Nayanthara vs. Dhanush: The Rs 10 Crore Legal Battle Over a 3-Second Clip Explained

The footage, included in Nayanthara’s upcoming Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, has sparked a Rs 10 crore legal notice from Dhanush, who alleges unauthorized usage of the material.

The Controversy

Dhanush, the producer of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, claims exclusive rights to the BTS footage and has demanded its removal from the documentary. Nayanthara and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, argue the clip was captured on their personal devices and holds sentimental value, as it marks the beginning of their love story.

Nayanthara’s Response

In a fiery Instagram post on November 16, 2024, Nayanthara publicly criticized Dhanush, accusing him of hypocrisy and harboring a personal grudge. She expressed frustration over his refusal to grant permission for the clip, despite her team’s repeated requests over two years. Calling the legal notice an “all-time low,” Nayanthara wrote, “This speaks so much about your character. I wish you practiced what you preach.”

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Industry Support

Several actresses, including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Shruti Haasan, and Dia Mirza, have shown solidarity with Nayanthara by liking or commenting on her post.

Legal Developments

Dhanush’s legal team has emphasized his rights as the producer, asserting that the footage was not commissioned by Nayanthara or Vignesh. The team has demanded the removal of the clip within 24 hours.

The documentary, set to release on November 18, highlights Nayanthara’s journey as an actress, wife, and mother, making this dispute a highly publicized clash between two industry stalwarts. Fans and insiders are keenly watching how the situation unfolds.