Dhanush's Film Company Approaches Madras High Court Against Nayanthara, Vignesh Sivan Over Use Of Movie Clipping In Netflix Documentary

Actor Dhanush's film production company Wunderbar Films has approached the Madras High Court against actor Nayanthara, her husband and director Vignesh Sivan, their production company Rowdy Pictures Private Limited, Los Gatos Production Services India LLB over the use of video clippings from the movie "Naanum Rowdy Dhaan" for the Netflix documentary "Nayanthara: Beyind the Fairytale" without necessary permission. Dhanush's Wunderbar Films had produced the movie Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.

Dhanush had moved an application to sue Los Gatos Production Services India LLP, an Indian entity based out of Mumbai through which Netflix operates its investments in India. Since the company is based out of Mumbai, Dhanush had moved an application under Section 12 of the Letter Patent Act allowing him to sue the company along with the other respondents before the Madras High Court.

On Wednesday, Justice Abdul Quddhose has allowed this application without going into the merits of the case since a major part of the cause of action had arisen within the territorial limits of the Madras High Court.

Background

The two renowned actors have been at odds after Nayanthara sought a No-Objection Certificate from Dhanush's Wunderbar Films to use clippings from the movie to be used in the documentary. Even after repeated requests for over 2 years, Wunderbar films had allegedly denied this request. However, the clips were ultimately used in the documentary which prompted Dhanush to send a legal notice to the actress and others demanding damages to the tune of Rs. 10 Crore.

In an open letter that was shared on the Nayanthara's social media handles, she had accused Dhanush of holding a personal grudge against her.

Case Title: Wunderbar Films Private Limited v Tarc Solutions LLP and Others

Case No: A 6184 of 2024