The Madras High Court has issued a notice in response to a civil suit filed by AP International, a well-known film distribution company, alleging copyright infringement over the unauthorised use of scenes from the Rajnikanth-starrer Chandramukhi in the documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy issued notices to the respondents, Tarc Studio LLP and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP, and directed them to respond within two weeks.
"The Court directed notices be issued to the respondents, returnable by two weeks," observed Justice Ramamoorthy.
AP International, the petitioner, stated that it had acquired the full copyright for Chandramukhi from its original producer, M/s Sivaji Productions. The company holds comprehensive rights over the film worldwide, including audio and video song rights, except for audio cassette and CD rights in select countries like Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada.
Read Also:-Madras High Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail Plea of MLA Poovai Jaganmoorthy in Minor Abduction Case
According to the plea, Tarc Studio LLP produced the documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, and allegedly used video clippings from Chandramukhi without seeking prior authorisation or obtaining any legal licence. AP International claimed that the documentary had directly used footage from its official YouTube channel, which could be identified through the watermark on the clips.
"The usage of these clips without prior approval or licence amounts to clear copyright infringement," submitted the petitioner.
Upon learning of the alleged unauthorised use, AP International issued a cease and desist notice to the respondents. In the notice, the company demanded that Tarc Studio LLP and Netflix refrain from further using the copyrighted content and also sought damages amounting to ₹5 crore.
The petitioner further stated that after receiving the legal notice, the respondents approached them to acquire digital exploitation rights. However, no agreement was ultimately signed.
"Despite being aware of the petitioner’s copyright, the respondents have used the clips unauthorisedly," the company argued.
Read Also:-Madras High Court Upholds SBI's Right to Cancel Appointment Due to Adverse CIBIL Report
The suit alleges that the respondents' actions have caused serious harm and financial loss to the company. AP International contended that such infringement would result in grave prejudice and irreparable damage if not addressed immediately.
In view of this, the petitioner sought a permanent injunction against Tarc Studio LLP and Netflix, restraining them from using the film clips from Chandramukhi in any form, and demanded the removal of the infringing portions from the documentary.
"The petitioner is entitled to a permanent injunction and the removal of infringing content from all platforms," submitted the counsel for AP International.
Read Also:-Madras High Court Calls for Rule Reform to Regulate Import of Ayurvedic Drugs
Case Title: AP International v M/s Tarc Studio LLP And Another
Case No: CS (Comm Div) 168 of 2025