Why Dhurandhar 2 could release on OTT despite legal dispute with Trimurti Films over Oye Oye song | EXPLAINED

The Delhi High Court has cleared the OTT release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge despite an ongoing copyright dispute surrounding one of its songs.

The controversy centres around the track Rang De Lal (Oye Oye), which allegedly uses elements from the iconic song Tirchi Topiwale from the 1989 film Tridev without proper authorisation.

What is the copyright dispute about?

The legal case was filed by Trimurti Films, the makers of Tridev, against the producers of Dhurandhar: The Revenge and music label T-Series.

According to the complaint, the remix track Rang De Lal allegedly incorporates portions of Tirchi Topiwale without obtaining valid rights or permissions.

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The plaintiffs sought an injunction to stop the film’s OTT release to the extent of the allegedly infringing song’s use in the streaming version.

Why did Delhi High Court allow the OTT release?

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela declined to halt the OTT release, observing that the film had already been released theatrically with the same song included. The court reportedly noted that preventing the streaming release at this stage would create an “incongruous situation”.

The court also took into account the substantial investments already made into the film by the producers and distributors based on agreements with T-Series.

Another key factor was the court’s view that monetary damages could still be awarded later if copyright infringement is ultimately proven in the case.

Why was T-Series asked to deposit Rs. 50 lakh?

While refusing to stay the OTT release, the court directed T-Series to deposit Rs. 50 lakh within four weeks in an interest-bearing fixed deposit receipt (FDR) with the court registrar.

The amount has been treated as a form of financial safeguard in case the plaintiffs eventually succeed in the copyright dispute.

Legal observers have described the order as a “balanced approach”, allowing the film’s release to continue while simultaneously protecting the interests of the original rights holders pending the final outcome of the case.

Court notes T-Series’ earlier usage history

During proceedings, T-Series reportedly argued that it had previously used songs from Tridev in remixed formats for earlier projects as well, without objections being raised at the time.

The court took note of this argument while considering interim relief. However, the larger copyright ownership and authorisation dispute remains unresolved and will continue to be heard separately.

When and where will Dhurandhar 2 stream?

Following the court’s order, the OTT release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge is expected to proceed as scheduled.

Internationally, the film has already premiered on Netflix under the title Dhurandhar The Revenge (Raw and Undekha), while its India streaming release is expected on JioHotstar next month.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role alongside Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal.

Copyright disputes around remixes continue to grow

The controversy has once again highlighted growing legal tensions in the Indian entertainment industry surrounding remixes, recreated songs and legacy music rights.

Over the past few years, several Bollywood films and music labels have faced criticism and lawsuits over the reuse of classic songs without what original creators consider adequate licensing or attribution.

The Dhurandhar 2 case is now expected to become another closely watched legal battle within the industry.