Nayanthara

Nayanthara was born as Diana Mariam Kurian{{Cite web |last=Vats |first=Arushi |date=18 November 2019 |title=Top 11 unknown & interesting facts about the lady superstar Nayanthara |url=https://www.thelivemirror.com/nayanthara-unknown-facts/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 August 2021 |website=The Live Mirror |language=en-US |archive-date=18 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618060802/https://www.thelivemirror.com/nayanthara-unknown-facts/}}[http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-birthday-special-nayantara-turns-28/20121119.htm Sri Birthday Special: Nayanthara Turns 28] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150657/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-birthday-special-nayantara-turns-28/20121119.htm |date=24 September 2015 }}. Rediff.com (19 November 2012). Retrieved 10 April 2012. on 18 November 1984[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/happy-birthday-nayantara/1/10523.html Happy birthday Nayantara] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100138/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/happy-birthday-nayantara/1/10523.html |date=2 April 2015 }}. indiatoday.com (5 December 2008). Retrieved 10 April 2012.[http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/birthday-special-nayantaras-fashiobale-screen-avatars/20141118.htm Birthday Special Nayantara] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125061833/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/birthday-special-nayantaras-fashiobale-screen-avatars/20141118.htm |date=25 January 2015 }} rediff.com (18 November 2014) in Bangalore, Karnataka.{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Nayanthara-in-Sandalwood-now/articleshow/5452870.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |title=Nayanthara in Sandalwood now |date=17 January 2010 |access-date=19 March 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226111910/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Nayanthara-in-Sandalwood-now/articleshow/5452870.cms%20 |url-status=live}} Nayanthara belongs to a Malayali Syrian Christian family hails from Thiruvalla, Kerala,{{cite news |last1=Rajendran |first1=Sowmya |title='Love Action Drama' review: Nivin-Nayanthara's romcom is out of fresh ideas |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/love-action-drama-review-nivin-nayantharas-romcom-out-fresh-ideas-108523 |work=The News Minute |date=7 September 2019 |language=en |access-date=10 January 2024 |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110123547/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/love-action-drama-review-nivin-nayantharas-romcom-out-fresh-ideas-108523 |url-status=live }} and was born to Kurian Kodiyattu and Omana Kurian.{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060514/asp/look/story_6217361.asp |location=Calcutta, India |work=The Telegraph |title=Tamil filmdom's top stars ' Kerala women |date=14 May 2006 |access-date=15 October 2013 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025125032/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060514/asp/look/story_6217361.asp |url-status=dead}} Her elder brother, Leno, lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13682609&cid=2408 |title=Welcome to |website=Sify |date=20 January 2007 |access-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001070803/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13682609&cid=2408 |archive-date=1 October 2012 |url-status=dead}} As her father was an Indian Air Force official, Nayanthara studied in various parts of India.

Nayanthara did her schooling in Jamnagar, Gujarat and Delhi.{{cite web | url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/web-stories/educational-qualifications-of-south-indian-actresses-878 | title=Educational Qualifications of South Indian Actresses | date=4 February 2022 | access-date=23 July 2022 | archive-date=9 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009152228/https://www.sentinelassam.com/web-stories/educational-qualifications-of-south-indian-actresses-878 | url-status=live }} She studied at O.E.M Public School in Eraviperoor, Balikamadom Girls Higher Secondary School, Thirumoolapuram in Thiruvalla{{cite web | url=https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/994470606/South-Actresses-with-High-Educational-Qualification | title=South Actresses with High Educational Qualification | access-date=23 July 2022 | archive-date=9 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009152729/https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/994470606/South-Actresses-with-High-Educational-Qualification | url-status=live }} and then attended Marthoma College, Thiruvalla for her bachelor's degree in English Literature.[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/13south6.htm rediff.com: Meet Rajnikanth's new heroine!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518053513/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/13south6.htm |date=18 May 2013 }}. Rediff.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012.{{cite web | url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/nayanthara-lady-superstar_in_5e2abf53c5b6779e9c30d673 | title=From Diana to Nayanthara: The Making of A 'Lady Superstar' | date=26 January 2020 | access-date=7 September 2022 | archive-date=7 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907084959/https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/nayanthara-lady-superstar_in_5e2abf53c5b6779e9c30d673 | url-status=live }}

She began her acting career in 2003 with the Malayalam film Manassinakkare. While studying at college, Nayanthara worked part-time as a model.{{cite news |last1=Anthikkad |first1=Sathyan |title=നയൻതാരയിൽ വീണുപോയി |url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/books/excerpts/sathyan-anthikkad-aathmaavinte-adikkurippukal-malayalam-news-1.1252380 |access-date=29 October 2017 |work=Mathrubhumi |date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171029170751/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/books/excerpts/sathyan-anthikkad-aathmaavinte-adikkurippukal-malayalam-news-1.1252380 |archive-date=29 October 2017 |language=ml |url-status=live}} She was spotted by director Sathyan Anthikkad, who had seen some of her modelling assignments and approached her to play a pivotal role in his film Manassinakkare (2003).[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/13south5.htm rediff.com: Meet Rajnikanth's new heroine!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518053407/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/13south5.htm |date=18 May 2013 }}. Rediff.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012. Although she turned down the offer initially, as she was not interested in films, she gave in eventually and agreed to do "just that one film". Manassinakkare went on to become a big financial success and she continued to receive acting offers. Both her releases in 2004, Natturajavu by Shaji Kailas, and Fazil's psychological thriller Vismayathumbathu, saw her co-starring alongside Mohanlal; while she played the protagonist's adopted sister in the former, she portrayed a ghost in the latter.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185838/http://www.sify.com/movies/nayantara-is-the-new-flavour-of-kollywood-news-tamil-kkfvDojbjgf.html?ref=false Nayantara is the new flavour of Kollywood]. Sify.com (6 December 2004). Retrieved 10 April 2012. Her performance in Vismayathumbathu, in particular, was lauded, with critics claiming that she had "stolen the thunder with her author-backed role",[https://web.archive.org/web/20150107045452/http://www.sify.com/movies/vismayathumbathu-review-malayalam-13451688.html Movie Review:Vismayathumbathu]. Sify.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012. and was "the revelation of the film".[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/7049.html Vismayathumbathu Malayalam Movie Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718125355/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/7049.html |date=18 July 2012 }}. IndiaGlitz (4 April 2004). Retrieved 10 April 2012.

Nayanthara subsequently started appearing in Tamil and Telugu films. In 2005, she was cast in Hari's Ayya, debuting in the Tamil film industry as lead heroine of the movie. Behindwoods.com stated that she had made a "sensational debut in Tamil",[http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Reviews/reviews1/ayya_review.html Ayya Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621064433/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Reviews/reviews1/ayya_review.html |date=21 June 2013 }}. Behindwoods (17 January 2005). Retrieved 10 April 2012. while a reviewer from Nowrunning.com said that her "presence with her beautiful smile is crowd winning".[http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/1973/tamil/ayya/393/review.htm Ayya Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111211044/http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/1973/tamil/ayya/393/review.htm |date=11 January 2014 }}. Nowrunning.com (12 January 2005). Retrieved 10 April 2012. While still shooting for Ayya, she was selected for the comedy horror film Chandramukhi,[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/13south1.htm rediff.com: Meet Rajnikanth's new heroine!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104001213/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/13south1.htm |date=4 January 2012 }}. Rediff.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012. after its director P. Vasu's wife had seen Manassinakkare and recommended her.[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/12slid3.htm rediff.com: Nayantara, the Diwali queen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518052822/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/12slid3.htm |date=18 May 2013 }}. Specials.rediff.com (12 October 2006). Retrieved 10 April 2012. The film ran for over 800 days in theatres,{{Cite web |date=16 March 2007 |title=Legend in the making! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/legend-in-the-making-news-tamil-kkfvcxfafhfsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727145852/http://www.sify.com/movies/legend-in-the-making-news-tamil-kkfvcxfafhfsi.html |archive-date=27 July 2016 |access-date=27 July 2016 |website=Sify}} eventually turning Nayanthara into one of the most-sought after actresses in Tamil.{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14226712&cid=2408 |title=Welcome to |website=Sify |date=20 January 2007 |access-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002074238/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14226712&cid=2408 |archive-date=2 October 2012 |url-status=dead}} She also acted in Malayalam, Thaskara Veeran and Rappakal both co-starring with Mammootty. Later that year she appeared in AR Murugadoss' Ghajini, in which she played a secondary female character.She was also portrayed in an item song in the film. Nayanthara then accepted to appear in an item number as herself in the Perarasu-directed masala film Sivakasi.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150806012225/http://www.sify.com/movies/nayan-s-item-number-news-tamil-kkfv12ejggg.html?ref=false Nayan's item number]. Sify.com (6 August 2005). Retrieved 10 April 2012.

