The Telugu film industry is facing a firestorm of criticism, not just from outside but from within its own ranks. The controversy erupted when actor Sivaji made remarks perceived as misogynistic, urging women actors to avoid revealing clothing. This incident came at a highly sensitive time, following the terrifying public mobbing of actresses Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha Ruth Prabhu earlier in the week.
What Did Sivaji Say at the Event?
Speaking at a movie event on Monday, Sivaji directly addressed women in the industry. He requested them not to wear revealing clothes, stating, "I don't want to offend any heroines, but your beauty lies in sarees and fully dressed attires, not revealing clothes." His language included derogatory references to women. To bolster his argument, he cited veteran actors Savitri and Soundarya, as well as contemporary star Rashmika Mandanna, as examples of women whose attire he believed made a positive impact.
Industry Backlash and Condemnation
The reaction from the film fraternity was swift and severe. Prominent figures led the charge in condemning Sivaji's comments as a dangerous form of moral policing.
Voices of Women, the support group for women in the Telugu Film Industry (TFI), issued a powerful statement. They called out the hypocrisy of an industry that profits from glamour suddenly policing women's choices. The group highlighted the alarming silence when actresses like Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha were mobbed, arguing that "shaming women while ignoring harassment only normalises control and violence."
Actor Manchu Manoj stated unequivocally, "Policing women’s clothing or placing moral responsibility on them is outdated and unacceptable. Respect and accountability should start with individual behaviour." He emphasized that public figures must speak responsibly.
Singer Chinmayi Sripada delivered a sharp rebuttal, pointing out Sivaji's own clothing choices. "He himself wears jeans and a hoodie. He should wear only dhotis and follow Indian culture... Unbelievable how women are treated," she said.
Director Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) offered a characteristically blunt take, suggesting Sivaji restrict his opinions to the women in his own home if they were willing to tolerate him.
Actor Navdeep also joined the chorus, calling the statements disrespectful and disagreeing with both the opinion and the choice of words.
A Pattern of Selective Morality
The core of the criticism revolves around the timing and selective focus of the comments. The industry is still reeling from the mobbing incidents, which involved a severe breach of safety and personal space for the actresses. Critics argue that instead of addressing the real issue of harassment and public safety, the narrative was shifted to blaming women's clothing. This, as the Voices of Women statement pointed out, shifts accountability away from perpetrators and onto victims, perpetuating a culture where women are controlled and judged for their appearance while male behaviour goes unchecked.
The incident has sparked a crucial conversation about gender dynamics, safety, and hypocrisy within TFI. It underscores a growing intolerance for regressive views that dictate how women should present themselves, especially in a professional environment like cinema.
