Controversy Erupts Over Raghavendra Rao's Conduct at Film Launch

Raghavendra Rao Faces Backlash at Anil Ravipudi's Film Launch

Raghavendra Rao has recently found himself at the center of a controversy following his attendance at the launch event for director Anil Ravipudi's new film in Hyderabad. The muhurat ceremony, which featured stars like Venkatesh, Kalyanram Nandamuri, Keerthy Suresh, and Krithi Shetty, marked the official start of the film's production. Rao, who was invited to direct the ceremonial first shot, became a topic of discussion after videos from the event circulated online. These clips depicted him directing the actresses during the scene setup, leading to a variety of reactions. While some perceived his actions as part of the directing role, others criticized his approach.

Criticism of Raghavendra Rao's Interaction with Actresses

The film launch attracted numerous notable figures from the Telugu film industry. Producer Allu Aravind initiated the first clap, while Raghavendra Rao directed the opening shot. Other industry luminaries, including producers Dil Raju and Suresh Babu, were also present. Shortly after the event, clips of the inaugural shot began to appear on social media. In one video, Rao was seen reaching for Keerthy Suresh's arm before adjusting Krithi Shetty's position. He then guided the cast, including Venkatesh and Kalyanram, on their placements and body language for the shot. This led to a heated discussion online, with many users expressing unease regarding the filmmaker's physical interactions with the actresses. Critics questioned the necessity of such contact during the directing process.

Taapsee Pannu's Remarks on Raghavendra Rao

As the debate intensified, some social media users recalled past incidents involving the veteran director. Several posts referenced a previous controversy with actress Niharika Konidela, where Rao had also faced backlash for his conduct at a public event. This situation also reignited discussions about comments made by actress Taapsee Pannu in 2017. During an appearance on a comedy show, she described Rao as having a 'Midas touch' and noted his reputation for introducing actresses like Sridevi and Jayasudha. She mentioned that the film they worked on together was his 105th project. Taapsee also recounted an incident where she was unprepared for a coconut thrown at her during a scene, questioning the sensibility of such actions.