In a case that feels like a perfect storm of courtroom drama and cinematic spectacle, a seemingly innocuous three-second clip has triggered a ₹10 crore legal standoff between two of South Indian cinema’s most celebrated stars Nayanthara and Dhanush. The controversy erupted on November 18, 2024, mere hours after Netflix unveiled the trailer for NAYANTHARA: BEYOND THE FAIRY TALE, a docu-series chronicling the actress’s journey through fame, film, and personal milestones. The trailer, intended to be a heartfelt peek behind the curtain, quickly became legal ammunition when Dhanush’s production company, Wunderbar Films, issued a legal notice accusing Nayanthara of copyright infringement. The bone of contention? A few fleeting behind-the-scenes (BTS) visuals from the 2015 romantic-comedy Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, reportedly shot by Nayanthara herself during filming, and allegedly included in the docu-series without a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC). According to Wunderbar, not only does the use of these clips violate the copyright vested in the production house, but also the Artist Agreement signed by Nayanthara that assigns the rights to her performance even candid, off-camera moments exclusively to the studio.
To read this post, subscribe or upgrade. Already a member? Sign in
Required plan Free, Raven Member
Keep reading — full access
Subscribe to unlock this article plus the member archive.
Cancel anytime.
Membership BENEFITS
Full posts, newsletters, and everything we publish for subscribers.
- Full articles and searchable archive
- Expert insight from our editorial team
- Member-only updates and newsletters
- Early access where we offer it
