Actress-producer Nayanthara flayed Tamil star Dhanush in a long statement on Saturday, accusing him of vengeful behaviour, days after the latter allegedly shot a legal notice seeking Rs 10 crore compensation for unauthorised use of a three-second clip in Nayanthara’s upcoming Netflix docu-series.

Titled Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale, the docu-series reportedly features a three-second clip from Dhanush’s 2015 production Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. The film, starring Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi, went on to become a blockbuster.

“Dear Mr. Dhanush K Raja... 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. What's even more shocking is your legal notice after the release of the trailer of the Netflix Documentary. We were startled to read those lines wherein you questioned the usage of some videos (just 3 seconds) which were shot in our personal devices and that too BTS visuals that are already very much publicly present on social media. and claimed a sum of Rs.10 crores as damages for the mere 3 seconds. This is an all time low from you and speaks so much about your character,” wrote Nayanthara in a no-holds-barred letter.

“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,” added Nayanthara.

Through the letter, Nayanthara also expressed her disappointment and frustration over Dhanush’s alleged refusal to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the use of elements from the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in her Netflix documentary.

“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. After two long years of battling it out with you for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) and waiting for your approval for our Netflix documentary release, we finally decided to give up, re-edit and settle for the current version since you declined to permit the usage of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan songs or visual cuts, even the photographs to say the least despite multiple requests. The songs of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan are appreciated till date because the lyrics came from true emotions, knowing that there's no better music that we could use in our documentary, your refusal to give us the opportunity to use it, or even just lyrics from the songs, broke my heart,” the actress wrote.

Nayanthara said that Dhanush’s decision is driven by personal grudges and lingering bitterness, which have been made evident on several other occasions.

“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... It is understandable if it is business compulsions and monetary issues that mandate your denial; but it hurts that this decision of yours is only to vent out your personal grudge against us and that you have deliberately remained indecisive this long,” wrote Nayanthara.

“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),” she added.

The letter also questions the overbearing authority exercised by some producers in the industry. “Does a Producer become an Emperor controlling the lives, freedom and liberty of all the persons in the set? Any deviation from the Emperor's dictum attracts legal ramifications?” asked Nayanthara.

She accused Dhanush of never practising what he preaches at public events, such as his audio launches.

“I wish you were half the person you portray to be on stage in audio launches in front of your innocent fans but clearly you do not practice what you preach, at least not for me and my partner... Your refusal to give NOC for use of elements of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan for our NetFlix documentary might be justified by you to the Courts from 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,” wrote Nayanthara.

Nayanthara’s husband, Vignesh Shivan, also shared an old video of Dhanush, claiming that his private persona is at odds with the persona he presents in public appearances. “At least for the sake of some innocent die-hard fans who believe all of this, I sincerely pray to God for people to change and find happiness in other people’s happiness,” he wrote alongside the clip on Instagram.

Slated to hit Netflix on November 18, the actress’s birthday, Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale is a docu-series based on the life of Nayanthara, who made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan last year after winning the title of ‘Lady Superstar’ down south for her performances in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada movies.

The docu-series highlights Nayanthar’s journey as a successful actress and her roles as a daughter, sister, wife and mother. It also features exclusive interviews with Nayanthara, her friends, and industry colleagues, including Taapsee Pannu, Rana Daggubati and Nagarjuna Akkineni.

The trailer features scenes of the actress preparing for her shots on the film sets, receiving awards and enjoying life. Besides, the documentary offers unseen footage of Nayanthara’s star-studded wedding, which was attended by celebrities like Rajinikanth, Mani Ratnam and Shah Rukh.

Nayanthara tied the knot with Vignesh Shivan on June 9, 2022 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The couple welcomed their twin sons, Uyir and Ulagam, in October of the same year.

Nayanthara was last seen in Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food. She is set to appear in Test alongside R. Madhavan and Siddharth.

Additionally, the 39-year-old actress will be seen in the Malayalam film Dear Students alongside her Love Action Drama co-star Nivin Pauly.

Nayanthara will also star alongside Kavin in Vishu Edavan’s yet-untitled directorial debut.