
New Delhi, May 2, 2026: The intense public feud surrounding the JioHotstar web series Resort has reached a critical juncture. Malayalam actor Anugraha S Nambiar has been served a formal legal notice by the legal counsel for Tamil filmmaker-actor Vijay Kumar Rajendran and his wife, Nakshatra Murthy. The notice demands an unconditional public apology within 48 hours for what the couple describes as “false, baseless, malicious, and defamatory statements” circulated across social media platforms.
This development marks a significant escalation in a controversy that has dominated entertainment headlines for the past week, polarizing opinions across the Tamil and Malayalam film industries.
The conflict first came to light when Anugraha S Nambiar took to social media to level serious allegations against the production team of the web series Resort, as well as Vijay Kumar Rajendran and Nakshatra Murthy. Her claims included:
Following these public accusations, a heated exchange ensued online. Supporters of Anugraha and various netizens weighed in, with some alleging systemic issues within the industry regarding how newcomers are treated.
Vijay Kumar Rajendran and Nakshatra Murthy have categorically denied all allegations. In their responses, the couple highlighted the reputational damage caused by what they term a “pre-planned” smear campaign.
Vijay Kumar, known for his work in the digital space, stated that his professional reputation, built over a decade of hard work, was severely tarnished in just a few days. Regarding the financial claims, the makers of Resort (Global Villagers) and Vijay maintained that Anugraha had been compensated for the work completed and that the allegations were designed to tarnish their professional standing.
Nakshatra Murthy, who was directly targeted in the claims, has been particularly vocal, emphasizing that she was defending her family’s honor and her marriage against what she called “baseless” attacks. She stated that she would not be intimidated by public drama and would pursue legal recourse to address the defamation.
The legal notice issued by J. Jerom Joseph, counsel for the couple, is comprehensive. It explicitly states that the “defamatory acts” have caused the couple severe mental agony, loss of reputation, and professional damage.
The notice demands that Anugraha S Nambiar and producer A.B. Sharon must:
Prior to the issuance of this legal notice, Anugraha S Nambiar had already begun to distance herself from the controversy. In a public statement shared on her social media, she announced her decision to “step away” from the matter, citing the need to prioritize her mental health, her family, and her future career.
She clarified in her note that she was not releasing further documents or audio evidence, stating, “I am choosing to let go, not out of weakness, but to protect my peace, my loved ones, and the future I still hope to build.” She also issued an apology to the producers of Resort, attributing the conflict to “negligence, miscommunication, and unprofessional conduct of certain individuals.”
However, Nakshatra Murthy has signaled that mere withdrawal is insufficient, noting that the damage to their reputation necessitates a formal apology and legal accountability.
The Resort controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the working conditions, payment transparency, and power dynamics within the independent film and web series sector. While some industry peers have expressed support for Anugraha, others have urged caution, emphasizing that disputes should be handled through private legal channels rather than through trial-by-social-media.
As the 48-hour window draws to a close, the entertainment community remains in wait to see if this public battle will conclude with a resolution or if it will spill further into the courtrooms. Both sides appear prepared to defend their positions, underscoring the high stakes involved for all parties as they navigate the fallout of this public clash.