Nayanthara's first release in 2006 was Kalvanin Kadhali. Indiaglitz.com stated her performance was the "strength of the film".[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/7547.html Kalvanin Kadhali Tamil Movie Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607014420/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/7547.html |date=7 June 2012 }}. IndiaGlitz (18 February 2006). Retrieved 10 April 2012. She next made her debut in Telugu, starring in the film Lakshmi, following which she performed in Boss, I Love You. Three Tamil films in which she enacted the lead female characters – Vallavan, Thalaimagan and E – were released simultaneously during Deepavali 2006.[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/12slid1.htm rediff.com: Nayantara, the Diwali queen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301211754/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/12slid1.htm |date=1 March 2011 }}. Specials.rediff.com (12 October 2006). Retrieved 10 April 2012. All three films opened to mixed reviews.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140130140320/http://www.sify.com/movies/thalaimagan-review-tamil-14319175.html Movie Review:Thalaimagan]. Sify.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140130124745/http://www.sify.com/movies/e-review-tamil-14315542.html Movie Review:E]. Sify.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012. In Vallavan, she portrayed a lecturer who falls in love with a student younger than her. Sify wrote: "Nayanthara virtually walks away with the film and has never looked so beautiful. She looks gorgeous especially in songs and does justice to her well-etched out role".[https://web.archive.org/web/20130704155845/http://www.sify.com/movies/vallavan-review-tamil-14317167.html Movie Review:Vallavan]. Sify.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012. The science fiction thriller E featured Nayanthara in the role of a bar dancer. Reviewers from Rediff stated that she made an impact.[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/23e.htm Watch E for Jeeva] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143938/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/23e.htm |date=24 September 2015 }}. Rediff.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012. Indiaglitz said she was "very adequate and impressive in a slightly complicated role",[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/7785.html E Tamil Movie Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203160312/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/7785.html |date=3 February 2012 }}. IndiaGlitz (20 October 2006). Retrieved 10 April 2012. and that she had "come up with a good performance". In Thalaimagan, she played a news reporter, with critics agreeing that she did not have much to do in the film.{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/27/stories/2006102700030200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109024535/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/27/stories/2006102700030200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 November 2006 |location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |title=An action-filled 100! – Thalaimagan |date=27 October 2006}}

Nayanthara regained her status in Tamil cinema by starring in the Vishnuvardhan-directed gangster film Billa (2007). A remake of the 1980 Tamil film of the same name, it went on to become a success at the box office,{{vague|date=November 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/movies/billa-hits-a-century-news-tamil-kkftJhhddhe.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028103014/http://sify.com/movies/billa-hits-a-century-news-tamil-kkftJhhddhe.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 October 2010 |title=Billa hits a century! |website=Sify |date=22 March 2008 |access-date=18 October 2011}} with Nayanthara receiving critical and popular acclaim for her performance as Sasha in her new glamorous look.{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14582061&cid=2408 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231043236/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14582061&cid=2408 |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 December 2007 |title=Welcome to |website=Sify |date=20 January 2007 |access-date=18 October 2011}} Sify heaped praise on her, describing her as a "show-stopper". The reviewer further wrote: "Nayanthara has gone full throttle to look her sexiest best [...] She has a beautiful body which she flaunts daringly [...] and is also able to bring out the cold aloofness and bitterness of her character.[https://web.archive.org/web/20131128161433/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-review-tamil-14575572.html Movie Review:Billa]. Sify.com. Retrieved 2012-04-10. Similarly a critic from Nowrunning.com noted that she looked "great in mini-skirts, jacket, dark glasses and tall boots".[http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/4506/tamil/billa/1436/review.htm Billa Review – Tamil Movie Review by Mythily Ramachandran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226005332/http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/4506/tamil/billa/1436/review.htm |date=26 February 2012 }}. Nowrunning.com (15 December 2007). Retrieved 10 April 2012. Her performance in Billa earned her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil, in addition to winning the Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine. The same year, she also starred in the Telugu action drama Tulasi alongside Venkatesh, which proved to be a commercial success and her performance earned her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu.

In 2008, she had five releases, four of which were in Tamil. Her first release was the family entertainer Yaaradi Nee Mohini. Behindwoods.com wrote: "Nayanthara dispels her bombshell act and proves that she can more than just that. She breaks into tears when needed, shows vicious contempt when rubbed the wrong way in the name of love, and looks endearing in songs". Nowrunning.com stated that she "exhibits her acting skills in full measure [and] gives a moving performance in emotional scenes",{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/yaaradi-nee-mohini-review.html |title=YAARADI NEE MOHINI MOVIE REVIEW – Behindwoods.com DHANUSH Nayanthara YUVAN SHANKAR RAJA Selvaraghavan Jawahar Karthik Kumar Raghuvaran yaaradi nee mohini movie wallpapers hot stills picture image gallery |access-date=16 August 2016 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221115/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/yaaradi-nee-mohini-review.html |url-status=live}} while Sify's critic wrote that she looked "sensational and has done a great job in perhaps the meatiest role she has done so far".[https://web.archive.org/web/20130823094342/http://www.sify.com/movies/yaaradi-nee-mohini-review-tamil-14638571.html Movie Review:Yaaradi Nee Mohini]. Sify.com. Retrieved 10 April 2012.

Her subsequent appearances were in Kuselan, Satyam and Aegan in 2008. In 2009 she appeared in Villu and Aadhavan.

In 2010, all her releases, which featured her as the female lead, turned out to be commercial successes: she had five box office hits in the four Southern languages – Adhurs (Telugu), Bodyguard (Malayalam), Simha (Telugu), Boss Engira Bhaskaran (Tamil) and Super (Kannada).{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/I-feel-blessed-to-play-Sita-Nayanthara/articleshow/7127966.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104062227/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-20/news-interviews/28222815_1_films-southern-languages-boss-engira-baskaran |url-status=live |archive-date=4 November 2012 |newspaper=The Times of India |title=I feel blessed to play Sita: Nayanthara |date=20 December 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/people-now-trust-my-abilities-nayanthara-news-tamil-kmikivhgjhj.html?scategory=tamil |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727025526/http://www.sify.com/movies/people-now-trust-my-abilities-nayanthara-news-tamil-kmikivhgjhj.html?scategory=tamil |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 July 2011 |title=People now trust my abilities: Nayanthara |website=Sify |access-date=18 October 2011}} She won the Asianet Award for Best Actress for her performance in Bodyguard. The latter three, in particular, were particularly notable for Nayanthara, with Simha becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year and Boss Engira Bhaskaran releasing to positive reviews and becoming a financial success.{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boss-engira-bhaskaran-review-tamil-14956349.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225234542/http://www.sify.com/movies/boss-engira-bhaskaran-review-tamil-14956349.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 December 2013 |title=Movie Review:Boss Engira Bhaskaran |website=Sify |access-date=18 October 2011}} Upendra's Super, which marked her debut into the Kannada film industry, opened to rave reviews, while her performance was also praised by critics.{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/super-a-revolutionary-concept-review-kannada-14959267.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130130253/http://www.sify.com/movies/super-a-revolutionary-concept-review-kannada-14959267.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 January 2014 |title=Movie Review:Super: A revolutionary concept |website=Sify |access-date=18 October 2011}}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/movie-reviews/Super/movie-review/7042116.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |first1=G S |last1=Kumar |title=Super |date=4 December 2010 |access-date=30 June 2013 |archive-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726132638/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/movie-reviews/Super/movie-review/7042116.cms |url-status=live}} She also starred in Shyamaprasad's critically acclaimed Malayalam film Elektra. Her performance was well appreciated by critics when it was screened at the International Film Festival of India.{{cite web |url=http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=67541 |title=Elektra Dazzles IFFI with Its Electrifying Performances |publisher=Press Information Bureau |access-date=24 November 2010 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717072823/http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=67541 |url-status=live}} The film was also screened at the Dubai International Film Festival.{{cite web |url=http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/dubai-premiere-for-manisha-koirala-s-elektra-2010-11-14-1.317224 |title=Dubai premiere for Manisha Koirala's "Elektra" |date=14 November 2010 |publisher=Emirates247.com |access-date=14 December 2010 |archive-date=19 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119051701/http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/dubai-premiere-for-manisha-koirala-s-elektra-2010-11-14-1.317224 |url-status=live}}

