Kathmandu, Nov 20: A heated controversy between South Indian film icons Nayanthara and Dhanush has captured widespread attention on social media. The feud revolves around a 3-second video clip featured in the trailer of Netflix’s documentary “Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale”, released on November 18, coinciding with Nayanthara’s 40th birthday.

Dhanush, the producer of the film “Nanum Rowdy Dhan”, has sent a Rs 10 crore legal notice to Nayanthara, alleging unauthorized use of footage shot during the making of the 2015 movie. The clip in question, used in the documentary trailer, has reignited past tensions between the two stars.

Nayanthara responded through an open letter, expressing shock over the notice and criticizing Dhanush’s actions. She claimed she was denied permission to use songs, scenes, and images from “Nanum Rowdy Dhan” for the documentary, forcing a re-edit of the project. She also questioned whether producers have the right to restrict the personal freedom of individuals on set.

In defense, Dhanush’s legal team stated that the rights to “Nanum Rowdy Dhan” remain with Wunderbar Productions, making the usage of the video a copyright infringement.

The issue has polarized fans, with some supporting Nayanthara, accusing Dhanush of overreacting, while others claim the actress is leveraging the controversy for publicity.

The documentary, which delves into Nayanthara’s career, personal life, and her marriage to director Vignesh Siva, highlights her journey as a pioneering figure in Tamil cinema. Despite this controversy, Nayanthara continues to be celebrated as the “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema, having recently debuted in Bollywood with Shah Rukh Khan in *Jawan*.

This legal battle not only underscores ongoing tensions in the industry but also raises questions about creative rights and professional relationships in Indian cinema.