Telugu director Harish Shankar, known for his sharp wit and retorts to criticism, is once again in the spotlight. The upcoming release of his film “Mr Bachchan,” a remake of Ajay Devgn’s “Raid,” has sparked debate surrounding the age difference between the lead actors in the recently released song, “The Sitar Song.”
The song features veteran actor Ravi Teja, 56, alongside Bhagyashri, a popular actress from the 1980s and 90s, who is currently 53. While the song has garnered praise for its visuals and music, some social media users have criticized the portrayal of the romantic pairing due to the age gap.
One particular comment took aim at the filmmakers, suggesting that the focus on Bhagyashri’s glamorous appearance and the lack of focus on her face indicated a desire to objectify her. This criticism further fueled the debate surrounding the age disparity in the lead cast.
Harish Shankar, known for his outspoken nature, did not shy away from addressing the criticism. He responded sarcastically to the comment, congratulating the user on their “discovery” and suggesting they apply for a Nobel Prize. He further took a jab at the user’s accusation of objectification, welcoming them to continue “objectifying filmmakers.”
Despite the controversy, “Mr Bachchan” continues to generate buzz ahead of its release. Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under the banner of People Media Factory, the film co-produced by Vivek Kuchibhotla. Avinash Kolla handles production design, while Ujwal Kulkarni takes care of editing. Panorama Studios and T-Series jointly present the movie, with Ayanka Bose serving as the director of photography.
The age gap between the lead actors in “Mr Bachchan” has ignited a debate about representation and portrayal of romance in Indian cinema. While Harish Shankar has chosen to respond with sarcasm, the issue raises questions about the evolving nature of on-screen relationships and audience expectations.