Her only release in 2011 was the mythological film Sri Rama Rajyam (2011) by Bapu, in which she played the role of Sita. She received high critical acclaim for her performance in the film, with Rediff.com noting, "Nayanthara is the surprise package of the film. As Sita, she too has played the role of her lifetime. She gave a fine understated performance conveying a kaleidoscope of emotions."{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-sri-ramarajyam/20111117.htm |title=Review: Sri Rama Rajyam is a visual treat |website=Rediff.com |access-date=9 July 2012 |archive-date=19 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619020451/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-sri-ramarajyam/20111117.htm |url-status=live}} Sify commented "Nayanthara gave a fitting answer to all, unleashing grace and accomplishing the assignment with absolute perfection."{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sri-ramarajyam-review-review-telugu-14983681.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201051940/http://www.sify.com/movies/sri-ramarajyam-review-review-telugu-14983681.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 December 2013 |title=Sri Ramarajyam review |website=Sify |access-date=9 July 2012}} Subsequently, she was awarded her first Filmfare Award – Telugu and Nandi Award for her performance.{{cite web|url=http://filmfare.com/news/59th-idea-filmfare-awards-south-winners-list-809.html|title=59th Idea Filmfare Awards South (Winners list)|publisher=Filmfare Awards|access-date=9 July 2012|archive-date=12 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712073106/http://filmfare.com/news/59th-idea-filmfare-awards-south-winners-list-809.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2011.html|title=Nandi awards for year 2011 – Telugu cinema news|website=idlebrain.com|access-date=17 September 2023|archive-date=22 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022062556/https://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2011.html|url-status=live}} The film was dubbed in the media as her swan song and considered to be her last release before her marriage as she was reported to quit acting thereafter.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140130140316/http://www.sify.com/movies/ramarajyam-nayanthara-s-swan-song-news-news-llpj05ejaaa.html?ref=false Ramarajyam- Nayanthara's swan song]. Sify.com (15 November 2011). Retrieved 10 April 2012.

Choosing to make a comeback, Nayanthara began shooting for Krish's Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012) after an eleven-month sabbatical.{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nayanthara-is-back-with-a-bang-news-tamil-md2nCsiiedb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329024207/http://www.sify.com/movies/nayanthara-is-back-with-a-bang-news-tamil-md2nCsiiedb.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2012 |title=Nayanthara is back with a bang |website=Sify |date=28 March 2012 |access-date=10 April 2012}} She portrayed the role of a journalist and her performance was praised, with a reviewer from Sify stating that "Nayanthara does not play the normal commercial glam-doll for a change and she is good" and "her chemistry with Rana is perfect".{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/krishnam-vande-jagadgurum-review-review-telugu-15014177.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030104443/http://www.sify.com/movies/krishnam-vande-jagadgurum-review-review-telugu-15014177.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 October 2013 |title=Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum review |website=Sify |access-date=4 May 2013}} This is the only Telugu film where Nayanthara has dubbed for her character. She received her fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu for her performance in the film. The following year, she won widespread critical acclaim for her performance in Atlee's romantic comedy-drama Raja Rani (2013), winning her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil and the Vijay Award for Best Actress. Playing the role of a wife in an unhappy marriage, a critic from Sify.com noted, "Nayanthara gets a well-written role and she couldn't ask for a better character than Regina for her return after a three-year hiatus... she looks good, throws herself into the role, approaches her part with restraint and minimalist fuss, and turns in a sincere performance." Sify.com also said her role was "unquestionably the film's biggest strength".{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-rani-review-tamil-pcmbbzfhhhfii.html |title=Review : Raja Rani |website=Sify |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=13 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813054609/http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-rani-review-tamil-pcmbbzfhhhfii.html |url-status=dead}} Likewise, another reviewer from Behindwoods.com stated the role was "Nayanthara's career best performance till date" and it was a "great comeback by the actress with a role which gave her ample scope".{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/raja-rani/raja-rani-review.html |title=Raja Rani Movie Review Raja Rani, Arya, Jai |website=www.behindwoods.com |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063648/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/raja-rani/raja-rani-review.html |url-status=live}}

Her next release, Vishnuvardhan's Arrambam (2013), featuring Ajith Kumar in the lead, also won acclaim with a reviewer from Rediff stating that "Nayanthara looks gorgeous and does full justice to her character", while Behindwoods critic stated that "Nayanthara puts out a fiery face when required and also showcase her oomph and style in many scenes, adding "this superstar continues to shine".{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-aarambam-is-a-delight-for-ajith-fans-south/20131101.htm |title=Review: Aarambam is a delight for Ajith fans |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105044342/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-aarambam-is-a-delight-for-ajith-fans-south/20131101.htm |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/happy-birthday-nayanthara-news-malayalam-nlsjB4iajbe.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120232449/http://www.sify.com/movies/happy-birthday-nayanthara-news-malayalam-nlsjB4iajbe.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 November 2013 |title=Happy Birthday Nayanthara |website=Sify |access-date=16 August 2016}}

File:Nayanthara in 2023 (cropped).jpg

While Anaamika did middling business, her next female-centric project, the horror film Maya (2015), emerged as a profitable venture commercially. Portraying a single mother with a mysterious past, Nayanthara won acclaim for her performance and her decision to portray an unconventional character, with Sify.com saying, "Nayanthara is just fabulous and her classier side has been perfectly unleashed in Maya... it's a treat to watch Nayanthara re-inventing herself by performing in an author backed Role".{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/maya-review-tamil-pjrrVfaahbigf.html |title=Review : Maya |website=Sify |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=9 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709081222/http://www.sify.com/movies/maya-review-tamil-pjrrVfaahbigf.html |url-status=dead}}

Along with strong character roles, Nayanthara continued to appear in action and comedy films, including the successful Bhaskar the Rascal (2015) and Thani Oruvan (2015), during the same period. She then went on to win her second Filmfare Award for her role of a deaf girl seeking revenge in Vignesh Shivan's black comedy Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015). About her performance, Sify.com's reviewer noted "Nayanthara's Kadambari is a well-etched out role, the actress is effortlessly charming and she does full justice", and "infuses the part with the right portions of vulnerability, restraint, and quiet strength, delivering a performance that is nothing short of perfect".{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/naanum-rowdy-dhaan-review--pkvrJajfiggeg.html |title=Review : Naanum Rowdy Dhaan |website=Sify |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170327101313/http://www.sify.com/movies/naanum-rowdy-dhaan-review--pkvrJajfiggeg.html |url-status=dead}} A video clip from the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan went viral on social media where Nayanthara was seen buying liquor from a shop. The Hindu Makkal Katchi demanded the scene to be removed and garlanded her picture with beer bottles and even after she made a statement that it was a film scene, the Hindu Munnani burned her effigy in protest.{{Cite web |last=subramanian |first=anupama |date=4 February 2015 |title=Nayan targeted over film scene |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150203/entertainment-tollywood/article/nayan-targeted-over-film-scene |access-date=20 November 2020 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128053014/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150203/entertainment-tollywood/article/nayan-targeted-over-film-scene |url-status=live}} Despite controversy, she earned her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil for her performance in the film.

