Sivaji Controversy: Free Publicity or Deeper Problem?

A huge controversy has broken out in Tollywood following remarks made by actor Sivaji at the pre-release event of Dhandoraa, which is set to release on December 25.

While speaking on stage, Sivaji commented on actresses’ dressing styles. He said that beauty lies in dignity and modesty, not in exposing the body. He advised actresses not to cross limits in the name of glamour and suggested that traditional attire reflects grace better. However, the issue escalated because he used crude and offensive language while making his point, which many felt was disrespectful and unacceptable.

The backlash was immediate and intense. Many felt Sivaji was not just sharing an opinion but openly policing women’s choices and using derogatory words to do so. Social media users slammed him for promoting moral judgment over women’s clothing and for making such remarks in a public and professional setting.

The controversy grew further after singer Chinmayi Sripaada reacted strongly on social media. She condemned Sivaji’s comments, especially his use of slurs commonly linked to misogynistic online spaces. Chinmayi also pointed out the hypocrisy in him preaching Indian culture while appearing at the event in jeans and a hoodie. She questioned why cultural rules are so often imposed only on women.

She wrote on X, “Sivaji doles out unnecessary advice to actresses using slurs like ‘Daridrapu Munda’ saying they need to wear saris to cover their ‘Saamaan’, a word incels use. Sivaji played a villain in a fantastic film and ended up becoming the hero for incel boys. He himself wears jeans and a hoodie. He should wear only dhotis and follow Indian culture. Wear bottu and if he is married, wear the kankanam and mettelu to signify he is married. Unbelievable how women are treated here.”

Manchu Manoj issued a public letter, strongly condemning derogatory remarks made by senior actors like Sivaji about women. He apologized on their behalf and stated that policing women’s attire or blaming them is outdated and unacceptable. Manoj stressed that respect and accountability must begin with individual behavior, not shaming women.

He said such statements violate Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality, dignity, and personal liberty. Emphasizing that silence is not an option, he called for responsibility and accountability from public figures.

TV host and actress Anasuya Bharadwaj also responded with a clear counter, adding to the backlash. While a small section defended Sivaji, saying he was expressing a personal view, the dominant reaction remained strongly against him.

The episode once again shows how careless words spoken on stage can quickly spiral into a massive public debate. In today’s environment, public figures are expected to show responsibility and sensitivity, especially on issues involving women and personal freedom. Whether Sivaji will apologize or clarify his remarks is still unknown, but the controversy has definitely created publicity and awareness for the upcoming film Dhandoraa.