Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming film Coolie featuring Rajinikanth has found itself in legal trouble. As per reports, music composer Ilaiyaraaja, renowned for his contributions to the Indian musical industry, served notice to the makers, of Sun TV for the unauthorised use of his music in the Coolie’s teaser. The composer raised copyright allegations over the recreated version of his track Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa from the film Thanga Magan, helmed by Bharathiraja. Now, recently, superstar Rajinikanth has responded to this.

Rajinikanth was snapped at Chennai airport on Saturday, where reporters questioned him about Ilaiyaraaja’s copyright issue. He responded, “The issue is between Ilaiyaraaja and producer Kalanithi Maran” and distanced himself from the conflict.

But, what is the whole Ilaiyaraaja versus Coolie team about?

Recently, director Lokesh Kanagaraj announced the title of his upcoming film, Coolie, headlined by Rajinikanth. He dropped a video which had a rendition of the Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa song from the 1983 Thanga Magan film. Days after the announcement, the ace musician issued a legal notice to the makers of the film regarding the background song. The composer claimed that the makers used the song without his permission. He further demanded that either the makers seek his consent to use the song for a remix or altogether exclude the portion from the promo video. If the makers refuse to do so, he claims to take legal action against them.

Speaking of Coolie, it will be Lokesh Kanagaraj’s first collaboration with Indian superstar, Rajinikanth. The rumour mill is strife with reports that the Lal Salaam actor has demanded somewhere between Rs 260 to Rs 280 crore for this film. However, neither the director nor the producer have verified this. From the teaser which was unveiled on April 22, it can be understood that the film is set against the backdrop of gold smuggling. The clip showed gold smugglers with an inventory of bars, watches, jewellery and other precious items. It is expected to be an action-thriller as the teaser depicts Thalaivar breaking into the lair and beating everyone with a chain made of gold watches.