- Madras High Court rejects Netflix’s plea to dismiss Dhanush’s copyright suit.
- Dhanush claims unauthorized footage from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan was used in Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale.
- The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 5, where Netflix will be required to respond.
The Madras High Court has ruled in favor of Dhanush, rejecting Netflix India‘s plea against his copyright suit. Dhanush had filed the lawsuit after the streaming giant used footage from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in the documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale without obtaining his permission.
The case centers on Dhanush’s rights over the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan and his demand for compensation. He insists that Netflix should either pay Rs. 10 crores or remove the unauthorized footage from the documentary.
Dhanush vs. Netflix: Madras High Court Rules in Actor’s Favor Over Copyright Issue
Netflix’s refusal to settle with Dhanush over the use of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan footage in Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale has led to a significant legal dispute. Dhanush, as the producer, holds the rights to the film’s footage and insists that Netflix pay him Rs. 10 crores for the content’s use. If Netflix fails to comply, the actor seeks the removal of the footage or further legal action against the platform.
While Netflix argued that the footage was uploaded in 2020 without objections at the time, Dhanush’s legal team asserts that objections were raised when the documentary’s trailer was first released. The court’s ruling highlights the importance of intellectual property rights and the producer’s role in controlling content distribution. The case will continue on February 5, as the court evaluates Dhanush’s request for an interim injunction.
This ongoing legal battle between Dhanush and Netflix is a significant reminder of the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it could set crucial precedents for future copyright-related disputes in the digital media landscape.
“The copyright owner has the right to demand compensation for the unauthorized use of their footage.” — Madras High Court Ruling
