Madras HC rejects Netflix’s plea in Dhanush-Nayanthara case.
Tamil actress Nayanthara accused Dhanush of holding a personal grudge against her and her husband, Vignesh Shivan, after he sent her a legal notice demanding ₹10 crore in damages. The dispute arose following the release of a trailer that allegedly misrepresented him. Dhanush’s lawsuit against Netflix and Nayanthara has been a subject of legal contention, with the Madras High Court rejecting Netflix’s plea to dismiss the case. Nayanthara believes Dhanush’s actions are driven by personal animosity rather than genuine legal concerns, escalating tensions between the two actors.
Madras High Court Dismisses Netflix’s Plea in Dhanush-Nayanthara Case
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by streaming giant Netflix, which sought to quash Tamil superstar Dhanush’s copyright infringement suit against actress Nayanthara. The case revolves around the alleged unauthorized use of visuals from the 2015 Tamil movie Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in the Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale.
The controversy erupted after Dhanush, through his production company Wunderbar Films, claimed that Netflix had used behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage from the film without seeking prior permission. The issue gained public attention just before the documentary’s scheduled release on November 18, 2024.
The High Court also dismissed a separate application filed by Los Gatos Production Services India LLP, an entity handling Netflix’s content investments in India. Los Gatos had sought to revoke the court’s earlier leave granted to Wunderbar Films to file the suit in the Madras High Court. The company contended that since it was headquartered in Mumbai, the case should not proceed in Chennai.
However, Justice Abdul Quddhose ruled in favor of senior counsel P.S. Raman, who was assisted by Gautam S. Raman, holding that Los Gatos’ arguments lacked merit. The court scheduled a further hearing on February 5, where it will consider an interim relief sought by Wunderbar Films concerning the continued use of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan visuals in the Netflix documentary.
Dhanush’s Legal Claim
The lawsuit stems from Dhanush’s assertion that neither Nayanthara nor Netflix had the rights to use any BTS footage from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan without permission from Wunderbar Films, which produced the movie.
According to an affidavit filed by Sreyas Srinivasan, director of Wunderbar Films, Nayanthara had signed an artist agreement with the production house on August 27, 2014. This agreement transferred all rights related to her performance, likeness, name, and voice in connection with the film to Wunderbar Films in perpetuity.
Dhanush’s legal team has argued that by using visuals from the film without permission, Netflix and Nayanthara violated copyright laws and the contractual obligations of the artist agreement. The production company is now seeking legal remedies, including damages amounting to ₹10 crore.
Nayanthara’s Response and Allegations
In response to the legal notice, Nayanthara accused Dhanush of harboring a personal grudge against her and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. She pointed out that the legal action came after the release of the documentary’s trailer, which she believes was an attempt to target her.
Nayanthara further claimed that the usage of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan footage in Beyond the Fairytale was minimal, amounting to only three seconds of BTS material, which had been shot on personal devices. She argued that this brief usage did not warrant such a legal dispute and labeled the lawsuit an act of hostility rather than a genuine legal concern.
Sources close to the actress stated that she was “deeply disappointed” by Dhanush’s actions, as the two had previously shared a good working relationship. She reportedly believes that the legal action is not merely about copyright infringement but has a personal undertone, stemming from past professional and personal differences.
Industry Reactions and Legal Implications
The case has sparked debates within the Tamil film industry, with several industry insiders weighing in on the matter. Some have expressed support for Dhanush, asserting that intellectual property rights must be upheld and that Netflix should have obtained proper authorization before using the footage.
On the other hand, supporters of Nayanthara argue that the legal action is excessive, particularly given the limited nature of the footage used. They also believe that targeting Nayanthara personally, rather than just Netflix, raises questions about the intent behind the lawsuit.
From a legal standpoint, the case brings attention to the importance of contractual agreements between actors and production houses. The artist agreement signed by Nayanthara in 2014 explicitly transferred all rights related to her work in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan to Wunderbar Films. If the court upholds this agreement, Netflix and Nayanthara could be held accountable for copyright infringement.
However, legal experts also note that the case may hinge on the nature of the BTS footage used. If it is proven that the material was shot on personal devices and not as part of the official film production, Netflix may argue that it falls outside the jurisdiction of Wunderbar Films’ copyright claims.
Netflix’s Stand and the Way Forward
Netflix has remained relatively tight-lipped on the legal battle but is expected to defend its stance in the upcoming hearings. The streaming platform has previously faced similar copyright-related lawsuits in various countries, and its legal team is expected to argue that the usage of BTS footage falls under fair use principles.
The February 5 hearing will be crucial in determining the direction of the case. If the court grants an interim injunction, Netflix may be required to remove or modify the documentary until a final judgment is reached. Alternatively, if the court sides with Netflix, it could weaken Dhanush’s copyright claims.
Meanwhile, industry observers are keenly watching the developments, as the case could set a precedent for how behind-the-scenes footage and artists’ contractual rights are interpreted in Indian cinema.
Conclusion
The Madras High Court’s dismissal of Netflix’s plea marks a significant step in the ongoing legal battle between Dhanush and Nayanthara. With both sides standing firm, the case is far from over, and its outcome could have broader implications for the Tamil film industry and intellectual property rights in Indian cinema.
While Dhanush asserts that this is a matter of copyright violation and contractual breach, Nayanthara sees it as a personal vendetta. As the legal proceedings continue, the February 5 hearing will likely provide further clarity on the dispute and determine the next course of action for all parties involved.