Behind the Lens of Drama: Who Truly Owns the Behind-the-Scenes Gold in Light of Dhanush v. Nayanthara – The Producer or the Camera Artist?
The author explores the ongoing copyright dispute between actor Nayanthara and producer Dhanush over a 3-second behind-the-scenes clip from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan used in Nayanthara’s Netflix docu-drama Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale. The central issue revolves around whether the producer or the individual capturing the footage owns such content, particularly when filmed on personal devices. By analyzing Indian copyright law, which defaults ownership to producers but allows exceptions, the author examines factors like contractual terms, fair use, and the de minimis principle. The case’s resolution, potentially hinging on whether the use is transformative or competitive, could set a critical precedent for copyright ownership in Indian cinema. Continue reading Behind the Lens of Drama: Who Truly Owns the Behind-the-Scenes Gold in Light of Dhanush v. Nayanthara – The Producer or the Camera Artist?
