Nayanthara: No fairy tale, this

She is a fine actress. Why not enjoy this moment when there is so much of happiness, love and romance in two people’s life? Surely, it is nice to watch Nayanthara and Vignesh together.

By R Kalpana

Film: Nayanthara – Beyond the Fairy Tale: Documentary -- Tamil /English

Direction: Vignesh

This was one big story in Tamil and South Indian film industry in the fading days of 2024. And it has not really been forgotten as yet. This is called a documentary, but looks like a movie. With a top actress of Tamil cinema as the protagonist.

Nayantara the Documentary on Netflix was not something I had on my wish list, though I was reading mixed reviews. The duration was only 90 minutes, and I thought it would be a break from some serious work I was doing on a dull Sunday morning.  I don't know why they would group it under documentary because it is like a movie -- about Nayanthara.

A well-crafted, crisp and creative cinematic effort. After watching the film, the thought that crossed my mind was why must we call film actors stars and super stars? What does this do to them and their families? How does it impact their private lives?

Every woman actor must have the gumption to come out and shut the mouths of people who slander them and pass allegations about their character. Many may think that this film is unnecessary, merely to attract attention, because Nayan and her husband are looking for a big lottery for them.

Whatever may be the intention behind this film, I still believe that her take about her life, her family, her friends, the friendship with Vignesh, it all makes the audience feel that she has spoken from her heart, and there is no ulterior agenda behind the movie/documentary. It’s an honest film.

Even if there was an agenda, I don't think we must care so much about it. This is because women who are aspiring to become famous in their initial years in the film industry, are sometimes taken for one big ride. This film could help them to be cautious, assertive, intelligent and brave, and never go overboard in pleasing any one, howsoever powerful. 

The film is subtle, soft, soothing, and touches you in a different way. I was hit by the way Nayan explained her days at home when she was almost thrown out and rejected from the industry -- for all the wrong reasons! The misrepresentation of facts-- and the fact that she never ever went on her knees to explain or defend her position, is a telling story. It proves her strength of character, and belief in her own convictions.

All women actors must speak out about their travails. They should let the world know that what they see on screen is not a cake-walk; indeed, it is an extremely tough profession.

The marriage event is just about 10 minutes of the entire duration and we do not get bored with any details; despite that, we get the overall atmospherics about the wedding. That story-telling is effective. Besides, the romance narrative with Vignesh, the clichéd language and script, look a bit too idealistic, almost stage-managed. Why can't it be real?

We should enjoy this film. She is a fine actress. Why not enjoy this moment when there is so much of happiness, love and romance in two people’s life? Surely, it is nice to watch Nayanthara and Vignesh together.

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R Kalpana is an educator and film buff based in Bangalore.