The fallout between Dhanush and filmmaker Vignesh Shivan continues to be a talking point in Kollywood, even years after the controversy first surfaced.
In a recent interview during the promotions of his upcoming film Love Insurance Kompany, Vignesh Shivan opened up about the strained relationship, reflecting on it with a sense of regret and emotional honesty. Despite the public dispute, he described Dhanush as someone he deeply admired and even looked up to as a father figure.
“I like Dhanush sir a lot. His birthday is on July 28… and on that same day, my father passed away. I feel a fatherly presence in him,” Vignesh shared. “My biggest loss is losing that relationship. That is something I feel ashamed about. There must have been a mistake somewhere.”
He further recalled his early days working closely with Dhanush during the making of Velaiilla Pattadhari, where he spent nearly two years under the actor’s guidance.
“I was with him for two years during the VIP shoot. I used to eat only after he ate. Sometimes, we don’t even understand how situations change between people,” he added, hinting at the emotional weight the fallout still carries.
The rift traces back to November 2024, when Dhanush initiated legal action against Nayanthara over the alleged use of visuals from his production Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in her Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale without proper authorisation.
The actor had reportedly sought compensation of ₹10 crore, stating that the footage, though brief, was used without his consent. The film in question holds personal significance, as it was directed by Vignesh Shivan and marked the beginning of his relationship with Nayanthara.
The issue escalated when Nayanthara publicly responded with a strongly worded open letter, criticising Dhanush’s actions and accusing him of holding onto past grievances.
She wrote that despite nearly a decade since the film’s release, certain remarks and actions had left “unhealable scars,” while also alleging that his ego had been affected following the film’s commercial success.
Subsequently, Dhanush approached the Madras High Court, naming Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, and their production banner Rowdy Pictures in the civil suit, further intensifying the dispute.
While the legal battle brought their differences into the public eye, Vignesh Shivan’s recent remarks offer a more personal glimpse into the emotional undercurrent behind the conflict, one that goes beyond professional disagreements.
Source / Image Credit : Indianexpress
Credit: Instagram - wikkiofficial, dhanushkraja
