Kamal Ghorui
The Delhi High Court has refused to halt the OTT release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge in a copyright dispute over the alleged unauthorised use of the iconic song “Tirchi Topiwale” from Tridev.According to Live Law, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela declined to grant interim relief to Trimurti Films Private Limited, which had sought an injunction against the exploitation of the song and its remixed version “Rang De Lal (Oye Oye)” in the film and on digital platforms.However, the court directed Super Cassettes Industries Pvt. Ltd., popularly known as T-Series, to deposit Rs 50 lakh within four weeks before the court.
Court says damages can be granted later if rights are proven
Trimurti Films argued that under a 1988 agreement, only limited audio rights were assigned to Super Cassettes Industries and no permission had been granted to synchronise or incorporate the song into another film.The production house claimed that the use of the song in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ infringed its copyright in the literary, musical and sound recording works associated with the track.The defendants, including B62 Studios Pvt. Ltd. and Jio Studios, opposed the plea and alleged suppression of facts by Trimurti Films. They argued that songs from ‘Tridev’ had previously been used in films like Azhar and K.G.F: Chapter 1 without legal action being pursued.Refusing to restrain the film’s OTT release, the court observed that even if Trimurti Films later succeeds in proving its copyright claims during trial, it can be adequately compensated through damages.
Rs 50 lakh to be kept in interest-bearing FDR
The court directed T-Series to deposit Rs 50 lakh in the name of the Registrar General within four weeks. The amount will be invested in an interest-bearing fixed deposit receipt (FDR) with an auto-renewal clause, and the successful party at the end of the trial will receive its benefit.Dhurandhar: The Revenge will start streaming on Netflix from May 15, 2026, while its India release is expected on JioHotstar, where reports suggest viewers will get an extended 3-hour 52-minute “Raw & Undekha” version featuring additional uncensored footage not shown in theatres.
