Connect with us
Monday,02-November-2026
Breaking News

Entertainment

Madras HC nixes Netflix’s plea to quash Tamil actor Dhanush’s suit against Nayanthara

Published

on

Chennai, Jan 28: The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by the OTT platform Netflix, seeking to reject Tamil superstar Dhanush’s copyright infringement suit against actress Nayanthara.

The case pertains to the alleged unauthorised use of visuals from the Tamil movie ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ in the Netflix docu-drama ‘Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale’.

Justice Abdul Quddhose also dismissed another application filed by Los Gatos Production Services India LLP, an entity managing Netflix’s content investments in India, which sought to revoke the court’s earlier leave granted to Wunderbar Films, owned by Dhanush, to file the suit in the Madras High Court.

Los Gatos argued that the suit should not proceed in Chennai since the applicant company was based in Mumbai.

However, the judge ruled in favour of senior counsel P.S. Raman, assisted by Gautam S. Raman, holding that the applications by Los Gatos lacked merit.

The court scheduled a further hearing on February 5 regarding an interim relief sought by Wunderbar Films.

The interim relief pertains to the use of visuals from ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ in the Netflix docu-drama.

In the affidavit, Sreyas Srinivasan, director of Wunderbar Films, argued that neither Nayanthara nor Netflix had the right to use any footage, including behind-the-scenes (BTS) visuals from the 2015 film, without prior permission from Wunderbar Films, which had produced the movie.

Srinivasan explained that Nayanthara had signed an artist agreement with Wunderbar Films on August 27, 2014, which transferred all rights related to her performance, likeness, name, and voice in connection with the movie to the production company in perpetuity.

Wunderbar Films claimed that on discovering the unauthorised use of the BTS visuals in the docu-drama’s trailer, a notice was issued to Netflix on November 9, 2024.

In response, Netflix and Tarc Studios LLP, the producers of the docu-drama, stated on November 11, 2024, that the visuals were personal in nature and had not been shot by persons commissioned by Wunderbar Films.

The dispute came into the public eye just days before the docu-drama’s release on November 18, 2024.

On November 16, 2024, Nayanthara addressed an open letter to Dhanush via her social media platform, alleging that she had repeatedly requested for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Wunderbar Films for two years but had not received one.

In her letter, Nayanthara explained that the docu-drama included a few seconds of visuals and songs from ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ because the film marked the beginning of her romantic relationship with her now-husband, director Vignesh Shivan.

She accused Dhanush of harbouring a personal grudge against her and Shivan, as he had sent her a legal notice seeking ₹10 crore in damages after the release of the trailer.

Nayanthara claimed that only three seconds of BTS footage shot on personal devices were used, making the legal notice unjustifiable.

Bollywood

Shanaya Kapoor on having a working birthday: A nice way to begin another year

Published

on

Actress Shanaya Kapoor will be having a working birthday this year. She will be spending her special day promoting her upcoming series ‘Student of the Year: After Dark’, along with juggling her other work commitments.

Talking about working on her birthday, Shanaya said that although she would love to spend some time with her family, she feels working is a nice way of entering a new year.

Speaking about this, Shanaya shared, “I think there is something really special about being busy doing what you love, especially on your birthday. Of course, I would love to spend some time with my family and friends, but I am genuinely excited about everything happening professionally right now. It feels like a nice way to begin another year.”

Actress Kareena Kapoor cheered Shanaya for her upcoming show, ‘Student of the Year: After Dark’, as she penned a lovely wish for her on her birthday.

Bebo wrote on her Insta Stories, “Happy birthday to the lovely Shanaya. Good luck for your new show… Looks too good. (sic)”.

Sonam Kapoor added, “Happy happy birthday, darling… wishing you the best year ahead! So excited for all that’s coming your way, especially Student of the Year: After Dark! Love ya!”

Talking about ‘Student of the Year: After Dark’, the show has been directed by Reema Maya and produced by Karan Johar.

Marking her OTT debut, the project will show Shanaya in a double role. It is set to premiere exclusively on JioHotstar on 13th November.

