Trimurti, the renowned music label, has filed a lawsuit against Dharma Productions, music giant Saregama and rapper Badshah over the alleged unauthorized use of the 2024 hit track “Saat Samundar Paar” in an upcoming Bollywood film. The legal notice, served in the Delhi High Court, claims infringement of copyright and demands compensation for the commercial exploitation of the song without proper licensing. This development has sparked a heated debate about the complexities of music rights in India’s film industry, especially as producers increasingly rely on nostalgic tracks to attract audiences. The case, reported by Bar & Bench, could set a precedent for future collaborations between music labels and film studios.
Background of the iconic track
Released in August 2024, “Saat Samundar Paar” quickly became a chart‑topping anthem, blending Badshah’s signature rap verses with traditional Indian melodies. The song was produced under the Trimurti banner and distributed by Saregama, garnering over 250 million streams across platforms. Its catchy hook and cross‑cultural appeal made it a favorite for parties, weddings, and, eventually, film soundtracks.
The alleged infringement
According to the plaint, the upcoming Dharma Productions film intends to feature a re‑recorded version of the track, crediting Badshah as a performer but omitting Trimurti’s ownership. The lawsuit alleges that the producers secured a “synchronisation licence” from Saregama but failed to obtain the necessary “master use” permission from Trimurti, thereby violating Indian copyright law. Trimurti seeks an injunction to halt the song’s usage, damages amounting to ₹5 crore, and a public apology.
Legal battle and claims
Trimurti’s counsel argues that the plaintiffs have a clear contractual chain: Trimurti owns the composition, Saregama holds the master recording rights, and any third‑party usage must be cleared by both. The defence, represented by Dharma’s legal team, contends that Saregama’s licence covers all necessary rights, and Badshah’s involvement further legitimises the usage. The case is now before the Delhi High Court, with a hearing scheduled for early 2026.
Implications for Bollywood music licensing
The dispute highlights a broader industry challenge: the often‑fragmented ownership of music rights in India. As film producers chase nostalgia‑driven soundtracks, they must navigate multiple licences—composition, master, performance, and sync. Failure to secure any one can result in costly litigation. Legal experts suggest that the outcome could push studios toward more rigorous rights‑clearance protocols, potentially increasing production costs but safeguarding creators’ interests.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2024-08-15 | Original release of “Saat Samundar Paar” by Badshah under Trimurti |
| 2025-10-01 | Announcement of upcoming Dharma film featuring the song |
| 2025-12-05 | Trimurti files lawsuit against Dharma, Saregama, Badshah |
| 2025-12-20 | Current status: case pending in Delhi High Court |
Conclusion
Trimurti’s legal action against Dharma Productions, Saregama and Badshah underscores the critical importance of clear, comprehensive music licensing in Bollywood’s fast‑moving ecosystem. While the court’s verdict remains pending, the case serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers and record labels alike, emphasizing that even popular, seemingly straightforward tracks require meticulous rights management. As the industry watches closely, the outcome may reshape how iconic songs are repurposed for the silver screen, balancing creative ambition with respect for intellectual property.
Image by: Sora Shimazaki
https://www.pexels.com/@sora-shimazaki
