Director Raghavendra Rao pulls actors Keerthy Suresh, Kriti Shetty closer; Slammed
In a video from director Anil Ravipudi’s Hyderabad film launch, veteran filmmaker K Raghavendra Rao is seen pulling actors Keerthy Suresh and Kriti Shetty closer by their arms. The clip sparked criticism online, with users criticizing him for his inappropriate behaviour.
A video from the launch of director Anil Ravipudi’s upcoming film has landed veteran Telugu filmmaker K Raghavendra Rao at the center of online criticism. The clip shared on The clip is now being shared widely on Instagram, with many social media users reacting.
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What is happening in the viral clip?
The upcoming film starring Venkatesh Daggubati, Nandamuri Kalyanram, Keerthy Suresh and Kriti Shetty was launched in Hyderabad on Thursday. Renowned director Raghavendra Rao was invited to direct the opening shot as a traditional Muhurtam The ceremony, with photos shared on X and Instagram.
Producer Allu Aravind gave the ceremonial first clap, while producers Dil Raju, Suresh Babu and several members of the Telugu film fraternity attended the event.
However, it was a video of the incident that immediately gained attention online.
In the widely shared clip, Raghavendra Rao is seen positioning the actors for the shot. He first reaches out to pull Keerthy Suresh close by her arm before changing his mind and guiding Kriti Shetty. He was later seen instructing Venkatesh and Kalyanram on how to place his arms on the actors’ shoulders for the scene.
Watch the clip here:
Internet reacts to viral clip
The video sparked criticism from X, with many users accusing the filmmaker of touching the actors unnecessarily. One user wrote, “Andi ra e musalodu, pratisari touch chyanike chustaduU (Why is this old man always trying to touch?)” Another commented, “Who is this old idiot? Who gave him the right to touch women without their consent?” A third user wrote, “Why does he touch women like this? He could have done the same scene without touching them. Creepy Raghavendra Rao (sic).”
The clip also revived discussion of an old controversy involving Niharika Konidela. Referring to that incident, a user wrote, “Raghavendra Rao garu, what exactly is this behaviour? This is not the first time that such scenes have gone viral. After the reaction to the Niharika video, one would hope that you have learned how to behave. Yet here we are again having the same conversation.”
Another user said, “How does #RaghavendraRao BA get away with all the things he does to heroines? In those days, it was understandable as there was no social media, but even today, he escapes criticism.”
See all the reactions here:
When Taapsee Pannu opened up about working with the director
The reaction also follows comments made by actor Taapsee Pannu about working with Raghavendra Rao in her first film. Jhummandi Naadam (2010). during an appearance on east india comedy In 2017, Taapsee mocked the filmmaker’s trademark style of filming heroines throwing fruits and flowers on their midriffs, saying, “I don’t know what’s erotic about slapping a coconut on my midriff.”
Meanwhile, the yet-to-be-titled film starring Venkatesh, directed by Anil Ravipudi, marks his next F2 (2019), F3 (2022) and Sankrantiki Vasthunnam (2025), and then reunites Ravipudi with Kalyanram Patas (2015).
Soon after the launch, Anil Ravipudi shared pictures from the ceremony on social media and wrote, “Nothing makes me happier than entertaining the audience in theatres. With immense joy, gratitude and a sense of responsibility, we begin the journey of #VenkyAnil5 – #NKRAR2 today. Heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed guests for gracing the ceremony and making it even more special.”
The shooting of the film is expected to start soon.