Bollywood Heroines Need To Be Cautious With Their Comments, Says Telugu Director

A noted Telugu director has expressed his displeasure over a few Bollywood actresses making critical comments about Telugu cinema, its storytelling and senior stars after working in the industry. He feels that some actresses are using Telugu films as a stepping stone to gain recognition before turning critical of the same industry in Bollywood interviews.

“I don’t want to take names, but these heroines have to be cautious with their negative comments. They clearly know that they are signing films opposite actors who are above 50. They accept the roles, take their remuneration and move on. After several years, they return and make nasty comments to gain publicity, knowing very well that their remarks will go viral and earn them a few brownie points,” he says.

The director points out that Telugu filmmakers have welcomed several Bollywood actresses, offering them opportunities alongside established Telugu stars despite the language barrier. However, he feels it is disappointing when some of them criticise the industry's storytelling and filmmaking style after benefiting from these opportunities.

Actresses such as Taapsee Pannu and Pooja Hegde have previously made remarks about the portrayal of women and glamour in South Indian films, triggering debates among Telugu audiences. Radhika Apte has also spoken about her experiences working opposite senior Telugu star Balakrishna, while Janhvi Kapoor reportedly expressed reservations about her characterisation in Ram Charan's Peddi.

The director believes that actresses should voice their concerns while signing a film or during its making rather than waiting until its release to criticise the project. “Today, actors have every opportunity to watch their shots on the monitor and raise objections if they are uncomfortable with anything. If they have concerns about a character, the script or the presentation, they should discuss them at that stage. Making negative comments years later, after accepting the remuneration, does not look right,” he adds.

He also feels that Telugu filmmakers deserve recognition for providing Bollywood actresses with substantial roles and opportunities in big-ticket productions. With Telugu cinema earning international recognition, he believes such sweeping criticism is unnecessary and could affect the actresses' future prospects in the industry.

“For the last two days, Telugu netizens have been hitting back at her and raising objections to her views. I hope these actresses restrain themselves. Otherwise, they may find fewer opportunities in Telugu films in the future,” he warns.