Vijay Deverakonda’s latest release, “The Family Star,” has stirred controversy for a particular line delivered by his character, Govardhan. The film, directed by Parasuram Petla and starring Mrunal Thakur alongside Vijay, hit theaters on April 5 but garnered only a lukewarm response. However, it was upon its release on Prime Video on April 26 that the spotlight shifted to one scene in particular.
In this scene, a goon played by Ravi Babu visits Govardhan’s house and makes an indecent proposition to his sister-in-law in exchange for money owed by her husband. Despite delivering a brief monologue on the importance of respecting women, Govardhan retaliates by issuing a thinly veiled threat against the women in the goon’s family, leaving both the antagonist and the audience stunned.
Criticism swiftly followed as viewers took to social media platforms to express their dismay. Screenshots of Vijay’s dialogue flooded X (formerly Twitter), with one user sarcastically captioning, “And the movie’s name is Family Star.” Others questioned their interpretation of the line, expressing their discomfort with its implications.
In #FamilyStar, the ‘Hero’ bashes up the goons of a muscleman who preyed upon the women of his family..
And then, proceeds to give a rape threat to the women of goon’s family.
That’s all I have to say. pic.twitter.com/I02j86y04X
— B.H.Harsh (@film_waala) April 26, 2024
One viewer encapsulated the scene, highlighting the irony of the ‘hero’ advocating for female empowerment while simultaneously resorting to threats of violence against women. This sentiment was echoed by many, with some expressing disappointment in Vijay’s choice to deliver such a line and Parasuram’s decision to include it in the script.
Amidst the backlash, there were calls for accountability within the Telugu film industry, with viewers urging fans not to justify problematic content under the guise of cinematic liberty. Some even went as far as to condemn Vijay Deverakonda, labeling him a ‘disgrace’ to the industry and calling for a boycott of his future projects.
In conclusion, “The Family Star” has found itself embroiled in controversy due to a dialogue that contradicts the film’s purported message of empowerment. As discussions surrounding gender representation in cinema continue to evolve, it is imperative for filmmakers and actors alike to be mindful of the impact their work may have on audiences and society as a whole.