In her first release of 2016, Nayanthara portrayed a rape victim in Puthiya Niyamam (2016) opposite Mammootty, with a critic from the IBTimes stating "Nayantara's portrayal as Vasuki Iyer is one of her career-best roles till date and her decision to dub in her own voice for her character is worthy of appreciation".{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/puthiya-niyamam-review-nayantara-mammootty-starrer-urges-women-speak-out-against-social-evils-666854 |title='Puthiya Niyamam' review: Nayantara-Mammootty starrer urges women to speak out against social evils |first=Anu |last=James |website=International Business Times |date=13 February 2016 |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-date=2 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702051245/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/puthiya-niyamam-review-nayantara-mammootty-starrer-urges-women-speak-out-against-social-evils-666854 |url-status=live}} She earned her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for her performance in the film. She continued to play diverse roles, appearing as a village-based school teacher in Thirunaal (2016), a spy in the commercially successful Vikram-starrer Iru Mugan (2016) and the queen of a fantasy kingdom in Kaashmora (2016). Her performance in the former fetched her a sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil.

In 2017, she played the main lead in the horror thriller Dora and the critically acclaimed social drama Aramm. Her portrayal of a district collector in Aramm won her a third Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil. She also played the female lead in the action thriller Velaikkaran. Her first release in 2018 was a Telugu-language film Jai Simha in which she played the female lead. She went on to portray the main lead in Nelson Dilipkumar's directorial Kolamaavu Kokila and the thriller Imaikkaa Nodigal alongside actor Atharvaa. Both emerged huge successes and attained highest opening figures for a female led film across the country.{{Cite web |date=5 September 2018 |title=Imaikka Nodigal fetches second Rs 10 cr opening for Nayanthara; Geetha Govindam aces Telugu box office |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/imaikka-nodigal-fetches-second-rs-10-cr-opening-for-nayanthara-geetha-govindam-aces-telugu-box-office-5117431.html |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317192607/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/imaikka-nodigal-fetches-second-rs-10-cr-opening-for-nayanthara-geetha-govindam-aces-telugu-box-office-5117431.html |url-status=live }} Her performance in Kolamaavu Kokila fetched her an eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil.

In 2019, she played lead roles in Viswasam, Airaa, Kolaiyuthir Kaalam and Bigil, the latter in which she collaborated with Vijay for the third time. She also appeared in the Malayalam film Love Action Drama, alongside Nivin Pauly where she attained an equal pay as that of male lead; for the first ever time in Malayalam cinema. She was also seen in Telugu biographical film, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, alongside Chiranjeevi and Tamannaah. In 2020, she was seen in a supporting role in Darbar along with Rajinikanth. Her film Mookuthi Amman marked her second entry into Hindu mythological and devotional cinema after her portrayal of Goddess Sita in 2011.

2021 saw her fifth collaboration with Rajinikanth with the film Annaatthe where she was seen as a lawyer. She starred in Netrikann, a remake of the 2011 South Korean film Blind. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of blind Durga CBI in the film. She also starred in the Malayalam film Nizhal and the much delayed Telugu film Aaradugula Bullet.

Her first release of 2022 was the romantic comedy drama Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal, where she was seen alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. She later starred in G.S. Viknesh's survival-thriller O2, where she played a single mother trying to shield her son suffering from cystic fibrosis from the effects of low oxygen. She was later seen in the Malayalam film Gold, alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, in the Telugu film Godfather, the Tamil horror film Connect.

Nayanthara marked her Hindi film debut with the action thriller film Jawan opposite Shah Rukh Khan, playing a NSG officer.{{Cite web |date=26 June 2021 |title=Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara to star in Atlee's upcoming Hindi film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-and-nayanthara-to-star-in-atlee-upcoming-hindi-film-7376679/ |access-date=31 July 2022 |archive-date=31 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731095600/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-and-nayanthara-to-star-in-atlee-upcoming-hindi-film-7376679/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara to shoot last schedule of Atlee Kumar's Jawan in Rajasthan |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-nayanthara-shoot-last-schedule-atlee-kumars-jawan-rajasthan/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=25 March 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325065304/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-nayanthara-shoot-last-schedule-atlee-kumars-jawan-rajasthan/ |url-status=live }} Her performance received acclaim but her chemistry with Khan was criticised. Monika Rawal Kukreja noted, "Nayanthara brings freshness and is greeted with a slo-mo shot each time she comes on screen."{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/jawan-review-shah-rukh-khan-packs-a-punch-in-this-massy-meaningful-actioner-101694057660807.html|title=Jawan review: Shah Rukh Khan packs a punch in this massy, meaningful actioner|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=7 September 2023|archive-date=7 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907184351/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/jawan-review-shah-rukh-khan-packs-a-punch-in-this-massy-meaningful-actioner-101694057660807.html|url-status=live}} Taran Adarsh stated "Nayanthara looks stunning and delivers a first-rate performance. The chemistry between her and Khan, however, is not as electrifying as intended."{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/jawan/critic-review/jawan-movie-review/on-the-whole-jawan-is-a-mass-entertainer-at-its-best-with-superlative-performances-thrilling-and-clapworthy-moments-and-larger-than-life-action-sequences/|title=Jawan Movie Review|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=7 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023|archive-date=7 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907184733/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/jawan/critic-review/jawan-movie-review/on-the-whole-jawan-is-a-mass-entertainer-at-its-best-with-superlative-performances-thrilling-and-clapworthy-moments-and-larger-than-life-action-sequences/|url-status=live}} The film became one of the highest-grossing Indian film.{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=8 January 2024 |title=From Jawan's Rs. 600+ crores to 21 films earning in Rs. 0-1 crore range, here are the MOST DEFINITIVE box office RECORDS of 2023 |website=Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/jawans-rs-600-crores-21-films-earning-rs-0-1-crore-range-definitive-box-office-records-2023/ |access-date=10 January 2024 |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110161446/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/jawans-rs-600-crores-21-films-earning-rs-0-1-crore-range-definitive-box-office-records-2023/ |url-status=live }}

Her second film in 2023 was the Tamil film Iraivan; for which she got a remuneration of Rs 10 Crore, making her the only South Indian actress to get a double-digit crore remuneration.{{Cite web |last=kashishsharma |date=7 August 2022 |title=Nayanthara enters Rs 10-cr club, retains top South actress status |url=https://thefederal.com/entertainment/nayanthara-enters-rs-10-cr-club-retains-highest-paid-south-actress-rank/ |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=The Federal |language=en-US |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304151217/https://thefederal.com/entertainment/nayanthara-enters-rs-10-cr-club-retains-highest-paid-south-actress-rank/ |url-status=live }} She then played a chef in Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food, alongside Jai for the second time after Raja Rani. The film received mixed reviews, but Akchayaa Rajkumar of The News Minute called her the "soul of the film".{{Cite web |last=Rajkumar |first=Akchayaa |date=1 December 2023 |title=Annapoorani review: Nayanthara is the soul of this slightly undercooked food film |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/annapoorani-review-nayanthara-is-the-soul-of-this-slightly-undercooked-food-film |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207222300/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/annapoorani-review-nayanthara-is-the-soul-of-this-slightly-undercooked-food-film |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=The News Minute}} Annapoorani generated controversy upon its release on Netflix. The accusations included claims of inciting love jihad and offending the sentiments of the Hindu community, specifically the inclusion of non-vegetarian food in an orthodox Brahmin community, who are strictly vegetarians. Activist Ramesh Solanki and the Hindutva group Vishva Hindu Parishad filed a police complaint. Subsequently, the movie was removed from Netflix and Nayanthara issued an apology on Instagram for unintentionally causing hurt to Hindu sentiments in her film.{{Cite web |title=The Annapoorani Controversy |url=https://www.brutimes.com/news/entertainment/the-annapoorani-controversy |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Bru Times News |language=en |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119061900/https://www.brutimes.com/news/entertainment/the-annapoorani-controversy |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2024-01-19 |title=Nayanthara says 'Jai Shri Ram', issues apology for 'Annapoorani'. Full text here |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/nayanthara-says-jai-shri-ram-issues-apology-for-annapoorani-full-text-here/articleshow/106973951.cms |access-date=2024-01-19 |newspaper=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119061940/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/nayanthara-says-jai-shri-ram-issues-apology-for-annapoorani-full-text-here/articleshow/106973951.cms |url-status=live }}

