Veteran producer Dil Raju has landed in controversy for his comments at a film event that many perceived as stereotyping Telangana culture. During the grand trailer launch of Sankranthi Ki Vachham in Nizamabad, he remarked, “In Andhra, people vibe with movies, while in Telangana, people vibe with toddy and mutton,” drawing sharp criticism on social media.
The statement has sparked outrage, with netizens accusing Dil Raju of reinforcing negative stereotypes about Telangana people. A video clip of his comments has gone viral, leading to widespread backlash. Critics argue that such remarks trivialize the region’s culture and project a narrow perspective of its traditions.
Dil Raju వెకిలి మాటలు
తెలంగాణ ను అవమానించేలా చిల్లర కామెంట్స్..!
నిజామాబాద్ లో సినిమా ప్రమోషన్ ప్రోగ్రాం లో వివాదాస్పద వ్యాఖ్యలు చేసిన రాష్ట్ర ఫిల్మ్ డెవలప్మెంట్ కార్పొరేషన్ చైర్మన్ దిల్ రాజు@alluarjun @DilRajuProdctns @KChiruTweets @AlwaysRamCharan @INCTelangana… pic.twitter.com/Sb1ZvE14fL
— Journalist Vijaya Reddy (@VijayaReddy_R) January 7, 2025
Sankranthi Ki Vachham features Venkatesh in the lead role, with Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary playing key characters. Superstar Mahesh Babu unveiled the trailer, which hints at a high-entertainment storyline.
The film follows an ex-policeman, played by Venkatesh, who is brought back to duty to avert a government crisis caused by a kidnapping. Meenakshi Chaudhary’s character plays a pivotal role in convincing him to return to service. The narrative also explores a love triangle, creating humor and drama as Venkatesh navigates his relationships with his wife and a former lover.
Director Anil Ravipudi, known for his previous hits with Venkatesh like F2 and F3, has once again crafted a family entertainer packed with humor. The trailer indicates that the film is set to deliver a festive treat, aiming to draw family audiences to theatres during Sankranti.
However, Dil Raju’s remarks have overshadowed the film’s promotional event, with many demanding a clarification or apology from the producer.