Recently released film of Tamil director Vignesh Karthik hotspot 2 veryIt has become the focus of online debate after depicting a conflict between a father and his daughter over her choice of clothing. The controversy centers on a story in which a daughter returns from abroad and has a falling out with her father over her attire. Released to mixed reviews, the film has since received attention for its cultural themes and representation of generational tensions.

After a clip went viral, social media users have criticized the film’s approach and argued that directors are free to tell stories, but should also be conscious of their social responsibility and public expression. Many alleged that Karthik was glorifying misogynistic views, and suggested that he should prioritize constructive interactions with his audience.

A particular scene involving Thambi Ramaiah’s character and his daughter, in which he explains how women should dress according to status and location, sparked significant debate online. While some viewers appreciated the sequence, others, especially from feminist circles, expressed strong objections. The director’s comments during X Space sparked further backlash, as parts of his statements circulated widely on social media.

Here are some reactions:

Karthik explained that the film does not control the daughter’s clothing choices, but sometimes recommends against certain outfits at private events. However, his use of the word “stubborn” in reference to the girls’ preferences drew further criticism, with many considering the language to be insensitive and reflective of broader cultural issues regarding gender and autonomy. During the session, she clarified her views in response to a dialogue about women’s choices and defended her choice by asking whether a girl could go to a temple wearing a bikini.

At the film’s success meeting, Karthik addressed the controversy, saying that criticism is legitimate when targeted at the film itself and not his right to artistic expression. He said he welcomes all opinions, but he objects to what he described as “pseudo-feminist” for evaluating the film after only watching selected scenes instead of the entire film.

Kartik stressed the importance of watching the film before forming an opinion. He said, “I will accept any negative criticism of the actual film, but will not take unwarranted criticism on whether they have the right to express themselves artistically.”

Despite the controversy, Karthik maintains his stance on creative freedom while accepting the expectation of responsible storytelling. The film’s reception and ensuing discussion highlights the tension between artistic expression and social accountability in contemporary Indian cinema.