Legal tsunami hits Nayanthara’s ‘fairytale: After Dhanush, now Chandramukhi makers bring the heat

The fairytale is turning into a courtroom saga. Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale, a Netflix documentary that aimed to celebrate the life and journey of ‘Lady Superstar’ Nayanthara, is now facing stormy legal weather. What began as a tribute to her inspiring rise in the film industry and her personal life with filmmaker husband Vignesh Shivan has now turned into a serious controversy, pulling in big names like Dhanush and even the makers of the 2005 hit Chandramukhi.

Just months after the documentary’s release in November 2024, Nayanthara and her team found themselves in hot water. Actor Dhanush, who produced Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, a film where he worked closely with Nayanthara slapped a legal notice on the documentary makers for allegedly using a 3-second clip from the movie without seeking his consent. He reportedly demanded Rs 10 crore in damages. The feud soon turned personal when Nayanthara hit back with an emotional open letter posted online, calling out Dhanush for not living up to the persona he projects in public.

While fans were still digesting that drama, a second legal blow arrived. On July 8, the Madras High Court issued notices to Netflix and Tarc Studio LLP after AP International, the copyright holders of Chandramukhi, accused them of using film footage in the documentary without permission. According to the complaint, the clips were allegedly sourced from YouTube instead of being officially licensed. The rights holders have now demanded a ban on the documentary’s use of Chandramukhi footage and are seeking damages amounting to Rs 5 crore.

Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale showcases the actress’s journey from her early struggles in cinema to her recent milestones as a wife and mother of twins. But the increasing legal pressure is now threatening to overshadow the personal and professional victories the film set out to highlight.

As the legal battles unfold, fans are divided, some standing by the actress, others calling for accountability. One thing’s clear: the fairy tale isn’t over yet, but it’s taken an unexpected twist no one saw coming.