November 19, 2024: Review:
Netflix’s Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale is a documentary that promises a deep dive into the life and career of the “Lady Superstar,” but instead, it only skims the surface. While it captures her meteoric rise to fame and her fairytale romance with director Vignesh Shivan, the documentary leaves viewers wanting more—a deeper exploration of the trials, tribulations, and complexities of her journey.
It tells us precious little, with vague references of people and events that are very difficult to relate to or understand its context.
There are absolutely no controversial mentions of anything or event or people, so what is the premise of the documentary or what does the directer wish to convey remains unclear and at best vague.
From Small Town to Stardom
The documentary begins with Nayanthara’s humble beginnings in Thiruvalla, Kerala, and her transformation into one of South Indian cinema’s biggest icons. Her journey wasn’t easy. Radhika Sarathkumar aptly points out, “It’s not every day that someone with a successful career throws it away for an emotion.”
Her early days were marked by challenges, including body shaming after her performance in Ghajini. Nayanthara admits to following the director’s vision, but it didn’t shield her from criticism. Producer Pushpa Kandasamy encapsulates the reality: “People look for chances to exploit you.” These incidents, though painful, shaped her into the resilient star she is today.
Vijay Sethupathi, a co-star in Naanum Rowdy Thaan, highlights her keen understanding of how an actor’s image is crafted. The documentary celebrates her breaking the stereotype that superstardom belongs only to male actors.
Love, Loss, and a Sudden Exit
While the documentary avoids delving into specifics, it doesn’t shy away from addressing the emotional toll of her relationships. Nayanthara reveals, “More than love, it was about trust. The only thing that broke me was when people started assuming stories about me.” She opens up about her decision to leave the industry in 2011, a move dictated by a former partner. “I left the industry because the man told me to leave. It was never my choice,” she confesses.
These moments show her vulnerability and strength. However, the documentary stops short of providing the depth fans might expect, choosing instead to present a carefully curated narrative.
A Fairytale Romance
The second half focuses on her relationship with Vignesh Shivan, beginning with their 2015 collaboration on Naanum Rowdy Thaan. Their romance is described by friends and colleagues, with a humorous anecdote from Radhika Sarathkumar, who recalls Dhanush calling her to reveal the budding love story. Vignesh’s unwavering support is highlighted as he stands by her through personal and professional challenges.
Their journey culminates in marriage and parenthood, with the arrival of their twin boys, Uyir and Ulag. While this chapter is heartwarming, it feels like a glossy conclusion to a narrative that could have delved deeper into their unique dynamics and struggles.
A Missed Opportunity
Directed by Amith Krishnan, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale is visually polished and heartfelt but fails to truly unpack the layers of Nayanthara’s life. The documentary avoids controversy and paints a picture-perfect narrative, leaving viewers with an incomplete understanding of her struggles and triumphs.
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Nayanthara, BeyondTheFairytale, NetflixDocumentary, LadySuperstar, SouthIndianCinema, CelebrityJourney, WomenInFilm,