As anticipation builds for the release of Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale on Netflix, South Indian cinema’s “Lady Superstar,” Nayanthara, has sparked widespread debate with an open letter directed at actor-producer Dhanush. The letter accuses him of withholding a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for her upcoming documentary, which chronicles her personal and professional journey. This move has forced her team to re-edit the documentary, omitting songs, visuals, and photographs from the 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, which starred Nayanthara, was directed by her husband Vignesh Shivan, and produced by Dhanush.
In the open letter, Nayanthara accused Dhanush of using the NOC refusal as a means to “vent out personal grudges” against her and her husband. She wrote, “It is understandable if it is business compulsions and monetary issues that mandate your denial; but it hurts that this decision of yours is only to vent out your personal grudge against us and that you have deliberately remained indecisive this long.”
A Clash of Personal and Professional Ties
Nayanthara’s disappointment stems from a strained relationship that contrasts sharply with her earlier praise for Dhanush, whom she once credited for bringing her and Vignesh together. However, her letter suggests that professional conflicts have soured the warmth between them.
The actor highlighted her struggles as a self-made woman in the film industry, contrasting her journey with Dhanush’s privileged position. “Cinema, as we all know, is a fight for survival for people like me: a self-made woman with no links in the industry and someone who had to struggle my way to the position I hold today,” she wrote.
The letter also revealed the toll Dhanush’s refusal has taken on the documentary team. Despite battling for over two years to secure the NOC, the filmmakers were forced to re-edit the project, excluding the iconic songs and visuals from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. “Your refusal to give us the opportunity to use even just lyrics from the songs broke my heart,” Nayanthara shared, underscoring the emotional and creative challenges posed by the dispute.
The Legal Twist: A 3-Second Controversy
The feud took a legal turn after the release of the documentary’s trailer when Nayanthara received a legal notice from Dhanush. The notice flagged a mere three seconds of behind-the-scenes footage from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan—footage already circulating on social media. The actor-producer demanded damages amounting to Rs. 10 crores.
Calling the legal notice an “all-time low,” Nayanthara criticized Dhanush for failing to uphold the values he publicly advocates. “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,” she wrote.
Moral vs. Legal Debate
Nayanthara emphasized the moral dimensions of the conflict, suggesting that copyright claims, while legally valid, lacked ethical grounding. She questioned the power dynamics in the film industry, asking, “Does a Producer become an Emperor controlling the lives, freedom, and liberty of all the persons in the set?”
Digging into the past, she alleged that Dhanush had made derogatory remarks about Naanum Rowdy Dhaan even before its release, leaving her with “unhealable scars.” She also mentioned his alleged displeasure during the film’s success at the 2016 Filmfare Awards.
A Call for Decency
Nayanthara concluded her letter by urging public figures to respect personal boundaries. “Leaving apart business competition, prominent persons in public life largely do not tamper with others’ private lives. Courtesy and decency mandate large-hearted behavior in such matters,” she wrote.
What Lies Ahead?
As Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale prepares for its premiere on Netflix on November 18, the feud has cast a shadow over the documentary’s release. Fans and industry insiders remain divided, with some supporting Nayanthara’s stance while others defend Dhanush’s legal rights as a producer.
This dramatic turn of events adds yet another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated documentary, leaving audiences eager to witness how the story unfolds both on-screen and behind the scenes.