Nayanthara started 2025 with Test, playing a school teacher desperate for a child opposite R. Madhavan and Siddharth.{{Cite news|date=12 April 2023|title=Nayanthara, Madhavan and Siddharth team up for producer Sashikanth's debut directorial venture Test|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/nayanthara-madhavan-and-siddharth-team-up-for-producer-sashikanths-debut-directorial-venture-test-8552059/lite/|access-date=12 April 2023|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412120210/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/nayanthara-madhavan-and-siddharth-team-up-for-producer-sashikanths-debut-directorial-venture-test-8552059/lite/|url-status=live}} The film achieved high viewership on Netflix.{{Cite news |date=11 April 2025 |title=Netflix's 'Test' with R. Madhavan, Siddharth & Nayanthara is a global hit on OTT! |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/netflixs-test-with-r-madhavan-siddharth-nayanthara-is-a-global-hit-on-ott-13879112.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250412045801/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/netflixs-test-with-r-madhavan-siddharth-nayanthara-is-a-global-hit-on-ott-13879112.html |archive-date=12 April 2025 |access-date=12 April 2025 |work=Firstpost}} Nayanthara will next appear in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups alongside Yash,{{Cite news|date=26 October 2024|title=Yash and Nayanthara's 'Toxic' to immerse audiences in the 70s, Mumbai shoot begins Nov 6|work=Mid Day|url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/yash-nayanthara-toxic-to-immerse-audiences-in-the-70s-mumbai-shoot-begins-nov-6-23418531|access-date=2024-12-14}} Mookuthi Amman 2,{{Cite news |date=6 March 2025 |title=Nayanthara attends movie launch after years; fasts to play Goddess in Sundar C's Mookuthi Amman 2. Watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/nayanthara-attends-movie-launch-after-years-fasts-to-play-goddess-in-sundar-cs-mookuthi-amman-2-watch-101741253974711.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306135542/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/nayanthara-attends-movie-launch-after-years-fasts-to-play-goddess-in-sundar-cs-mookuthi-amman-2-watch-101741253974711.html |archive-date=6 March 2025 |access-date=6 March 2025 |work=Hindustan Times}} Mannangatti Since 1960,{{Cite news|date=12 October 2023|title=Nayanthara's next, 'Mannangatti Since 1960', goes on floors|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nayantharas-next-mannangatti-since-1960-goes-on-floors/article67411598.ece/|access-date=12 October 2023|archive-date=14 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014091514/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nayantharas-next-mannangatti-since-1960-goes-on-floors/article67411598.ece/amp/|url-status=live}} and in Dear Students alongside Nivin Pauly.{{Cite web |title=Nayanthara joins cast of Nivin Pauly's Malayalam film 'Dear Students' |url=http://argusenglish.in/article/entertainment/nayanthara-joins-cast-of-nivin-paulys-malayalam-film-dear-students |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=argusenglish.in/ |language=en}}

In 2006, she was in a relationship with Silambarasan. They broke up by the time Vallavan released.

In 2010, Prabhu Deva's wife, Ramlath, filed a petition in family court to prevent him from being in a live-in relationship with Nayanthara and requested reconciliation. The situation led to protests from women's organizations. In 2012, Nayanthara confirmed that she had ended her relationship with Prabhu Deva.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Nayanthara-Prabhu-Deva-call-it-quits/articleshow/11661174.cms | title=Nayanthara, Prabhu Dheva call it quits | date=28 January 2012 | access-date=19 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409203807/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-28/news-interviews/30673544_1_prabhu-deva-prabhu-and-nayan-source | archive-date=9 April 2012 | work=The Times of India | url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Prabhu-Deva-enters-into-divorce-deal-with-wife/articleshow/7181695.cms|title=Prabhu Deva enters into divorce deal with wife|date=29 December 2010|access-date=14 May 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701135934/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-29/india/28237143_1_actor-prabhu-deva-latha-restitution-of-conjugal-rights|archive-date=1 July 2012|work=The Times of India|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/prabhu-deva-granted-divorce-news-tamil-lhcucBcjchd.html |title=Prabhu Deva granted divorce |date=2 July 2011 |access-date=2 July 2011 |website=Sify |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705120914/http://www.sify.com/movies/prabhu-deva-granted-divorce-news-tamil-lhcucBcjchd.html |archive-date=5 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Nayanthara-Prabhu-Deva-call-it-quits/articleshow/11661174.cms | title=Nayanthara, Prabhu Deva call it quits | date=28 January 2012 | access-date=19 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409203807/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-28/news-interviews/30673544_1_prabhu-deva-prabhu-and-nayan-source | archive-date=9 April 2012 | work=The Times of India | url-status=live }}

Nayanthara and director Vignesh Shivan have been in a relationship ever since they worked together on Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in 2015.{{Cite web |title=To Birthday Girl Nayanthara, With Love From Boyfriend Vignesh Shivan |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/to-birthday-girl-nayanthara-with-love-from-boyfriend-vignesh-shivan-2326613 |access-date=20 November 2020 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119085909/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/to-birthday-girl-nayanthara-with-love-from-boyfriend-vignesh-shivan-2326613 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Vignesh Shivan on Marriage Plan |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/entertainment-news-nayanthara-confirms-engagement-with-vignesh-shivam/391771.html |website=News18 |access-date=2 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184809/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/vignesh-shivan-on-marriage-plans-with-nayanthara-we-both-have-professional-goals-to-achieve-2817411.html |url-status=live}} The couple married on 9 June 2022 in Mahabalipuram in a private ceremony attended by family members, friends and co-stars that the couple worked with.{{Cite web |date=8 June 2022 |title=Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan Wedding LIVE UPDATES: Couple officially married now; SRK & Rajinikanth arrive |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/nayanthara-and-vignesh-shivan-wedding-live-updates-1139188 |access-date=9 June 2022 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609050324/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/nayanthara-and-vignesh-shivan-wedding-live-updates-1139188 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Nayanthara weds Vignesh Shivan in intimate ceremony, couple seeks blessings from Rajinikanth |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/other/nayanthara-weds-vignesh-shivan-in-intimate-ceremony-couple-seeks-blessings-from-rajinikanth/ar-AAYfitn |access-date=9 June 2022 |website=MSN |language=en-IN |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609165914/https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/other/nayanthara-weds-vignesh-shivan-in-intimate-ceremony-couple-seeks-blessings-from-rajinikanth/ar-AAYfitn |url-status=live }}

In October 2022, the couple announced the birth of their twin children via surrogacy.{{cite web |date=9 October 2022 |title=Nayanthara And Vignesh Shivan Blessed With Twin Sons Uyir And Ulagam. See Post |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/nayanthara-and-vignesh-shivan-blessed-with-twin-boys-uyir-and-ulagam-see-post-3416139 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009152729/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/nayanthara-and-vignesh-shivan-blessed-with-twin-boys-uyir-and-ulagam-see-post-3416139 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=9 October 2022 |website=NDTV}}{{cite news |date=9 October 2022 |title=Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan welcome twin boys |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/nayanthara-vignesh-shivan-twins-photos-8199195/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009152729/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/nayanthara-vignesh-shivan-twins-photos-8199195/ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=9 October 2022 |newspaper=The Indian Express}}

