Irumudi Event Row: Ravi Teja's Distasteful Language Condemned

The Irumudi pre-release event has sparked criticism after Ravi Teja reportedly used the term “Muduru Munda” while referring to child actor Baby Nakshatra during the launch of a devotional song. For a film carrying a spiritual title and built around faith and tradition, the remark appeared out of sync with the tone expected from such an event and quickly became a talking point on social media.

The controversy has also raised questions about the responsibility that comes with speaking on a public stage. Ravi Teja later corrected actor Ajay Ghosh for using a cuss word during the event, leading some viewers to point out the apparent contradiction. The issue becomes particularly sensitive when the person being addressed is a child actor.

Tollywood has witnessed several such instances in recent years, where spontaneous remarks, jokes or abusive language at promotional events have overshadowed the actual film.

Actor Rajendra Prasad has repeatedly found himself at the centre of such controversies. At the Robinhood pre-release event in 2025, he used an abusive expression while joking about Australian cricketer David Warner. The remark went viral, prompting criticism from Warner's fans, although Rajendra Prasad later explained that it was said in a spirit of camaraderie and that everyone involved had been joking with each other.

More recently, Rajendra Prasad again came under fire for an objectionable remark about legendary Tamil actor MGR while praising veteran Telugu actor Kantha Rao at an awards function. The backlash spread across the Tamil film industry, following which Rajendra Prasad issued a public apology and described the remark as a mistake.

Actor Prudhvi Raj's Laila pre-release controversy also demonstrated how a single remark at a promotional event can overshadow an entire film. His reference to the number of sheep falling from 150 to 11 was interpreted by YSRCP supporters as a political jibe. The resulting backlash led to a boycott campaign against the film, forcing the Laila team to distance itself from his comments and issue clarifications.

These incidents underline a growing problem with the informal culture of film functions. Stars and senior actors often speak extempore, relying on personal equations and humour. But once a camera is rolling, an informal joke can quickly become a public statement, particularly when clips are circulated without the surrounding context.

It also puts the spotlight on the organisers. Event scripting, stage moderation and media training may need greater attention, particularly when several senior actors are invited to speak. A star's spontaneity can generate entertainment, but it can also create an unnecessary controversy that ultimately becomes part of the film's publicity.

For the Irumudi team, the episode is a reminder that promotional events are no longer merely informal gatherings. Every word is recorded, clipped and amplified online. When children, devotional themes and family audiences are involved, the expectation for sensitivity is naturally even higher