A legal dispute between Sun TV Network's film production arm Sun Pictures and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has triggered a major off-field talking point just a couple of weeks before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
On March 13, Sun TV Network approached the Madras High Court alleging copyright infringement by the five-time IPL champions over the use of background music from Rajinikanth films in promotional content circulated on social media.
The dispute largely centres on CSK's use of music from three films produced by Sun Pictures - Jailer, Coolie and Jailer 2.
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The Copyright Dispute
According to the lawsuit, CSK have used background scores and tracks from the films without obtaining the necessary licence or paying royalties.
Among the pieces cited in the complaint are the popular “Hukum” and “Althoppa” tracks from Jailer (2023), composed by Anirudh Ravichander, along with the background score and “Disco” remix from Coolie. Music from the recently announced sequel Jailer 2 was also brought up in the filing.
Sun Pictures argued that the franchise had effectively used the songs to amplify its social media promotions and build player “hero” edits, without securing the appropriate permissions for the intellectual property.
The ‘Thala' - ‘Thalaiva' Digital Strategy
CSK's digital content has long leaned on the cultural overlap between Rajinikanth's “Superstar” persona often referred to as “Thalaiva” and the franchise's branding of former captain MS Dhoni as “Thala.”
High-energy background scores from Rajinikanth films have frequently been used in CSK's promotional videos, particularly those celebrating Dhoni or marking major moments around the start of the IPL season.
Tracks such as Hukum have in recent seasons become closely associated with Dhoni's on-field entrances and fan-driven edits circulating online.
Sun Pictures contended in court that the franchise had used these audio elements extensively in its promotional build-up while benefiting from the popularity of the films' music.
Proceedings At The Madras High Court
During the hearing on March 13, CSK's counsel, senior advocate PS Raman, argued that portions of the songs had been used in franchise content for nearly three years without any prior objection from Sun TV Network.
He told the court that the legal action came as an unexpected development for the franchise.
However, CSK also informed the court that it would immediately stop using music from Jailer, Coolie and Jailer 2 unless it obtained a specific licence from Sun Pictures or a Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) licence.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy adjourned the matter to March 16, for CSK to file an affidavit confirming that it will cease using the audio material in question.
Corporate Rivalry Adds Extra Edge
The case has also drawn attention because Sun TV Network is owned by media baron Kalanithi Maran, who also owns the IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The legal action therefore places the parent company of one IPL team in a courtroom dispute with another franchise just days before the start of the season.
While the case is framed as a copyright dispute, the optics of the clash between two of the league's most influential southern franchises have added another layer of intrigue ahead of IPL 2026.
Fans React On Social Media
The development quickly triggered reactions across social media platforms, where fans debated the copyright issue, the timing of the lawsuit, and the larger rivalry between the two cricketing brands.
One fan pointed out that this pre-season flashpoint could very well spillover onto the field when the IPL season kicks off.
Looking at the current TL this year CSK vs SRH will be, a cinema! ????????
— Meghraj???? (@meghraj_op) March 13, 2026
Some fans were quick to pull up this old video from the IPL where Anirudh Ravichander, the composer of the song 'Hukum' said the track was made with both Rajnikanth and Dhoni in mind.
Hukum is for Both Jailer.. ie for Rajini sir & MSDhoni sir. Says the one who made it.
— CHE RAM (@A_n_b_e_S_i_vam) March 13, 2026
But Money Minded anti Chennai Sun group doesn't want us to use it.
pic.twitter.com/It4b3u0H5z
One fan questioned the logic behind the move, pointing out how it's a symbiotic relationship.
Let's face it. Hukum, despite being a great song, only got traction in the North because of the reels fans made for Dhoni.
— ; (@171off90) March 13, 2026
It is completely fine to copyright strike people using scenes from your movies, but I'm not sure why you wouldn't want PAN India publicity for your music. https://t.co/GVq548VB5H
This fan pointed out that the noise inside the Chepauk stadium requires no background music.
We don't need need music to create Aura https://t.co/NDIM1lrjJN pic.twitter.com/d19lS9SjHa
— Kasi mama (@Kasi_mama_) March 13, 2026
Key Dates Ahead
The next stage of the legal process will unfold on March 16, when CSK is scheduled to file its affidavit before the Madras High Court.
On the cricketing front, the Yellow Army will open its IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati.
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