Let's extend our support to the real victim #Dhanush, who has lost money due to the couple.
— The CineRadio (@thecineradio) November 16, 2024
Bad gesture from the actress #Nayanthara pic.twitter.com/5hm6k91lSz
In a heated exchange that has the entertainment world buzzing, Tamil cinema stalwarts Dhanush and Nayanthara are embroiled in a public spat over creative rights and personal accusations. The controversy stems from Dhanush’s recent legal notice to Nayanthara, seeking ₹10 crore in damages for alleged unauthorized use of materials from their successful collaboration Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (NRD).
The Core of the Conflict
The row began when Nayanthara accused Dhanush of harboring a vendetta, citing his objection to her use of NRD’s intellectual property in her Netflix documentary. She claimed this move reflected ego and resentment over the film’s success. However, Dhanush refuted these allegations, asserting his actions are purely professional and grounded in copyright laws.
Dhanush clarified that as the producer of NRD, his rights over the film’s visuals, music, and other elements are non-negotiable. He emphasized that safeguarding intellectual property isn’t about personal animosity but about maintaining professional standards in the industry.
Budget Blowout: A Counterclaim
Dhanush didn’t hold back on addressing the alleged mismanagement during NRD’s production. He revealed that while the film initially had a modest budget of ₹6 crore, delays and additional costs driven by Nayanthara and her husband escalated expenses to ₹16 crore. Despite these challenges, Dhanush ensured the film’s completion and eventual success, absorbing significant financial strain.
Personal Attacks and Family Drama
Nayanthara’s open letter didn’t stop at professional disagreements—it also dragged Dhanush’s family into the narrative. She accused him of leveraging his familial ties in the industry. Dhanush dismissed these claims, pointing to his hard-earned achievements, including National Awards and global recognition (The Gray Man).
He further criticized Nayanthara for using public sympathy to bolster her stance, highlighting the irony of her call for “spreading love” while engaging in personal attacks.
Public Reaction: A Divided Industry
The controversy has divided fans and industry insiders. Some back Dhanush’s defense of intellectual property rights, applauding his commitment to professional integrity. Others sympathize with Nayanthara, perceiving the legal notice as excessive.
What’s Next?
As the debate continues, the spotlight remains on the duo’s future projects and how this clash might impact their professional reputations. One thing is certain: this saga underscores the complexities of creative rights in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.