Dhanush Sues Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan: Legal Battle Over Unauthorized Footage
Actor Dhanush sues Nayanthara in a legal dispute that has captured the attention of the entertainment world. The civil lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of footage from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, a hit film produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films, in a Netflix documentary by Nayanthara and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan.
The case was filed in the Madras High Court, naming both Nayanthara and Vignesh as defendants. Dhanush claims that the inclusion of this footage was done without seeking prior permission, leading Wunderbar Films to take legal action to protect their rights.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to reports, Wunderbar Films also requested permission from the Madras High Court to include Los Gatos Production Services India LLP, a Netflix-affiliated company based in Mumbai, as a co-defendant. Los Gatos oversees Netflix’s content investments in India.
The court approved the application, allowing the case to proceed within the Madras High Court’s jurisdiction. The judge clarified that most of the incidents in question occurred within the jurisdiction and that the key parties—Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, and their company Rowdy Pictures—are based in Chennai.
Nayanthara’s Response to the Lawsuit
Nayanthara responded sharply to the legal notice, accusing Dhanush of demanding ₹10 crore in damages. On November 16, she publicly criticized the lawsuit, stating that it was unjustified. She also expressed disappointment over being targeted, considering the documentary celebrates her contributions to Indian cinema.
The next hearing will require Nayanthara and Vignesh to provide their defense.
What’s at Stake?
The lawsuit centers on intellectual property rights and the ethical use of copyrighted material in creative works. While Naanum Rowdy Dhaan is a memorable collaboration between Dhanush, Nayanthara, and Vignesh Shivan, the unauthorized use of its footage has now led to a legal standoff.
With Netflix also indirectly involved, the case could set a precedent for the handling of intellectual property disputes involving streaming platforms and production houses in India.
The Bigger Picture
The feud between Dhanush sues Nayanthara highlights the growing challenges in the digital era, where content crosses various platforms. As streaming giants like Netflix collaborate with regional creators, disputes over intellectual property may become more frequent.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched by the film fraternity and fans alike. It could impact how production companies and OTT platforms negotiate the use of content in future projects.
