Actor Dhanush, through Wunderbar Films Private Limited, has initiated legal action against actress Nayanthara, her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, and their production house, Rowdy Pictures Private Limited. The case centers on the alleged unauthorized use of a three-second clip from the 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in the Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale.
Dhanush claims ownership of the material, asserting that the clip constitutes copyright infringement. However, Nayanthara’s legal counsel, led by Rahul Dhawan of Lex Chambers, has denied the allegations. Dhawan stated that the footage in question originates from a personal library and not the behind-the-scenes content of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, thus invalidating Dhanush’s claims.
The dispute has reached the legal chambers of the Madras High Court, with further proceedings scheduled for Monday. As the case unfolds, it has captured the entertainment industry’s attention, as the outcome could set a precedent for distinguishing between personal and professional archives.
Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films and directed by Vignesh Shivan, starred Nayanthara and was a major success in 2015. This unexpected legal battle adds a dramatic twist to the legacy of the celebrated film.