Chandramukhi Clips Spark Court Case

The Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, which captured the personal and professional journey of actress Nayanthara, has landed in yet another copyright controversy. On Wednesday, the Madras High Court directed Tarc Studios, the production house behind the documentary, to respond to allegations made by AB International, the copyright holder of the Tamil blockbuster Chandramukhi.

According to the petition, the documentary allegedly included portions from Chandramukhi, featuring Rajinikanth, Jyotika, and Nayanthara, without permission. Despite an earlier legal notice demanding the removal of the disputed clips and compensation of Rs 5 crore, the documentary continues to stream on Netflix in its original form.

AB International’s Demands

AB International has requested the court to issue an order restraining Tarc Studios from using any part of Chandramukhi without authorisation. The petition further seeks the removal of such content from the streaming version of the documentary and a full disclosure of profits earned through Netflix. For the filmmakers, this case adds significant pressure, as failing to comply could mean both financial and reputational damage.

Tarc Studios’ counsel, Justice Senthilkumar, informed the High Court that discussions are underway and negotiations may lead to a resolution. The court has granted the studio time until October 6 to formally file a reply.

History of Legal Disputes Over the Documentary

This is not the first time Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale has stirred controversy. Tamil actor and producer Dhanush had earlier filed a lawsuit, claiming the use of visuals and songs from his film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan without approval. His production company, Wunderbar Films, demanded Rs 1 crore in damages, and the case is still pending.

In November 2024, Nayanthara herself issued an open letter criticising Dhanush’s stance, alleging that he demanded an unreasonable Rs 10 crore for a few seconds of footage. She suggested the legal opposition was driven more by personal grudges than professional concerns. The actress described the experience as “an all-time low” and questioned whether ethics were being overshadowed by personal rivalries.

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The Larger Question of Copyright and Consent

With two back-to-back lawsuits, the debate around copyright practices in the OTT era has taken the spotlight. Documentaries often rely on archival footage to add context and authenticity, but using clips without formal licensing agreements can create long-standing legal battles.

For Nayanthara’s documentary, which was intended as a celebratory portrayal of her career and personal life, these disputes have overshadowed the core narrative. What started as a tribute to the actress’s legacy has now turned into a case study on the importance of copyright compliance in the digital age.

The Madras High Court’s upcoming decision on the Chandramukhi clip usage will be closely observed by the entertainment industry. If Tarc Studios resolves the matter through negotiation, it may escape harsher penalties, but if not, the case could set a strong precedent for OTT projects in India.

Nayanthara’s documentary aimed to give fans a glimpse “beyond the fairytale,” but with consistent legal hurdles, it is now more about navigating courtrooms than celebrating milestones. The outcome will shape not only the future of the film but also the evolving landscape of content streaming and copyright law.

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