The Nadigar Sangam, the chief acting body in Kollywood, has written to actor Radha Ravi over his sexist and misogynistic rant against actor Nayanthara. The Nadigar Sangam has reportedly warned the actor against making such remarks, a day after his speech at the trailer launch of Nayanthara's Kolaiyuthir Kaalam went viral, prompting strong reactions from sections of the Tamil film industry.
Silverscreen.in reported that Nasser, Nadigar Sangam’s President had issued a warning letter to Radha Ravi. Nasser was quoted as saying, “It’s nice that a momentum has been gained. We have already sent him a letter that he is going overboard, and that he has to rein in himself. If he does not, he will lose the cooperation of the Sangam.”
KJR Studios headed by Kotapadi J Rajesh which has produced Nayanthara’s Aramm and Airaa and distributed Viswasam, strongly condemned Radha Ravi’s speech in a statement. The production house also stated that they would not cast him in any of their films.
“We will be glad to rid Tamil cinema of one more misogynist, one more rapist. This is the time to speak up. This is the time to act. What Mr Radha Ravi spoke about Ms Nayanthara and about the Pollachi case is not okay. Not okay at all. It is high time we voice out against him. […] Nadigar Sangam, we hope you’re hearing this. We sincerely condemn Mr Radha Ravi and will not cast him in any of our films and we will strongly advice our associates and friends in the industry not to cast him either. We hope you take appropriate action against him,” reads their statement shared on Twitter.
We sincerely condemn Mr #RadhaRavi and will not cast him in any of our films and we will strongly advice our associates and friends in the industry not to cast him either.#Nayanthara #KolaiyuthirKaalam #KJRStudios pic.twitter.com/IHDLBo3s9H
— KJR Studios (@kjr_studios) March 24, 2019
Speaking at the trailer launch of Nayanthara's latest film Kolaiyuthir Kaalam on Saturday, Radha Ravi slut-shamed the Lady Superstar, making sexually charged remarks.
"Nayanthara acts as a ghost, and then she goes on to act as Sita as well. She acts as Sita! Earlier, to play the role of a goddess, they would look for [someone like] KR Vijaya. Now, anyone can be cast to play a goddess. They can cast someone who you want to pray to when you look at them, they can also cast someone you want to call towards you when you see them!” he had said.
In the same speech, the serial misogynist went on to make vile remarks about the Pollachi sexual assault and extortion racket that had shocked Tamil Nadu in recent weeks.
"What is the difference between a big film and a small film? If you rape one girl at once, it is a small film. If you rape 40 people at once, like in Pollachi, it is a big film,” he had said.
In response to the developments, Vishal, the General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam wrote a cryptic tweet, not directly calling out the actor. Merely terming Radha Ravi's behaviour as 'stupid', Vishal suggested that the actor should drop the 'Radha' (a traditionally feminine name) from his name since it was a woman's name.
Dear #radharavi SIR.Yes as a gen Secy of Nadigar sangam I wish I had da pleasure of signing the letter of condemning u 4 yr stupidity n yr recent speech against women n particular.its snt 2 u.grow https://t.co/IgLu1huAfc yaself Ravi fm nowonwrds Coz u hv a woman s name n ya name.
— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) March 24, 2019
Actor Taapsee Pannu who has starred in films like Aadukalam and Pink tweeted her disbelief at the statement made by Radha Ravi. “This is disgusting beyond words. Who asked him about casting pre requisites and is he the president of character certificate association? This comes for one of the strongest actresses of the industry,I can only wonder what he might have to say about others, (sic)” she wrote.
This is disgusting beyond words. Who asked him about casting pre requisites and is he the president of character certificate association? This comes for one of the strongest actresses of the industry,I can only wonder what he might have to say about others https://t.co/tFjTZ04gRB
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 24, 2019
Director Vignesh Shivn, who is also Nayanthara's partner, had strongly condemned Radha Ravi's comments in several tweets.
Clueless and helpless cos no one will support or do anything or take any action against that filthy piece of shit coming from a legendary family .. he keeps doing this to seek attention! Brainless !
— Vignesh Shivan (@VigneshShivN) March 24, 2019
Sad to see audience laughing& clapping for his filthy comments!
None of us