The recent controversy between actors Dhanush and Nayanthara has sparked considerable buzz, with both sides addressing their perspectives on the matter. The spat revolves around the use of a three-second clip from the 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in Nayanthara’s Netflix documentary, Beyond the Fairy Tale. Allegedly, Dhanush has taken legal action, suing Nayanthara for Rs 10 crore over the use of this footage without acquiring a no-objection certificate (NOC).
Nayanthara, known for her strong stance on issues, took to Instagram last week to post an open letter addressed to Dhanush. She did not hold back, accusing him of harboring a personal grudge against her and her husband, director Vignesh Shivan. In her letter, she wrote, “This is an all-time low from you and speaks so much about your character. I wish you were half the person you portray to be on stage in audio launches in front of your innocent fans. But clearly, you do not practice what you preach, at least not for me and my partner.”
The matter escalated as media outlets sought responses from both parties involved. Dhanush’s father, filmmaker Kasthuri Raja, finally addressed the issue when approached by Tamil Samayam. When asked about Nayanthara’s open letter and the ongoing legal battle, he dismissed the controversy, saying, “Work is important to us. We are moving forward. We don’t have time to answer those who chase us or talk behind our backs. Much like me, my son is focused only on his work.”
Kasthuri Raja refused to elaborate further on the allegations or the no-objection certificate issue. Responding to questions about whether Nayanthara indeed waited two years for the NOC, he firmly stated, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
A Closer Look at the Spat
Nayanthara’s documentary, Beyond the Fairy Tale, recently premiered on Netflix on November 18. The film attempts to showcase her journey in the entertainment industry, highlighting personal and professional milestones, including her 2022 wedding to Vignesh Shivan. However, it has now become the center of controversy due to the inclusion of a brief clip from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. The legal dispute initiated by Dhanush has stirred questions about copyright, intellectual property rights, and potential personal grievances between the two stars.
In her open letter, Nayanthara emphasized how the situation has affected her. She accused Dhanush of displaying double standards, stating, “You preach values on public platforms but do not practice them when it comes to people you know personally.” Her words suggest a deeply personal fallout that goes beyond professional boundaries.
The documentary itself has received mixed reviews, with critics noting its introspective portrayal of the actress’s life. However, this legal tussle has overshadowed the intended narrative of the film, drawing more attention to the strained relationship between the stars than the documentary’s content.
Industry Reactions
The Tamil film industry, often referred to as Kollywood, has seen its fair share of public disputes among its stars. This latest conflict has once again highlighted the thin line between professional and personal matters in the entertainment world. Industry insiders speculate that unresolved issues from the past might have fueled the present scenario, given Dhanush’s role as the producer of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.
While some have criticized Dhanush’s legal move as excessive, others believe it is within his rights to ensure proper permissions are granted for his work. The ₹10 crore lawsuit has also raised eyebrows, with many questioning the necessity of such an extreme action for a brief clip.
Kasthuri Raja’s Approach
Kasthuri Raja’s response to the media reflects his unwillingness to escalate the matter further. By stating, “We don’t have time to answer those who talk behind our backs,” he indirectly dismissed Nayanthara’s open letter. His comment aligns with a stance focused on moving forward and maintaining a professional outlook.
However, his refusal to provide clarity on key points, such as the timeline of the NOC request, has left many questions unanswered. The filmmaker’s decision to remain tight-lipped may have been an attempt to avoid further controversy but has instead added to the speculation.
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