Telugu director Rao faces criticism for touching actresses

Veteran Telugu filmmaker K. Raghavendra Rao has sparked a widespread debate about consent and professional boundaries after videos of him physically guiding actresses during a film launch event went viral on social media. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 18, at the launch ceremony for director Anil Ravipudi's upcoming film in Hyderabad.

The 84-year-old director was invited to direct the traditional inaugural shot for the film, which stars Venkatesh Daggubati, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh, and Krithi Shetty. In the widely circulated clips, Rao is seen holding the arms of actresses Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty, pulling them closer and adjusting their positions for the ceremonial photograph. He is also seen instructing the male actors on where to place their hands.

The footage quickly drew sharp criticism online, with many social media users accusing the filmmaker of inappropriate and unnecessary physical contact. One viral post questioned who gave him the right to touch women without their consent. The controversy also revived discussion of a previous viral video involving actress Niharika Konidela, in which Rao was seen with his arm around her waist at a public...