Trimurti Films vs B62 Studios: Delhi HC Orders Mediation in ‘Tridev’ Song Row

The Delhi High Court has referred a high-profile copyright dispute involving the 1989 film Tridev and the recent release Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge to mediation, signaling a possible out-of-court settlement between the parties.

The case centers on allegations by Trimurti Films that the newer film used elements of the iconic song “Tirchi Topi Wale” without proper authorisation in its track “Rang De Lal (Oye Oye).”

Allegations of Unauthorised Use

Trimurti Films, the makers of Tridev, has filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s production house B62 Studios and music label Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd.

The company claims that Dhurandhar 2 features a version “substantially similar” to “Tirchi Topi Wale,” originally composed by Anand–Milind with lyrics by Sameer Anjaan and sung by artists including Udit Narayan and Anuradha Paudwal.

According to the suit, the alleged usage amounts to copyright infringement, including “unauthorised reproduction and communication of the work to the public.” Trimurti Films has sought an injunction to halt further use of the track, along with damages and other reliefs.

Court Observations and Interim Directions

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, while hearing the matter, observed that the dispute appears to be largely financial in nature. The court declined to grant interim relief at this stage, noting the defendant’s statement that the film is unlikely to release on OTT platforms in the immediate future.

However, the court directed the defendants to maintain detailed accounts of all revenue generated from the film since its theatrical release on March 19. This includes earnings from theatrical runs, promotions, and potential digital exploitation.

“The defendants shall maintain their record of accounts of all the possible and plausible exploitation,” the court stated.

Mediation Ordered as Parties Show Willingness to Settle

Acknowledging that both sides expressed openness to resolving the issue, the court referred the matter to the Delhi High Court Mediation Centre. The parties have been directed to appear before the mediator on April 22, with the next hearing scheduled for May 6.

The mediation is expected to focus on licensing terms, royalty payments, and potential compensation.

Disputed Song and Film Context

In Dhurandhar 2, the contested track “Rang De Lal (Oye Oye)” is a recreated version featuring new vocals and lyrics, remixed by composer Shashwat Sachdev.

Trimurti Films argues that despite modifications, the core composition remains recognisable and thus required prior licensing.

The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role as an Indian spy, alongside R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun.

Defence and Counterclaims

Representing Super Cassettes, Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal opposed any interim relief, asserting that the label holds rights over the song. He also alleged that Trimurti Films had “suppressed important facts,” including prior instances where Tridev songs were used elsewhere.

Meanwhile, counsel for Trimurti Films argued that even the film’s end credits acknowledge their ownership of the original song’s copyright.

The plaintiffs also suggested that the disputed track could be removed from future OTT or digital releases if necessary.

Industry Implications

The case highlights ongoing tensions in Bollywood over the reuse and remixing of legacy songs. With older contracts often lacking clarity on remix rights, disputes like this are increasingly surfacing as classic tracks are repurposed for modern films.