The Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, released in 2024, has once again found itself entangled in legal complications. This time, it’s not just celebrity clashes that are drawing attention—a ₹5 crore copyright infringement claim has been filed, dragging the popular docuseries further into a legal quagmire.
Netflix’s ‘Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale’ in Turbulent Waters
Launched as a tribute to the career and personal life of South Indian cinema’s “Lady Superstar” Nayanthara, the documentary was meant to be an inspirational journey for her fans. However, the film has turned into a source of ongoing controversy. After an earlier feud involving actor Dhanush, the latest legal notice now comes from AP International, the production house behind the iconic 2005 film Chandramukhi.
Unauthorized Use of ‘Chandramukhi’ Footage Sparks Legal Outrage
The crux of the new controversy lies in allegations that Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale included unauthorized video and audio content from the film Chandramukhi. AP International, which holds the exclusive copyright to the movie, claims that the documentary’s producers—Torque Studios—and streaming giant Netflix India used several clips and songs from the blockbuster film without obtaining proper licensing or permissions.
According to the petition filed in the Madras High Court, the filmmakers allegedly sourced the footage from YouTube, bypassing all formal acquisition protocols. The complaint outlines that this action not only violates Indian copyright law, but also undermines the intellectual property rights of the content owner.
Madras High Court Issues Legal Notice to Producers and Netflix
The legal repercussions were swift. The Madras High Court, upon reviewing AP International’s petition, has issued a formal legal notice to both Torque Studios and Netflix India. The notice demands immediate answers regarding the unauthorized use of Chandramukhi content and calls for corrective actions.
AP International has also demanded monetary compensation of ₹5 crore, citing the documentary’s commercial reach and potential revenue impact caused by the unauthorized usage. Furthermore, the company is pushing for a permanent injunction to prevent any further streaming of the disputed content and to have the specific scenes removed entirely from the documentary.
Industry Impact: What This Means for Future Biographical Documentaries
This legal episode could set a serious precedent for how biographical documentaries are crafted and published in India. Documentaries often weave in archival footage to contextualize a subject’s career. However, this case highlights the growing legal vigilance around fair use, copyright claims, and proper permissions, especially when high-profile personalities and streaming platforms are involved.
For Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, the stakes are high. Not only could this legal challenge affect the documentary’s availability on Netflix, but it might also tarnish the film’s reputation in the eyes of viewers and the industry alike.
The Shadow of Dhanush: Previous Legal Feud Still Fresh
Prior to this copyright row, the documentary was already under scrutiny due to a conflict involving actor Dhanush. The dispute reportedly stemmed from how certain events and professional dynamics were portrayed in the documentary. Dhanush had allegedly taken legal action, arguing that portions of the content misrepresented past relationships and professional collaborations.
Although those claims were addressed and faded from the headlines, the emergence of this new ₹5 crore legal notice reopens public focus on the project’s legal credibility.
AP International’s Position: Upholding Cinematic Property Rights
AP International, a respected name in the South Indian film industry, is firm on protecting its intellectual assets. The production house played a pivotal role in bringing Chandramukhi to the silver screen—a film that remains a cultural landmark in Tamil cinema. By asserting its rights, the company aims to defend the integrity of its content and ensure that media houses and streaming platforms comply with content usage regulations.
The company has also reiterated its commitment to pursuing further legal remedies if the current demands are not met. In addition to monetary compensation, they are lobbying for streaming restrictions until all copyright issues are resolved.
Torque Studios and Netflix India Yet to Respond Officially
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, neither Torque Studios nor Netflix India has released an official statement in response to the notice. The silence has sparked curiosity and speculation across social media and industry circles.
Legal analysts suggest that the next hearing at the Madras High Court could result in an order for immediate content withdrawal, a rare but impactful move in the streaming space. Meanwhile, discussions have also emerged about whether secondary liabilities could be imposed on the platform if it’s proven that proper vetting of documentary content wasn’t undertaken.
Public and Fan Reactions: Growing Curiosity and Divided Opinions
Among the public, the controversy has reignited interest in the documentary, with many rewatching scenes and sharing timestamps of the alleged infringed content online. However, opinions remain divided. Some fans express support for AP International’s stance, arguing that creators deserve respect for their original work. Others feel the case may be an overreach and are urging for a swift resolution that doesn’t restrict access to the documentary.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube are now buzzing with hashtags like #NayantharaDocumentary, #ChandramukhiRights, and #NetflixControversy, amplifying the reach and intensity of the ongoing situation.
Nayanthara Maintains Silence Amid Legal Turmoil
In the midst of this media storm, Nayanthara herself has opted for complete silence. Neither she nor her husband, director Vignesh Shivan, has commented on the ongoing controversies. Their decision to stay away from the public discourse has left fans and followers speculating on their stance.
Her silence, however, has also been interpreted by many as a sign of poise and restraint, as legal teams on both sides gear up for more formal proceedings in court.
What Lies Ahead for ‘Beyond the Fairytale’?
With the legal dispute now escalating, the immediate future of Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale hangs in the balance. If the High Court rules in favor of AP International, the documentary could face a partial takedown, forced edits, or even temporary removal from Netflix India’s platform.
Given the growing scrutiny of how archival materials are used in documentaries, this situation may act as a turning point in the legal landscape for Indian streaming content. Legal experts anticipate stricter compliance protocols in the near future, especially where historic film footage is involved.
As the story unfolds in the legal corridors of Chennai, one thing is certain—Nayanthara’s documentary is now far more than just a tribute to stardom. It has become a case study in intellectual property law, creative rights, and digital accountability in India’s rapidly evolving streaming space.
