Hyderabad: Veteran Telugu filmmaker K Raghavendra Rao has come under criticism on social media after a video from the launch ceremony of director Anil Ravipudi’s upcoming film went viral online.
The clip, which surfaced on X on Thursday, shows the 84-year-old filmmaker pulling actors Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty closer while directing the inaugural shot during the traditional muhuratam ceremony.
The video has since triggered mixed reactions online, with some users criticising the director’s actions while others defended him, saying he was merely positioning the actors for the ceremonial shot.
Viral video draws attention
The yet-to-be-titled film, starring Venkatesh Daggubati, Nandamuri Kalyanram, Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty, was formally launched in Hyderabad on Thursday.
As part of the customary launch ceremony, K Raghavendra Rao was invited to direct the inaugural shot.
Videos and photographs from the event were later shared on social media platforms, but one particular clip quickly drew widespread attention.
In the video, Raghavendra Rao is seen reaching out to pull Keerthy Suresh closer by her arm before appearing to reposition Krithi Shetty instead. He is also seen instructing Venkatesh and Kalyanram on how to place their arms on the actors’ shoulders for the shot.
Social media reactions divided
The video sparked criticism from several social media users, with some alleging that the filmmaker’s actions were unnecessary.
A number of users questioned why the actors needed to be physically repositioned, while others described the interaction as inappropriate.
The clip also revived discussions surrounding an earlier controversy involving Niharika Konidela, with some users referring to previous criticisms directed at the veteran filmmaker.
However, another section of social media users defended Raghavendra Rao, arguing that he was simply directing the inaugural shot and guiding the actors into position, as is common during ceremonial film launches.
Earlier remarks by Taapsee resurface
The controversy also brought renewed attention to comments previously made by actor Taapsee Pannu regarding her experience of working with the filmmaker in her debut film, Jhummandi Naadam.
During an appearance on a comedy show in 2017, Taapsee had jokingly referred to the director’s trademark style of filming heroines with fruits and flowers being thrown at their midriff, saying, “I don’t know what’s sensuous about a coconut hitting my midriff.”
Her remarks resurfaced online as users debated the viral video and discussed the filmmaker’s long-standing style of directing.
Film set to begin production soon
The upcoming film marks another collaboration between Anil Ravipudi and Venkatesh after their earlier projects, including F2: Fun and Frustration, F3: Fun and Frustration and Sankranthiki Vasthunnam.
The project also reunites Ravipudi with Kalyanram after Pataas.
Following the launch ceremony, Anil Ravipudi shared photographs from the event on social media and expressed gratitude to the guests who attended the function.
Filming for the project is expected to commence soon.