On 16 November 2024, actress Nayanthara penned a letter and published a cryptic Instagram post addressing Dhanush, where Nayanthara accused Dhanush of intentionally holding onto personal grudges and vengeance over the romantic relationship that unfolded between her and Vignesh Shivan during the shooting of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, a film which was produced by Dhanush himself.{{Cite news |title=Nayanthara's friendship with Dhanush in turmoil; actress pens an open letter |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/nayanthara-accuses-dhanush-of-festering-vengeance-against-her-documentary/articleshow/115355676.cms |access-date=2024-11-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-11-16 |title=Nayanthara blasts Dhanush over legal notice, pens open letter |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/festering-vengeance-nayanthara-blasts-dhanush-over-legal-notice-pens-open-letter/article68875353.ece/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} Nayanthara insisted that Dhanush had sent her a legal notice asking for a compensation of 10 crores for a 3-second video that was used in the Netflix documentary film Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale which were deemed as the behind-the-scenes recordings from the movie sets of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-16 |title=Vignesh Shivan mocks Dhanush's legal notice after Nayanthara's letter, shares controversial '10 crore clip for free' on Instagram |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vignesh-shivan-mocks-dhanush-legal-notice-after-nayanthara-open-letter-9672853/lite/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} Nayanthara in her letter revealed that she apparently waited for nearly two years to claim the copyrighted material under the policy of a no objection certificate from her producer Dhanush in order to freely use it for her documentary.{{Cite web |title='Wish you were half the person...': Nayanthara slams Dhanush for 'festering vengeance' over her documentary |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/wish-you-were-half-the-person-nayanthara-slams-dhanush-for-festering-vengeance-over-her-documentary-3279323 |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} She revealed that the filmmakers had apparently re-edited and trimmed the documentary while removing the 3-second video sequence which had been shot from the shooting spots of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan as Dhanush did not grant permission for the usage of songs or visual cuts which featured in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.{{cite web |date=16 November 2024 |title='Speaks so much about your character': Nayanthara pens open letter to 'vile' Dhanush over Naanum Rowdy Dhan feud |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/nayanthara-slams-dhanush-in-open-letter-over-naanum-rowdy-dhaan-copyright-for-netflix-documentary-with-vignesh-shivan-101731753022516.html |work=Hindustan Times}}

Nayanthara is a humanitarian and lends support to several social causes. She donated a sum of Rs. 5 lakhs to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund during the 2012 cyclonic storm Thane, in Tamil Nadu.{{cite news | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2012/Feb/11/nayanthara-donates-5-lakhs-339186.html | title=Nayanthara donates 5 lakhs! | date=11 February 2012 | access-date=10 November 2019 | newspaper=The New Indian Express | archive-date=4 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304143131/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2012/feb/11/nayanthara-donates-5-lakhs-339186.amp | url-status=live }} During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated Rs 20 lakh to Film Employees Federation of South India to help daily wagers.{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/coronavirus-nayanthara-donates-rs-20-lakh-to-fefsi-workers-1663230-2020-04-04 | title=Coronavirus: Nayanthara donates Rs 20 lakh to FEFSI workers | date=4 April 2020 | access-date=12 November 2021 | work=India Today | archive-date=30 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630004024/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/coronavirus-nayanthara-donates-rs-20-lakh-to-fefsi-workers-1663230-2020-04-04 | url-status=live }} Apart from these she has been involved in various charitable activities. She is also a pro-Indian culture enthusiast and had participated in the 2017 pro-jallikattu protests in Chennai along with her husband Vignesh Shivan.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/PETA-Jallikattu-stay-%E2%80%98partial-victory%E2%80%99-for-bulls/article60546806.ece|title=PETA: Jallikattu stay 'partial victory' for bulls|newspaper=The Hindu |url-access=subscription |access-date=23 February 2017|language=en|archive-date=6 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006043516/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/PETA-Jallikattu-stay-%E2%80%98partial-victory%E2%80%99-for-bulls/article13995899.ece|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/jallikattu-uprising-sc-allows-centres-request-to-not-pass-judgement-on-the-issue-for-a-week-4483061/|title=Jallikattu protest: SC allows Centre's request to not pass judgment for a week|date=20 January 2017|newspaper=The Indian Express |language=en|access-date=20 January 2017|archive-date=20 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120065637/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/jallikattu-uprising-sc-allows-centres-request-to-not-pass-judgement-on-the-issue-for-a-week-4483061/|url-status=live}}

In 2021, Nayanthara, along with renowned dermatologist Dr Renita Rajan, launched The Lip Balm Company, a gender-neutral lip care company.{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2021/dec/11/nayanthara-enters-beauty-retail-space-launches-gender-neutral-lip-care-products-2394438.html | title=Nayanthara enters beauty retail space; launches gender-neutral lip care products | access-date=11 December 2021 | newspaper=The New Indian Express | date=11 December 2021 | archive-date=5 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105042817/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2021/dec/11/nayanthara-enters-beauty-retail-space-launches-gender-neutral-lip-care-products-2394438.html | url-status=live }} She has ventured into the skincare range with her brand named 9Skin and launched a female hygiene brand called Femi9. In addition to this, she has endorsed brands and products including Tanishq, Seafood brand Fipola{{cite web | url=https://in.fashionnetwork.com/news/Tanishq-signs-actress-nayanthara-as-its-brand-ambassador-for-south-india,1089737.html#fashionweek-paris-estermanas | title=Tanishq signs actress Nayanthara as its brand ambassador for South India | access-date=17 December 2022 | work=Fashion Network | date=16 April 2019 | archive-date=4 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304143132/https://in.fashionnetwork.com/news/Tanishq-signs-actress-nayanthara-as-its-brand-ambassador-for-south-india,1089737.html#fashionweek-paris-estermanas | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2022/Aug/06/seafood-brand-fipola-ropes-in-actress-nayanthara-as-brand-ambassador-2484773.html | title=Seafood brand Fipola ropes in actress Nayanthara as brand ambassador | access-date=11 October 2022 | newspaper=The New Indian Express | date=3 August 2022 | archive-date=13 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813115331/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2022/aug/06/seafood-brand-fipola-ropes-in-actress-nayanthara-as-brand-ambassador-2484773.amp | url-status=live }} and GRT Jewellers.{{Cite news |first1=Srivathsan |last1=Nadadhur |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-entry-of-a-few-actors-into-the-advertisement-space-this-year-helped-both-their-image-and-the-brand-they-endorsed/article8018079.ece/ | title=Actors in endorsements: A brand new start in South India | access-date=15 September 2022 |newspaper=The Hindu | date=22 December 2015 | archive-date=4 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304150224/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-entry-of-a-few-actors-into-the-advertisement-space-this-year-helped-both-their-image-and-the-brand-they-endorsed/article8018079.ece/amp/ | url-status=live}} She has also done photoshoots and interviews with Vogue and Elle.

