Actor Dhanush has filed a legal case against actress Nayanthara, her husband Vignesh Shivan, and their production company Rowdy Pictures Private Limited. The case, filed on behalf of Dhanush’s production house, Wunderbar Films Private Limited, is in response to the unauthorized use of clips from their 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan's Netflix documentary titled Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale. The case was heard by the Madras High Court on November 27, 2024.
The documentary, which was released on November 18, 2024, on Nayanthara’s birthday, showcases her personal and professional life. It talks about her journey in the film industry, her challenges, relationships, and how she managed to navigate her career in a male-dominated industry. However, the use of behind-the-scenes (BTS) clips from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in the documentary has led to a legal dispute between the two stars.
Before the release of the documentary, Dhanush had made it clear that he did not give permission for the inclusion of any scenes or clips from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. He refused to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the footage. In response, Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan defended their use of the clips, claiming that they were shot using personal devices and therefore did not require formal approval. They argued that these BTS visuals were not part of the official film but were taken in a more informal, personal setting.
In addition to this, Dhanush sent a legal notice to Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan, warning them that if they went ahead with the use of the clips, he would take legal action and seek a compensation of Rs 10 crore for damages. Despite this notice, the couple proceeded with the release of the documentary, which has now led to the filing of the case.
During the court hearing, Justice Abdul Quiddhose instructed Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, and the others involved to explain their actions and respond to the allegations made by Dhanush.
The case is ongoing, and the court will decide on further actions based on the explanation provided by the defendants.
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In an open letter released before the documentary's release, Nayanthara responded to Dhanush's refusal to grant the NOC. She accused him of holding a personal grudge against her and criticized him for being unreasonable. Nayanthara also called Dhanush a "tyrant" and defended her use of the footage, insisting that the BTS content was shot informally and did not require formal permission from Dhanush or his production company.
Actor Dhanush, on behalf of his production house, Wunderbar Films Private Limited, has filed a case against actor Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, their production house, Rowdy Pictures Private Limited, and two others over the use of unauthorised use of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan clips in Netflix documentary. The case was heard at the Madras High Court on November 27.
During the hearing, Justice Abdul Quiddhose instructed Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan and others to provide an explanation regarding the allegations levelled against them.
Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan's documentary, Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale, was released on Netflix on her birthday, November 18. Prior to the release, Nayanthara wrote a scathing open letter to Dhanush after he denied issuing an NOC (No Objection Certificate) for the use of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan clips.
Dhanush also issued a legal notice threatening to sue the couple for using BTS visuals in the documentary. In the notice, he mentioned that he will demand Rs 10 crore as damages if they go ahead with the usage of clips.
In the open letter, Nayanthara accused Dhanush of harbouring a personal grudge and called him a tyrant. They defended the use of clips from the film, stating that the BTS visuals that were shot using personal devices were used in the film.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale sheds light on the actor's entry into cinema, her struggles, past relationships and how she survived amid controversies in the male-dominated industries
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