Telugu actor Sivaji has issued a public apology following intense backlash over sexist comments he made during a pre-release event for his upcoming film 'Dhandoraa'. The actor's remarks, which many deemed derogatory towards women and heroines, triggered a massive outcry on social media, leading to condemnation from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
The Controversial Comments and Immediate Fallout
The incident occurred on the evening of December 22, 2025, at the 'Dhandoraa' pre-release event. A video clip shared by the handle Gulte on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) captured Sivaji making specific comments directed at heroines. In the clip, he is heard stating, "Your beauty lies in a saree... or in clothes that cover you fully. There is nothing in something where 'items' are visible."
These comments were quickly labeled as "cheap" and "distasteful" by netizens. The backlash was swift and severe, with the video going viral and drawing widespread criticism for perpetuating regressive and objectifying views about women's attire and autonomy.
Celebrity Reactions and Social Media Uproar
The controversy escalated as prominent figures from the Indian film industry and beyond voiced their disapproval. Playback singer and activist Chinmayi Sripaada strongly criticized the actor. She posted on X, connecting his behavior to broader societal issues of misogyny and abuse faced by women.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma also joined the chorus of criticism with a sharply worded post. He directly addressed Sivaji, questioning his moral standing and suggesting he focus on the women in his own household rather than policing others.
The social media fallout was significant, with thousands of users expressing their disappointment and anger. The hashtag related to the event and Sivaji's name trended, with many calling for accountability and a more progressive mindset from public figures.
Sivaji's Public Apology
Facing mounting pressure, actor Sivaji posted a formal apology on his official X account on December 23, 2025. He wrote, "I sincerely apologise for my words during the Dhandoraa pre-release event last night." The apology was concise and did not elaborate further on the context of his earlier statements.
While the apology was acknowledged, many on social media questioned its sincerity, noting it came only after the intense public backlash. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about sexism, moral policing, and the language used towards women in the entertainment industry and public discourse.
The pre-release event for 'Dhandoraa', which was meant to build buzz for the film, has now been overshadowed by this controversy. It remains to be seen what long-term impact this will have on the actor's public image and the film's reception.