In 2021, Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan launched their film production venture Rowdy Pictures, which has produced the films Koozhangal (2021),{{Cite news |title=Vignesh Shivan's next production is Koozhangal in Yuvan's music |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vignesh-shivans-next-production-is-koozhangal-in-yuvans-music/articleshow/79914177.cms |access-date=2 April 2021 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=23 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=3 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703172936/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vignesh-shivans-next-production-is-koozhangal-in-yuvans-music/articleshow/79914177.cms |url-status=live }} which received numerous accolades, Netrikann (2021) and Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal (2022).{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vignesh-shivan-on-nayanthara-s-netrikann-director-milind-s-script-is-an-intriguing-thriller-1599545-2019-09-16|title=Vignesh Shivan on Nayanthara's Netrikann: Director Milind's script is an intriguing thriller|work=India Today|date=16 September 2019|access-date=22 July 2021|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723025045/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vignesh-shivan-on-nayanthara-s-netrikann-director-milind-s-script-is-an-intriguing-thriller-1599545-2019-09-16|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=11 February 2022|title=Watch: Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal teaser promises fun romcom, release date announced|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/watch-kaathuvaakula-rendu-kaadhal-teaser-promises-fun-romcom-release-date-announced-160887|website=The News Minute|access-date=4 March 2023|archive-date=11 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211144402/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/watch-kaathuvaakula-rendu-kaadhal-teaser-promises-fun-romcom-release-date-announced-160887|url-status=live}}

Nayanthara is considered among the most popular actor of Tamil,{{Cite news |author=ETimes News |title=Nayanthara to Samantha: Top heroines of Tamil cinema |access-date=12 December 2021 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/nayanthara-to-samantha-top-heroines-of-tamil-cinema/jyothika/photostory/62837354.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112040909/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/nayanthara-to-samantha-top-heroines-of-tamil-cinema/jyothika/photostory/62837354.cms |url-status=live }} Telugu and Malayalam cinema.{{Cite web |title=Nayanthara: The Queen Of Southern Cinema Who Is More Than Just A Superstar |access-date=10 December 2022 |url=https://www.shethepeople.tv/home-top-video/celebrating-nayanthara-tamil-cinema-superstar-birthday/ |work=She The People |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307081611/https://www.shethepeople.tv/home-top-video/celebrating-nayanthara-tamil-cinema-superstar-birthday/ |url-status=live }} She is considered as one of the highest paid actresses in South Indian cinema, according to various media reports.{{Cite news |url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/nayanthara-to-samantha-prabhu-check-out-10-highest-paid-south-actresses-right-now/amp |access-date=12 September 2022 |title=Nayanthara to Shruti Haasan: Check out the top 10 highest paid South Indian actresses right now |work=GQ India |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806132444/https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/nayanthara-to-samantha-prabhu-check-out-10-highest-paid-south-actresses-right-now/amp |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=The Highest-paid South Indian actresses; see list |access-date=28 November 2022 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/dh-galleries/photos/in-pictures-highest-paid-south-indian-actresses-990536 |work=Deccan Herald |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211054009/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/dh-galleries/photos/in-pictures-highest-paid-south-indian-actresses-990536 |url-status=live }} In March 2022, according to a report by The Times of India, Nayanthara is the highest-paid South Indian actress.{{Cite news |title=Samantha Ruth Prahu bags second spot amongst the highest paid actresses in South film industry |access-date=19 January 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/samantha-ruth-prahu-bags-second-spot-amongst-the-highest-paid-actresses-in-south-film-industry/videoshow/90102393.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629105958/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/samantha-ruth-prahu-bags-second-spot-amongst-the-highest-paid-actresses-in-south-film-industry/videoshow/90102393.cms |url-status=live }}

Nayanthara became the only South Indian actress to be featured in the Forbes India "Celebrity 100" list of 2018, with her total annual earning credited at {{INR}}15.17 crore. In Rediff.com's "Top 5 Tamil Actresses" list, she ranked 5th in 2013{{Cite web |title=The TOP 5 Tamil actresses of 2016 |author=S Saraswathi |work=Rediff.com |access-date=10 December 2017 |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/the-top-5-tamil-actresses/20160108.htm |archive-date=3 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203030332/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/the-top-5-tamil-actresses/20160108.htm |url-status=live }} and 1st in 2016.{{Cite web |title=The Top Performances by Tamil Actresses in 2013 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 December 2015 |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-top-performances-by-tamil-actresses-in-2013-south/20131231.htm |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121013621/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-top-performances-by-tamil-actresses-in-2013-south/20131231.htm |url-status=live }} In "Top Telugu Actresses" list of 2007, she was placed 1st.{{Cite web |title=The Top Telugu actresses of 2007 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=30 December 2016 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/20sd2.htm |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711055626/https://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/20sd2.htm |url-status=live }} In the "Top 5 Malayalam Actresses" list of 2016, she ranked 4th.{{Cite web |title=The TOP 5 Malayalam heroines of 2016 |author=Vijay George |work=Rediff.com |access-date=25 January 2017 |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/the-top-5-malayalam-heroines/20160105.htm |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215021726/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/the-top-5-malayalam-heroines/20160105.htm |url-status=live }} Nayanthara ranked 3rd in "Hottest Tamil Actresses" list.{{Cite web|title=Hottest Tamil Actresses: From Trisha to Nayanthara; check the list|work=Rediff.com |access-date=25 November 2018|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/30south2.htm|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306160851/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/30south2.htm|url-status=live}} Femina included Nayanthara in its "Femina Fab 40" list of 2021 and said that she is "hands-down the Lady Superstar".{{Cite web |title=Femina Fab 40: Nayanthara is hands-down the Lady Superstar |work=Femina India |access-date=23 October 2021 |url=https://www.femina.in/trending/achievers/femina-fab-40-nayanthara-is-hands-down-the-lady-superstar-206605.html |archive-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025074725/https://www.femina.in/trending/achievers/femina-fab-40-nayanthara-is-hands-down-the-lady-superstar-206605.html |url-status=live }} Nayanthara became Chennai Times most desirable woman in 2015 and 2016.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Chennai-Times-25-Most-Desirable-Women-in-2015/articleshow/51927178.cms |title=Chennai Times 25 Most Desirable Women in 2015: Lady Superstar Nayanthara |newspaper=The Times of India |date=22 April 2016 |access-date=19 January 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216145029/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/chennai-times-25-most-desirable-women-in-2015/articleshow/51927178.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/chennai-times-most-desirable-woman-2016-nayanthara/articleshow/56751459.cms |title=Meet Chennai Times Most Desirable Woman 2016: Nayanthara |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=19 January 2024 |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304151732/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/chennai-times-most-desirable-woman-2016-nayanthara/articleshow/56751459.cms |url-status=live }} In 2023, Nayanthara opened her Instagram account, and broke Katrina Kaif's record to become the fastest female actor to reach a million followers.{{Cite news |date=31 August 2023 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/web-stories/entertainment/nayanthara-makes-her-debut-on-instagram-101693474147554.html |title=Nayanthara makes her debut on Instagram |newspaper=Hindustan Times |access-date=1 September 2023 |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831151913/https://www.hindustantimes.com/web-stories/entertainment/nayanthara-makes-her-debut-on-instagram-101693474147554.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tell-them-i-ve-arrived-nayanthara-debuts-instagram-gains-14m-followers-day-181771 |title=Tell them I've arrived: Nayanthara debuts on Instagram, gains 1.4M followers in a day |newspaper=The News Minute |access-date=2 September 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902114623/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tell-them-i-ve-arrived-nayanthara-debuts-instagram-gains-14m-followers-day-181771 |url-status=live }} In 2024, she was placed in the "35 most influential young Indians" list by GQ.{{Cite web|title=Meet GQ's Most Influential Young Indians of 2024|url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/gq-most-influential-young-indians-2024|access-date=2024-04-27 |date=2024-04-25|website=GQ India}}

Nayanthara is known for her strong and powerful performances. She is credited for a change in South industry, with her strong role in women-centric films such as Aramm, Maya, Anaamika, Kolamavu Kokila and Netrikann.{{Cite news |title=Happy Birthday Nayanthara: Top 6 Movies of the 'Lady Superstar' |access-date=19 November 2021 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-nayanthara-top-6-movies-of-the-lady-superstar-4455200.html |work=News18 India |archive-date=18 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118093234/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-nayanthara-top-6-movies-of-the-lady-superstar-4455200.html |url-status=live }} She is widely praised for her impactful roles in Sri Rama Rajyam, Raja Rani, Puthiya Niyamam, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and much more.{{Cite news |title=7 critically acclaimed and must-watch movies of Superstar Nayanthara |access-date=28 September 2022 |url=https://www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/7-critically-acclaimed-movies-nayanthara-streaming-disney-hotstar-amazon-prime-video-mx-player/ |work=GQ India |archive-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807175513/https://www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/7-critically-acclaimed-movies-nayanthara-streaming-disney-hotstar-amazon-prime-video-mx-player/ |url-status=live }} She is among the few South Indian actresses who have taken over the male dominated film industry with her strong films.{{Cite news |title=Women's Day Special: Nayanthara, Samantha, Keerthy Suresh: Heroines who took over male dominated film industry |access-date=17 March 2021 |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/womens-day-special-nayanthara-samantha-keerthy-suresh-heroines-who-took-over-male-dominated-film-industry |work=Pinkvilla |archive-date=23 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123223026/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/womens-day-special-nayanthara-samantha-keerthy-suresh-heroines-who-took-over-male-dominated-film-industry |url-status=live }}

