A major legal battle has erupted in Bollywood, as veteran production banner Trimurti Films has filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Aditya Dhar's B62 Studios. The dispute centers on the alleged unauthorized use of the iconic song 'Rang De Lal' in Dhar's recently released film, 'Dhurandhar The Revenge.' This high-profile case highlights the complex world of music rights and copyright in the Indian film industry, drawing significant attention since the film's release on March 19.

What Happened?

Veteran production house Trimurti Films has initiated legal proceedings against B62 Studios, a company founded by director Aditya Dhar. The core of the lawsuit revolves around the popular song ‘Rang De Lal,’ which Trimurti Films claims was used without proper authorization in the new film ‘Dhurandhar The Revenge.’ This particular track holds a significant place in Bollywood history, having originally featured in the 1989 film ‘Tridev.’ The original composition was a collaborative effort by Kalyanji-Anandji, with Viju Shah co-composing. Anand Bakshi penned the lyrics, and the song was brought to life by the voices of Amit Kumar and Sapna Mukherjee. Trimurti Films asserts that it holds the necessary rights, or at least control over them, pertaining to both the musical work and the sound recording of ‘Rang De Lal.’

The lawsuit filed by Trimurti Films outlines specific allegations of copyright infringement. They contend that ‘Dhurandhar The Revenge’ incorporated the song, or a version remarkably similar to it, without securing the mandatory permissions from the rightful owners. This alleged act, according to Trimurti Films, constitutes a clear violation of copyright law, encompassing unauthorized reproduction and public communication of their intellectual property. As a result, the production house is seeking a judicial injunction to immediately halt any further use of the song in the film. Furthermore, they are pursuing financial damages and other related legal reliefs to compensate for the perceived infringements. Trimurti Films has also expressed serious concerns regarding the broad commercial exploitation of the track, citing its use in theatrical screenings, various streaming platforms, and all promotional materials associated with the film.

‘Dhurandhar The Revenge’ is a 2026 Hindi-language spy action thriller that has garnered considerable attention since its release on March 19. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is a joint production between Jio Studios and B62 Studios, serving as a highly anticipated sequel to the 2025 movie ‘Dhurandhar.’ While the film has enjoyed a robust box office performance, it has also found itself embroiled in multiple legal controversies. This current lawsuit from Trimurti Films adds another layer to the film's legal challenges, highlighting the intricate legal landscape that often accompanies major film productions and the reuse of classic musical content.

Key Highlights

Trimurti Films has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Aditya Dhar’s B62 Studios.
The dispute concerns the unauthorized use of the song ‘Rang De Lal’ in the film ‘Dhurandhar The Revenge’.
‘Rang De Lal’ is an iconic song from the 1989 film ‘Tridev’, with original music by Kalyanji-Anandji and Viju Shah.
Trimurti Films claims ownership or control over the musical work and sound recording rights for the track.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent further use of the song, along with financial damages.
Concerns are raised about the commercial exploitation of the song through screenings, streaming, and promotions.
‘Dhurandhar The Revenge’, released on March 19, is a spy action thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

Why Does This Matter?

This lawsuit is significant because it underscores the critical importance of intellectual property rights within the entertainment industry. For common people, it highlights how artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers depend on copyright protections to earn a living from their creative work. When songs or other creative assets are used without permission, it directly undermines the creators' ability to receive fair compensation. This can discourage future creativity and innovation, as artists may be less inclined to produce new content if their existing work is not properly protected or compensated. Upholding copyright ensures that the original creators and right-holders benefit from their talent and investment, fostering a healthy and vibrant creative ecosystem.

Moreover, such legal disputes have broader implications for the film industry and its audience. For filmmakers and producers, it emphasizes the necessity of thorough due diligence in clearing all necessary rights before incorporating any pre-existing content into their projects. Failing to do so can lead to costly lawsuits, production delays, and even the pulling of films from distribution platforms, impacting viewers. These cases also set legal precedents, shaping how music rights are managed and respected in an era of easy digital reproduction and widespread streaming. Ultimately, respecting copyright helps maintain trust and fairness within the industry, ensuring that both creators are rewarded and that audiences can enjoy content knowing it was produced ethically and legally.