Overview
- Video from the muhurat for Anil Ravipudi’s yet-to-be-titled film recorded on Thursday, June 18 shows 84-year-old director K. Raghavendra Rao reaching for Keerthy Suresh’s arm and later guiding Krithi Shetty while directing the inaugural shot.
- The clip circulated widely on X and other platforms and produced sharply divided responses, with many accusing Rao of unnecessary touching and others saying he was merely positioning actors for the shot.
- Major news outlets report there has been no official statement from K. Raghavendra Rao, Keerthy Suresh or Krithi Shetty as of June 19, and filming for the project was still reported to be scheduled to begin soon.
- Coverage has linked the moment to earlier episodes and comments about Rao’s on-set style, noting his five-decade career and past viral interactions that make this incident resonant in public discussion.
- The episode has focused attention on consent and on-stage protocols at high-profile film rituals, and it could prompt calls for clearer behaviour guidelines at public industry events and affect how such ceremonies are managed going forward.