Chennai: On Saturday, actress Nayanthara shocked her fans and the industry with a public letter directed at actor Dhanush, accusing him of blocking her use of footage from their 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in her upcoming Netflix wedding documentary. In her candid note, Nayanthara expressed frustration over Dhanush’s refusal to grant permission for even a brief, three-second clip of the film’s songs, demanding a hefty fee of Rs 10 crore in exchange.
The actress went further, suggesting that Dhanush's actions were driven by a personal vendetta against her and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. Nayanthara criticised the actor for what she described as a "low" and unfair move, particularly given the small nature of the request.
Also Read
A part of the letter read, "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: a self made woman with no links in the industry and someone who had to struggle my way to the position I hold today. I'd owe this to my work ethic that is no secret to all who know me but more importantly, to the goodwill of the audience and my film fraternity."
"The release of my Netflix documentary has been much awaited by not just me but so many of my fans and well wishers. It took a whole team of collaborators and film friends to pull together the project through all the difficulties that were thrown at us. The vengeance that you have been festering against the film, my partner and I, doesn't just affect us but the people who have given their effort and time towards this project. This NetFlix Documentary about me, my life, my love and marriage includes clips of many of my industry well-wishers who have graciously contributed and memories from multiple films, but sadly does not include the most special and important film, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan," she added.
In the letter, Nayanthara also vowed to respond firmly to the legal notice she had received from Dhanush, asserting her position while questioning his motivations.
"I am in receipt of your legal notice and we shall respond to it befittingly through lawful means. Your refusal to give NOC for the use of elements of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan for our Netflix documentary might be justified by you to the courts from the copyright angle but I wish to remind you that there is a moral side to it, which has to be defended in the court of God," she wrote.
Describing Dhanush as a "vile" person, she wrote, "It's almost been 10 years since the release of the film, and it is a long time for someone to continue to be this vile while wearing a mask in front of the world. I have not forgotten all the horrible things that you said about the film that was one of your biggest hits as a producer and a film that is loved by all even today. The words you said pre-release have left some unhealable scars to us already. I learnt through film circles that your ego was supremely hurt after the film became a blockbuster. Your displeasure over its success was perceptible even to common man through award functions connected with this film (Filmfare 2016)."
Despite the tension, she ended the letter on a hopeful note, urging Dhanush to "spread love" and reconcile.
"Through this letter, I only wish and pray that you come to peace with your inner self over the success of some people whom you knew from the past.The world is a big place. It's meant for everyone. It's okay for people you know to come up in life. It's okay for normal people with no background in cinema to make it big. It's okay if some people make connections and are happy. It doesn't take away anything from you. It's only an ode to their work, blessings and people's kindness."
"You may fabricate some fake story and pack it with punch lines and deliver it in your next audio launch too, but god is watching. I wish to introduce a German word into your vocabulary, "schadenfreude" and ensure that you don't taste that emotion with us or anyone anymore. And truly, in this world where it's easy to look down upon people, there is also joy in other's joys, there is happiness in seeing other people's happiness and hope that comes from other's stories. That is the reason behind our NetFlix Documentary. I suggest you also watch it and maybe it might change your mind. It is important to #SpreadLove and I hope and pray that someday you are also fully capable of doing it and not just sayingit.Om Namah Shivaya," the letter read.
While the specifics of the dispute between the two remain unclear, Nayanthara’s accusations have sparked significant conversation within the film industry. As of now, Dhanush has yet to publicly respond to the actress's claims.
For context, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan was a successful Tamil film where Nayanthara starred alongside Vijay Sethupathi. Directed by Vignesh Shivan, the film was produced under Dhanush's Wunderbar Films banner.
Agency
Published: 16 Nov 2024, 02:31 pm IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.