In her letter, Nayanthara has alleged that she waited for more than two years for the NOC from Dhanush to use clips and songs of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in the film. But due to Dhanush's refusal to approve it, they had to settle for using BTS clips, which were “shot in personal devices” during the production of the film. The debate over copyright infringement versus use of BTS clips from the film without NOC from the producer is a tricky one. This depends on the presence of very specific clauses in the contracts between actors and producers. However, the ongoing controversy has exposed a very shady underbelly of film industries and fan cultures on social media platforms. Countless accounts claiming to be members of Dhanush's “fan club”, as well as several local news outlets, have consistently attacked the actress for her open letter. While some people are justifying Dhanush's move and questioning Nayanthara's morality and honesty, others are resorting to cruel trolling and name calling the actress.
The deeply ingrained misogyny in Nayanthara's public trial is reminiscent of the 2011 film The Dirty Picture, in which actress Vidya Balan played the role of Silk. Based on the life of Silk Smita, an iconic actress and dancer in 80s South Indian cinema, the film was a sharp commentary on how assertive, self-made women struggle to make their mark in a galaxy of male stars. In a relevant scene of the film, Nayla (Anju Mahendru), a renowned film critic, visits superstar Surya Kant (Naseeruddin Shah) on his film set for an interview. Through his joke about the young age of actresses in Indian cinema, he approaches the subject of Silk. Although Suryakanth initially praises Silk for being a talented actress, he eventually comes to appreciate Silk for being “downmarket” in his review of Nyla. To this, Nayla shyly responds, “It has to be written, Surya sir. To make men into saints, one has to make girls into devils.” This exchange from The Dirty Picture is a sobering reflection of the kind of shaming and trolling that Nayanthara is facing on social media. His open letter has publicly questioned Dhanush's intentions behind withholding NOC to Nayanthara for using clips of herself in his documentary. It has also brought back into the limelight earlier incidents, such as Nayanthara apologizing to Dhanush after receiving the Best Actress award at the 2016 Filmfare Awards, after Dhanush allegedly criticized her performance in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. Had “hated”. These issues have provoked social media fan clubs to cast doubt on the actress.
Silk's journey in The Dirty Picture – as a self-made woman eager to be a part of the profession – can also be seen in the sentiments expressed by Nayanthara in her letter. Nayanthara's struggle to become a “lady superstar” – without prior connections in the industry – is recognized by many other actresses from South Indian film industries, who acknowledge how Indian cinema still remains a largely male-dominated space . In The Dirty Picture, Silk is repeatedly let down by the men around her, especially the ones she loves. In her acceptance speech at an awards ceremony, Silk described how she has repeatedly been used by actors and producers as a “boarding pass” for the “take-off” of their films, but in return she has received only “obscene material”. ” It is said. Still, she resolves not to let herself shy away from pursuing her dreams. Unfortunately, Silk's journey in The Dirty Picture ends on a tragic note. She becomes obsolete by the world of men. However, Nayanthara's claims and refusal to accept defeat still hold hope that the tide will change.
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