new jersey for IPL 2026. The petitioner argued that this misuse aided in the sale of merchandise, including jerseys priced online at ₹2,399, by leveraging the influential appeal of Rajinikanth and music director Anirudh, particularly in South India and Chennai.
Court's Response and Future Steps
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, presiding over the case, recorded CSK's submissions and adjourned the hearing to March 16. This adjournment allows CSK time to file the promised affidavit detailing its commitment to cease using the copyrighted material. The court's decision underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in commercial promotions, especially within high-profile events like the IPL.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing promotional creativity with legal compliance in the sports and entertainment industries. As CSK moves forward, fans can expect a shift in the team's marketing strategies, potentially focusing on original or licensed content to avoid similar disputes in the future.
