Controversy Erupts Over K. Raghavendra Rao's Actions at Film Launch: What Happened?

Debate Sparks Over Filmmaker's Conduct

A recent video from a Telugu film launch has stirred considerable discussion online regarding the esteemed director K. Raghavendra Rao. Renowned for his contributions to Telugu cinema, Rao is under scrutiny after a clip from the event gained traction on social media. While some viewers have accused him of overstepping professional limits, others have come to his defense, claiming he was simply guiding the actors during the initial shot.

The launch event, which introduced director Anil Ravi Kumar's new film featuring stars like Venkatesh, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh, and Kriti Shetty, occurred in Hyderabad on Thursday. Producer Allu Aravind initiated the ceremonial first clap, and Rao was invited to oversee the opening shot. The event saw the attendance of notable figures from the Telugu film industry, including producers Dil Raju and Suresh Babu. Shortly after the event, clips from the ceremony began to circulate widely, with one particular video capturing significant attention. In this clip, Rao is seen directing the actors for the inaugural shot, during which he reaches out to pull Keerthy Suresh by her arm, only to later switch his focus to Kriti Shetty.

The video quickly drew criticism, with one user questioning, "Why does this old man always try to touch another one?" Another commenter expressed concerns about the appropriateness of his actions, suggesting he could have directed without physical contact. This incident has reignited discussions about past controversies involving Rao, including actress Taapsee Pannu's earlier remarks about his directing style. In 2017, Pannu humorously commented on Rao's distinctive approach to film songs, which led to backlash and a need for clarification on her views.

Despite the criticism, some social media users and industry supporters have defended Raghavendra Rao, asserting that he was merely positioning the actors for the scene. They argue that the viral clip has been taken out of context and that there was no malicious intent behind his actions. As of now, neither Raghavendra Rao nor actresses Keerthy Suresh and Kriti Shetty have publicly addressed the controversy stemming from the viral video. Rao, who also played a role in presenting the blockbuster film "Baahubali," now finds himself at the center of yet another social media uproar.