Trimurti Moves Bombay High Court Over ‘Saat Samundar Paar’ Remix in Dharma Film
Trimurti Films Pvt Ltd has moved the Bombay High Court against Dharma Productions, Saregama India Ltd and rapper-composer Badshah, alleging unauthorised use and remix of the popular song “Saat Samundar Paar” from the 1992 film Vishwatma.
The dispute relates to the upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera, scheduled for release on December 25. Trimurti has claimed that the song’s tune and lyrics were used without its permission. The production house has sought ₹10 crore in damages and a permanent injunction to stop the use, remix, or exploitation of the song in the film or any other project.
Apart from Dharma Productions, the suit also names Namah Pictures Pvt Ltd (the film’s co-producer), music label Saregama India Ltd, and Badshah as defendants. The matter was heard by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, who granted time to the defendants to file their replies. The case will be taken up again on December 22 to decide on urgent interim relief.
Trimurti has stated that it is the first owner of the copyright in the film Vishwatma and its songs, including “Saat Samundar Paar”. According to the company, all rights in the musical work, lyrics, and sound recording vest with it, including the right to use the song in another film.
The production house has relied on a 1990 agreement with Saregama’s predecessor, The Gramophone Company of India Ltd. It has argued that the agreement only allowed reproduction and distribution of the original sound recording and did not permit remixing, modification, or synchronisation of the song with a new cinematograph film.
Trimurti has claimed that adapting or remixing the song without its consent amounts to unauthorised alteration and distortion of the original work. It further alleged that promotional posts on Instagram in early December used the song’s tune and showed Badshah as the artist, even though no licence was obtained.
According to Trimurti, the alleged remix was done to take advantage of the goodwill and popularity of the original song. The company has argued that this amounts to passing off and unfair trade practices.
In addition to damages and injunction, Trimurti has also sought an order restraining the release, exhibition, or broadcast of the film to the extent it contains the disputed song. Alternatively, it has asked the Court to direct the defendants to disclose accounts and hand over profits earned from the alleged infringement.
