Year ender 2024: Top 10 biggest controversies of South cinema
As 2024 comes to an end, the South Indian film industry reflects on a year marked by significant controversies. From personal disputes to legal challenges, here are the top incidents that dominated headlines.
1. Arshad Warsi’s Comments on Prabhas
I’m really sad, but Prabhas, he was like a Joker in Kalki.
– Arshad Warsi in a latest interview. pic.twitter.com/SVTvE8Lojk
— Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) August 18, 2024
Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi caused a stir when he referred to Prabhas’ character in Kalki 2898 AD as a “joker.” Although Warsi clarified that his remark targeted the character and not Prabhas, fans and the Telugu film industry were offended. Warsi later apologized and vowed to avoid critiquing films publicly.
2. Jayam Ravi and Aarti’s Divorce Drama
Jayam Ravi and Aarti are getting a divorce. pic.twitter.com/CRE0hoRIIs
— LetsCinema (@letscinema) September 9, 2024
The announcement of actor Jayam Ravi and Aarti’s divorce in September took many by surprise, including Aarti herself. Rumors linking Ravi to singer Kenishaa Francis further complicated matters. Both parties have asked for privacy, emphasizing their focus on co-parenting their children.
3. AR Rahman and Mohini Dey’s Link-Up Rumors
Mohini Dey spoke out against the rumours linking her to AR Rahman. Here’s what she had to say… pic.twitter.com/49jQNKeLQ5
— Brut India (@BrutIndia) November 26, 2024
Speculation arose about AR Rahman and bassist Mohini Dey after their respective separations were announced on the same day. Mohini dismissed the rumors, calling Rahman a father figure and urging respect for their professional relationship. Rahman’s family also denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
4. Konda Surekha vs. Akkineni Family
Telangana Minister Konda Surekha blames KTR for the divorce of Naga-Samantha
‘KTR tapped phones of actors, blackmailed them’: Konda Surekha
Actor Samantha responds: ‘Surekha please don’t trivialise this journey…’@anchoramitaw with more details pic.twitter.com/noDi3NTscZ
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 3, 2024
Politician Konda Surekha’s remarks about Naga Chaitanya and Samantha’s divorce caused a feud with the Akkineni family. She alleged interference from actor Nagarjuna in Samantha’s decisions. The Akkineni family denied these claims, filing a defamation suit against Surekha.
5. Darshan Thoogudeepa’s Legal Troubles
As a journalist covering from #Mysuru for the past 9 years, I’ve had the unique perspective of witnessing the highs and lows of many public figures. Among them, actor #DarshanThoogudeepa stands out with a long list of controversies that have repeatedly thrust him & his close… pic.twitter.com/BAsHA10rC4
— Karthik K K (@Karthiknayaka) June 16, 2024
Kannada actor Darshan faced accusations of involvement in the alleged murder of a fan, Renukaswamy. The case stemmed from a dispute over inappropriate messages sent to actress Pavithra Gowda. Darshan denies the charges, and the case remains under investigation.
6. Dhanush vs. Nayanthara
Dhanush has given them 24 hours to remove the contents of NRD movie from the documentary. If not, then #Nayanthara, @VigneshShivN and @NetflixIndia will have to face legal actions, and will also be subjected to a 10cr damage pay.
But Couples can’t tolerate this appeal . So they… pic.twitter.com/JpMfotdT7E
— Dhanush Trends ™ (@Dhanush_Trends) November 17, 2024
A dispute between Dhanush and Nayanthara emerged when she accused him of withholding footage from their 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. Nayanthara alleged that Dhanush’s refusal stemmed from a personal grudge. In response, Dhanush’s production house sued Nayanthara for using the footage without authorization.
7. Tirupati Laddu Controversy
#BREAKING | Test report confirms beef fat, fish oil used in making laddus at Tirupati Temple
Tune in for all live updates here – https://t.co/oOhomGTHSp#ChandrababuNaidu #AndhraPradesh #Tirupati pic.twitter.com/aAml0sNrHd
— Republic (@republic) September 19, 2024
A lighthearted comment by actor Karthi about the sacred Tirupati laddus upset veteran actor Pawan Kalyan. Karthi apologized, clarifying that his words were not meant to disrespect traditions. Pawan accepted the apology, putting an end to the issue.
8. Hema Committee Report
The #KeralaHighCourt asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating cases registered after the #Hemacommittee report to appoint a Nodal officer.
Read More: https://t.co/HYL11bJwZT#TNCards pic.twitter.com/iHeWZmPAf0
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) November 28, 2024
The Hema Committee report highlighted harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. Accusations against prominent figures reignited the MeToo movement, leading to resignations within the AMMA committee. The revelations brought attention to the need for reform in the industry.
9. Nandamuri Balakrishna’s On-Stage Incident
This is Telugu actor and BJP alliance MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna aka Ballaya.
In a viral video he is seen pushing a woman and shamelessly makes everyone laugh after it.
There is 0 Outrage, if this happened in Bollywood, everyone would have started calling for arrest of the… pic.twitter.com/1mellf6gOj
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) May 30, 2024
Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna faced backlash after a video showed him pushing actress Anjali on stage during an event. While netizens called out his behavior, Anjali defended him, emphasizing their mutual respect and friendship.
