In a surprising move on Saturday, actress Nayanthara penned an open letter publicly calling out actor Dhanush for allegedly blocking her use of footage from their 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in her upcoming Netflix India documentary, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale. The letter, which aimed at Dhanush’s refusal to grant permission for a three-second snippet from the film, has sparked a wave of support for Nayanthara from several of Dhanush’s former co-stars.
In her letter, Nayanthara accused Dhanush of holding a personal grudge against her and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. She also criticized his demand for ₹10 crore to use the footage, calling it a “low” move. “A well-established actor like you, with the support and blessings of your father and your brother, an ace director, needs to read and understand this. Cinema, as we all know, is a fight for survival for people like me—self-made, with no links in the industry,” she wrote. She further emphasized that her success was a result of her work ethic, the goodwill of the audience, and the support of her film fraternity, not industry connections.
The film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), directed by Vignesh Shivan, featured Nayanthara alongside Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles. Dhanush, who produced the film under his banner Wunderbar Films, had been a key figure in its production. However, it seems that a rift has formed between the two, as Nayanthara has now publicly expressed her frustration over the situation.
Following the release of the letter, several of Dhanush’s former co-stars expressed solidarity with Nayanthara on social media. Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu, who starred with Dhanush in Maryan (2013), shared Nayanthara’s open letter on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by namaste emojis. Nayanthara reposted Parvathy’s message on her own Instagram Stories. Other actors who supported Nayanthara’s stance included Anupama Parmeswaran, Nazriya Fahadh, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Gouri G Kishan, all of whom liked or shared the post.
Nayanthara’s open letter has sparked a debate within the film industry, with many rallying behind the actress, praising her for speaking out against what she described as unfair treatment. The controversy highlights the tensions that sometimes arise behind the scenes in the competitive world of cinema, where personal grievances can spill into professional matters.
Bigg Boss star Nayanthara’s documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale is set to delve into her personal and professional life, offering fans a closer look at her journey in the film industry.