Over and above this, Shanaya’s promising lineup also includes ‘Zombie Reddy 2 – NXT LVL’, which marks her Pan India debut. Directed by Suparn S. Varma and created by Prasanth Varma, the drama will also feature Teja Sajja and Upendra in pivotal roles, along with others.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Bombay High Court stays FRRO’s ‘Leave India’ notice to Imran Khan, actor apologises

Published

on

The Bombay High Court has extended the relief for actor Imran Khan as it has continued interim protection to actor Imran Khan, keeping the FRRO’s ‘Leave India’ notice stayed until the next hearing on December 7.

The Court also directed Khan to tender an unconditional apology for the alleged violation of OCI rules, saying a mere undertaking would not be enough. The Court questioned Khan’s participation in a protest despite holding an OCI card, noting that such cardholders have limited rights.

The actor informed the Court he had no affiliation with any protest group, and had lived in India for most of his life apart from two years in the US, and was willing to give any undertaking required. His lawyer said no specific allegations had been made against him in the FIR and the offences were bailable.

The Court, while invoking Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, noted Khan’s long residence in India and said he should be given an opportunity if he apologises and gives an undertaking.

The actor was issued a notice to leave the country days after he participated in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Action has been taken against Imran under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, and the actor has received a copy of the notice. The actor was detained by the police on October 10 in connection with the protest.

Earlier, BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, urging them to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against actor Imran Khan.

He has also requested that the actor be barred from leaving the country until an inquiry into his complaint and the investigation into a Mumbai police case are completed.

In a letter dated October 13 to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Kirit Somaiya called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue directions preventing Khan from travelling abroad under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He also asked the Bureau of Immigration to issue an LOC against the actor and notify the police should he attempt to leave India.

The move comes after a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10 where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

‘Dia Mirza’s stance on pollution-free Diwali is against Hindus, Hindutva’: Mumbai Mayor

Published

on

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Ritu Tawde on Monday criticised Bollywood actress Dia Mirza over her pollution-free Diwali video, alleging that her opposition was consistently directed towards Hindutva and those working for it.

Tawde said Hindus did not need anyone to teach them how to celebrate Diwali and accused the actress of pursuing a selective agenda.

Speaking to reporters, the BMC Mayor said, “If we look at Dia Mirza’s entire profile, we can see that she has opposed the Narmada project and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). She has also spoken against environmental issues that we were working on and opposed statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have consistently seen her opposition directed against Hindutva and those who work for it. Secondly, we do not need Dia Mirza to teach us how Hindus should celebrate Diwali.”

“We know how to celebrate our Diwali. She is pursuing her own agenda, a selective agenda, and her overall stance is becoming very clear. It shows that she is against Hindutva. That is why we have strongly opposed her video. We do not need her to teach us how we, as Hindus, should celebrate Diwali,” she said.

Tawde further questioned the civic administration for not sharing the complete list of celebrities selected for the pollution-free Diwali awareness campaign with her in her capacity as Mayor.

“It is true that the Honourable High Court had issued directions that prominent artists and celebrities should help promote the message that the upcoming Diwali should be celebrated without firecrackers, as the AQI is also rising. However, when selecting the artists for this campaign, the complete list of those selected should have been shared with me in my capacity as Mayor. The administration did not consider it necessary to provide me with that list,” she said.

She further said that the administration needed to move beyond the mindset that an administrative rule was still in place, as elected corporators and the Mayor had now taken charge.

“You must keep the Mayor informed about every decision, bring it to her notice, seek her approval, and only then proceed with its implementation,” Tawde said.

Meanwhile, the BMC has deleted a video featuring Dia Mirza from its pollution-free Diwali campaign after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her inclusion, triggering a political controversy over the civic body’s awareness drive.

In her statement, the ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ actress emphasised the significance of Diwali as a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and highlighted the need for healthier and more mindful celebrations.

“Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The video was recorded in the interest of public awareness, with the intention of encouraging a healthier and more mindful celebration. Air pollution is a matter of public health, and every effort towards reducing it is a step towards a better environment for all,” Dia said.

Continue Reading

Trending