Divya J Shekar of Forbes India noted, "What sets Nayanthara apart from most male stars is her presence and popularity across all the five South Indian states."{{Cite news |author=Divya J Shekhar |title=Nayanthara, the unconventional superstar |access-date=12 October 2021 |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/nayanthara-the-unconventional-superstar/70975/1 |work=Forbes India |archive-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012132540/https://www.forbesindia.com/amp/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/nayanthara-the-unconventional-superstar/70975/1 |url-status=live }} Saradha U of The News Minute credit her "unique filmography" – a blend of commercial and content-driven films, as a reason of her success.{{Cite news |author=Saradha U |title=Being Nayanthara: How the actor became the 'lady superstar' of Tamil cinema |access-date=12 June 2022 |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/being-nayanthara-how-actor-became-lady-superstar-tamil-cinema-164769 |work=The News Minute |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623131407/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/being-nayanthara-how-actor-became-lady-superstar-tamil-cinema-164769 |url-status=live }} Kayalvizhi Arivalan of Femina said that Nayanthara made women-centric films "the new norm".{{Cite news |author=Kayalvizhi Arivalan |title=Exclusive – Being Nayanthara: The Lady Superstar Of South India |access-date=12 December 2022 |url=https://www.femina.in/celebs/indian/amp-stories/being-nayanthara-the-lady-superstar-246826.amp |work=Femina India |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307042650/https://m.femina.in/celebs/indian/amp-stories/being-nayanthara-the-lady-superstar-246826.amp |url-status=live }} India Today's Janani K finds her to be "capable of pulling in the crowd even without a male star in the film".{{Cite web |title=Why Kolamaavu Kokila Nayanthara is Lady Superstar of Tamil cinema |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nayanthara-kolamaavu-kokila-release-lady-superstar-of-kollywood-1318792-2018-08-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501070435/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nayanthara-kolamaavu-kokila-release-lady-superstar-of-kollywood-1318792-2018-08-20 |archive-date=1 May 2019 |access-date=11 December 2020 |website=India Today|date=20 August 2018 }} Nandini Ramnath of Vogue stated that Nayanthara is "southern cinema's brightest stars".{{Cite news |author=Nandini Ramnath |title=Nayanthara on taking on the male-dominated film industry |access-date=12 October 2020 |url=https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/nayanthara-tamil-film-star-interview-career-women-centric-roles-vogue-india-october-2019/amp |work=Vogue India |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520031018/https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/nayanthara-tamil-film-star-interview-career-women-centric-roles-vogue-india-october-2019/amp |url-status=live }} She received the Kalaimamani award, for her "Contribution in Tamil Cinema", in 2010.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/70-artists-get-Kalaimamani-awards/article16341115.ece |title=Exclusive – 70 artists get Kalaimamani Awards in 2010 |newspaper=The Hindu |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105042847/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/70-artists-get-Kalaimamani-awards/article16341115.ece |url-status=live }} The Hindu referred her as one of the Superstar women in Indian Cinema.{{Cite news |title=Superstars Inc: When women rule the roost in Indian cinema |newspaper=The Hindu |url-access=subscription |access-date=10 March 2020 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/superstars-inc-anushka-shetty-jyothika-nayanthara-kangana-ranaut-vidya-balan/article22964856.ece |author=Sangeetha Devi Dundoo |date=7 March 2018 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012032103/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/superstars-inc-anushka-shetty-jyothika-nayanthara-kangana-ranaut-vidya-balan/article22964856.ece |url-status=live}}

• In 2021, a television series named Lady Superstar Nayanthara, was telecast on Star Vijay. The host conversed with Nayanthara, about her personal and professional life and provided a chance to her fans to interact with her.{{Cite web |date=9 July 2022 |title=Lady Superstar Nayanthara: Now a television show on the Superstar of Kollywood |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbXGu4CvK9s |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=Youtube – Star Vijay |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306151704/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbXGu4CvK9s |url-status=live }}
• Netflix has documented her journey in Indian cinema in Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, which was released in 2024.{{Cite web |date=24 September 2022 |title=Nayanthara Beyond The Fairy Tale teaser: Watch rare BTS glimpses into Vignesh Shivan, Nayanthara's life together |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/nayanthara-beyond-the-fairy-tale-teaser-watch-rare-bts-glimpses-into-her-life-101663999645996.html |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304151218/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/nayanthara-beyond-the-fairy-tale-teaser-watch-rare-bts-glimpses-into-her-life-101663999645996.html |url-status=live }} The documentary focuses on Nayanthara's work in the film industry and her relationship with Vignesh Shivan.{{Cite web |date=9 August 2022 |title=First glimpse of documentary on 'Lady Superstar' Nayanthara is here |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-glimpse-of-documentary-on-lady-superstar-nayanthara-is-here/articleshow/93446337.cms |access-date=24 February 2023 |newspaper=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306151706/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-glimpse-of-documentary-on-lady-superstar-nayanthara-is-here/articleshow/93446337.cms |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Nayanthara filmography}}

The actress Nayanthara's acting career spans for two decades in which she has appeared in more than 75 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi languages.

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Nayanthara}}

Nayanthara has won five Filmfare Awards South. She won one Best Actress Telugu for Sri Rama Rajyam (2011), three Best Actress Tamil for – Raja Rani (2013), Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), and Aramm (2018) and one Best Actress Malayalam for Puthiya Niyamam (2016).{{cite news|title=First-time winners make merry at Filmfare night|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/First-time-winners-make-merry-at-Filmfare-night/articleshow/14739279.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726083410/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-08/chennai/32588480_1_filmfare-award-filmfare-night-playback-singer|url-status=live|archive-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=8 July 2012 |access-date=8 July 2012}}{{cite news |title=Nayanthara Awards: List of awards and nominations received by Nayanthara |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Nayanthara/awards |accessdate=19 November 2020 |newspaper=The Times of India |archive-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701175509/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Nayanthara/awards |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite web |title=After Nayanthara's Open Letter, Dhanush's Lawyer Issues Statement: "Take Down The Content Within 24 Hours Or..." |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/after-nayantharas-open-letter-dhanushs-lawyer-issues-statement-take-down-the-content-within-24-hours-or-7044606 |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}

{{commons category|Nayanthara}}

• {{IMDb name|1521381}}
• {{Bollywood Hungama person|nayantara}}
• {{Instagram|nayanthara}}

{{Nandi Award for Best Actress}}{{FilmfareTamilBestActress}}

{{FilmfareTeluguBestActress}}

{{FilmfareMalayalamBestActress}}{{SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Telugu}}{{SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actress – Telugu}}{{TamilNaduStateAwardForBestActress}}

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Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:Actresses from Bengaluru

Category:Actresses from Kerala

Category:People from Thiruvalla

Category:Indian film actresses

Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema

Category:Actresses in Telugu cinema

Category:Actresses in Kannada cinema

Category:Actresses in Malayalam cinema

Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema

Category:Converts to Hinduism from Christianity

Category:Indian former Christians

Category:Indian Hindus

Category:Kendriya Vidyalaya alumni

Category:Filmfare Awards South winners

Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners

Category:Nandi Award winners

Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners

Category:Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award

Category:People with polydactyly

Category:21st-century Indian actresses

Category:IIFA Utsavam winners