'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa' copyright row: Madras High Court blocks 'Aaramoley' scenes and music
If you're screening or streaming Aaramoley, your phone probably lit up today. The Madras High Court has hit pause on any scenes or background score in the film that borrow from Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (VTV). And it isn't a gentle nudge - it's a clear, interim injunction.
The case was brought by RS Infotainment, with T. Rajeev filing on the company's behalf. Their claim: Aaramoley used VTV visuals and music without permission from rights holders RS Infotainment and Escape Artists. Justice N. Senthilkumar agreed there was enough to warrant immediate action while the case moves forward.
What the court ordered
- No VTV footage or background score can appear in Aaramoley until the main hearing is over.
- Producers have to scrub or replace any disputed content - screenings, edits, and digital versions included.
- The court signaled that everything used in the film needs careful scrutiny before it stays on screen.
That last bit matters. It puts the onus on the Aaramoley team to prove what's theirs, what's licensed, and what's off-limits. Not tomorrow. Now.
How we got here
Clips in Aaramoley that resembled moments - and music cues - from Gautham Menon's 2010 hit started making the rounds on social media. Fans noticed. The rights holders noticed. And the legal wheels turned fast.
Aaramoley, directed by debutant Sarang Thiyagu and released on November 7, stars Kishen Das (movies and tv series), Harshad Khan, Sivathmika, and Megha Akash (movies and tv series), with music by Sidhu Kumar. The film found some love as a feel-good romance-friendship mix. But the VTV echoes became the story.
The Gautham Menon thread
There's a wrinkle here: Sarang Thiyagu previously assisted Gautham Menon on VTV. Maybe it's just context, but it adds heat to the conversation. And it sharpens the bigger question the court is weighing - where homage ends and infringement begins.
Why this matters to the industry
Look, this isn't just about two films. It's about workflow. Music and footage don't slip in by accident - they pass through edit bays, QC, delivery decks, and distributor checks. If those gates miss something, everyone down the chain pays for it when a court steps in.
- Exhibitors: Versions may change mid-run. Expect replacement DCPs and updated KDMs.
- Streamers and satellite partners: Hold on to your masters; fresh deliveries may be required. Clauses on rights warranties will get a workout.
- Music labels and producers: Sync licenses aren't a formality. Even short cues and "inspired" arrangements are risky without paperwork.
- Marketing teams: Trailers and promos using disputed material also fall under the same spotlight.
What the law says, in plain terms
In India, copyright covers scripts, footage, and music - including background score and themes. Using them needs permission, typically in writing. Fair dealing is narrow and doesn't cover reuse inside a commercial film. If you want a refresher, the bare act is here: India's Copyright Act, 1957.
Where things stand now
The injunction is temporary but effective. Aaramoley can't use any VTV material while the case is heard. Practically, that means edits, re-mixes, or replacements before any future screenings or streams.
Here's what this could mean next: a clean new cut of the film, a negotiated settlement, or a full courtroom fight that clarifies how far creative references can go before they cross a legal line. And yes, producers across the board will be double-checking assets after this.
Maybe it's just timing. Maybe it's a wake-up call. But the message from the bench is loud: credit and clearance aren't optional - they're the cost of doing this right.
For official updates on orders and listings, keep an eye on the Madras High Court website.
