Chennai | January 6, 2026
The professional—and increasingly personal—tension between South Indian stars Nayanthara and Dhanush is back in the headlines. On January 6, 2026, reports emerged that Nayanthara declined a major Tamil production after discovering a special cameo planned for Dhanush in the film’s climax or a song sequence. The actress reportedly does not wish to share screen space or credits with Dhanush under any circumstances.
Origins of the Cold War: ‘Nanum Rowdy Tha’ (2015)
The feud traces back to the 2015 film Nanum Rowdy Tha, produced by Dhanush and starring Nayanthara. Tensions resurfaced when the actress used three seconds of behind-the-scenes footage from this film in her Netflix documentary, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale. Dhanush responded by denying her a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and issuing a ₹10 crore copyright notice.
Nayanthara’s Open Letter
Nayanthara publicly called Dhanush “vindictive” and accused him of being unable to tolerate her success and happiness. She also claimed that his public persona differed significantly from his real personality.
Industry Impact and Current Status (2026)
The controversy has split the South film industry. Actresses like Shruti Haasan, Parvati Thiruvothu, and Anupama Parameswaran have sided with Nayanthara, while Dhanush supporters argue he is merely protecting his copyright. The ₹10 crore copyright case is still pending in court, with neither side showing willingness to compromise.
Despite Nayanthara’s vocal stance, Dhanush has remained publicly silent, deepening the “cold war.” Her rejection of new projects featuring him indicates that reconciliation is unlikely in early 2026.
