The Tamil comedy Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan, has brought back the beloved Ilaiyaraaja song “Karutha Machan” after resolving a legal dispute with the composer. Removed earlier from the OTT version due to a court order on unauthorized usage, its restoration aligns with Tamil cinema’s popular trend of reusing classic tracks in fitting scenes for added nostalgia and appeal.This update enhances the film’s streaming experience significantly Mythri Movie Makers faced legal action for using Ilaiyaraaja’s hits without permission in their Tamil films Good Bad Ugly (featuring Ajith) and Dud. The court barred songs like “Karutha Machan” from Dude and “Otha Rooba Thaaren,” “Ilamai Itho Itho,” plus “Enjadho Manja Kayiru” from Good Bad Ugly during OTT releases.
A recent amicable settlement between the parties enabled the song’s return. Many directors now formally obtain rights for Ilaiyaraaja’s superhits, avoiding controversies that arise from oversights, while well-placed revivals become key highlights. Songs from Good Bad Ugly remain omitted for now but could be reinstated soon. The episode highlights the timeless draw of his music in modern Tamil films and the importance of copyright adherence.