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Nayanthara-Dhanush's cold war began 10 years ago. A 2015 hit started the rift

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Nayanthara and Dhanush’s showdown have now become a public spectacle. For the unversed, the ‘Lady Superstar’ berated Dhanush for being “vile”. In an open letter, she called him out for demanding Rs 10 crore for using a three-second clip from the 2015 blockbuster ‘ Naanum Rowdy Dhan’ (which was produced by him) in her documentary, ‘Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale’.

While this battle between the two Tamil industry titans has shocked many fans, Kollywood veterans know that this dispute was long overdue. It all started with the movie ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhan’. The romantic comedy, which also starred Vijay Sethupathi along with Nayanthara, emerged as a major box-office success that year. It also became the bone of contention between Dhanush and Nayanthara, who were once reported to be friends.

Here’s a timeline of Nayanthara and Dhanush’s fallout.

How ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhan’ Gave Nayanthara’s Career A New Lease Of Life

After her 2011 Telugu film Sri Rama Rajyam, Nayanthara shocked fans by announcing her decision to leave the film industry. At the time, she was navigating intense public scrutiny over her personal life, particularly her relationships with Silambarasan and Prabhudheva. Coupled with other challenges, these pressures led her to step away from cinema at the height of her career.

It was Atlee who persuaded her to return with Raja Rani in 2013, a film that also marked his directorial debut. This modern love story became a blockbuster, reigniting Nayanthara's career. However, her subsequent films didn’t achieve the level of success she aimed for. Everything changed in 2015, as her career soared to new heights. Back-to-back hits like Thani Oruvan and Maya cemented her status as a leading star in the male-dominated industry.

In Thani Oruvan, an investigative thriller, and Maya, a mind-bending horror film where she played the lead, Nayanthara showcased her incredible range as an actress. Her winning streak continued with Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, directed by Vignesh Shivan. In this 2015 hit, she played Kadhambari, a hearing-impaired woman seeking vengeance for her father's murder. Joining forces with a local rowdy, Pondi Paandi (played by Vijay Sethupathi), she delivered yet another unforgettable performance.

The Start Of The Cold War

Prior to Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, Nayanthara and Dhanush worked together in 'Yaaradi Nee Mohini', where they shared the spotlight as lead actors. Their camaraderie during the film’s promotional events was evident, and they appeared to share a strong bond of friendship.

When Dhanush took on the role of producer for Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, directed by Vignesh Shivan and starring Nayanthara, it brought significant opportunities for the project. However, the journey as a producer was far from smooth for Dhanush. During the film's production in 2015, reports began to surface suggesting that he was unhappy with the process. One of the primary issues appeared to be the film’s escalating budget.

Nayanthara’s unwavering belief in both the project and Vignesh Shivan’s vision reportedly played a pivotal role in convincing Dhanush to continue and see the film through to completion. Despite Naanum Rowdy Dhaan becoming a box-office hit, rumors persist that the project wasn’t financially beneficial for Dhanush. Allegedly, due to delays and cost overruns, he was forced to sell the film at a reduced price. While distributors profited, Dhanush is said to have faced losses. These claims, however, remain unverified, as the exact financial details of the film’s performance are known only to the producer.

Naanum Rowdy Dhaan marked the last collaboration between Nayanthara and Dhanush. Unfortunately, their professional relationship took a turn after this project, culminating in Nayanthara now making serious allegations against Dhanush. The film not only altered their dynamic but also marked a significant chapter in their careers.

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