Producer Ravi Shankar SLAMMED For ‘Disrespecting’ Rukmini Vasanth, Netizens React

A promotional event for the upcoming film Kantara Chapter 1 turned into an unexpected controversy on Sunday evening. While fans had gathered to see stars like Jr NTR and Rishab Shetty, attention quickly shifted to remarks made by producer Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers about actress Rukmini Vasanth.

Ravi Shankar was speaking about his next film with Jr NTR and director Prashanth Neel when he praised Rukmini as an “extraordinary” performer. However, he also compared her talent to Jr NTR’s, saying he hopes she can match “at least 80 per cent” of the actor’s skills. Many felt these comments diminished Rukmini’s talent, leading to widespread criticism from fans and netizens.

What Ravi Shankar said

At the event, Ravi Shankar began by praising Rukmini

as an “extraordinary” performer. He said, “Heroine Rukmini Vasanth. She is also the heroine of our film with Prashanth Neel and Jr NTR. I have seen the way she performs up close, and she is extraordinary.”

However, the praise was immediately followed by a comparison to Jr NTR, which many perceived as disrespectful. Ravi added, “We searched for months for a heroine who would match NTR’s talent or at least come close. We could only find her in Rukmini. She is an extraordinary performer. Maybe not as much as Anna (brother), but we are hoping you will be able to give at least 80 per cent.”

Fans are not happy

Fans of Rukmini quickly voiced their displeasure on social media. Some took to X (formerly Twitter) writing, “Miru chese over action lo 10% kuda undadu. (It won’t be 10% of your overaction.)”

Others expressed frustration at what they perceived as diminishing remarks, “Ante enni days movies chesina heroins waste annamata. (So every heroine who acted with him so far is a waste.)” “Eellaki kuda edanna script lu ready chesi ivvandra stage ekke mundhu. (Someone needs to give them scripts before they get on stage.)”

Many fans questioned the need to make Rukmini appear “less” in order to praise the hero, “Mee hero ni lepuko anthe gani ma rukku ni endhuku ra thakkuva chesi mataldam. (No need to insult Rukku to hype your hero)”
“Disrespect cheyyadam endhuku? (Why do you need to disrespect?)”
“No offense. Heroine ni takkuva cheydam endhuku? (No offence. Why do you need to insult the heroine?)”

About Rukmini Vasanth

Rukmini Vasanth made her acting debut in 2019 with the Kannada film Birbal Trilogy and the Hindi film Upstarts. She gained recognition with Rakshit Shetty’s 2023 Kannada films Sapta Saagaradaache Ello—Side A and Side B.

In 2024, she entered Telugu cinema with Appudo Ippudo Eppudo and made her Tamil debut in 2025 with the Vijay Sethupathi film Ace. She was most recently seen in AR Murugadoss’ Madharaasi starring Sivakarthikeyan.

Rukmini will appear in Kantara Chapter 1, releasing in theatres on 2 October, and is also part of Prashanth Neel’s upcoming project with Jr NTR. She is rumoured to star in Geetu Mohandas’ Toxic alongside Yash.

About Kantara Chapter 1

Kantara: Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language period mythological action drama, written and directed by Rishab Shetty. The film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the banner of Hombale Films. It serves as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, diving deeper into the mythological traditions and ancestral conflicts introduced in the first film.

The film is set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka and explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual, along with the mythological lore and historical context introduced in the original movie. Like its predecessor, Kantara: Chapter 1 promises to blend regional folklore, spirituality, and high-octane action, continuing the story of humanity’s connection with nature and the divine. The narrative is set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi.

Rishab Shetty plays the central role of a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers, bringing a mystical element to the storyline. The film’s soundtrack and background score are composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, while the publicity poster was designed by Kaani Studio.

Filming for Kantara: Chapter 1 began in November 2023. The first look and teaser were released on November 27, 2023. The movie is scheduled to release in theatres and IMAX formats on October 2, 2025.