Dhanush slapped with Rs 20 crore legal notice over stalled 2016 film - Reports

Tamil superstar Dhanush has reportedly been served a legal notice by Thenandal Films, seeking Rs 20 crore in compensation for allegedly delaying a project he signed in 2016. The actor has one week to respond.

The production company claims in the notice that Dhanush signed on for a film titled ‘Naan Rudhran’ in 2016 but later opted out, The Indian Express has reported. While backing out of the 2016 project, the actor allegedly promised the production banner that he would both direct and star in another film under their production.





Based on Dhanush’s assurance, the production company alleges that they invested nearly Rs 20 crore. This money went as advance payments and pre-production expenses, including payments made to actors such as Nagarjuna and SJ Suryah, who were expected to be part of the project. However, the film was stalled midway, after Dhanush failed to complete the script, the production banner alleged. The actor later went on with other projects, without completing this, they claimed.

Dhanush is asked to respond within a week. The actor may have to confirm whether he will honour the previous agreement and allocate dates to complete the project. If the actor fails, the company demands repayment of the Rs 20 crore it claims to have spent, along with an additional Rs 1 crore as compensation. The production house also said it would take legal action if the matter is not settled within the stipulated time frame.

As of now, Dhanush has not publicly responded to the notice.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Dhanush will be next seen in Rajkumar Periasamy’s directorial ‘D55’. The film will also feature Sai Pallavi, Mammootty, and Sreelela in crucial roles. The makers kick-started the film with an official puja ceremony earlier this month.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”