‘Scary and uncomfortable’: K. Raghavendra Rao faces backlash from netizens after old videos with Niharika Konidela resurface
A video from the launch of Anil Ravipudi’s upcoming film has put veteran director K Raghavendra Rao under the new microscope online. The footage shows Rao guiding Keerthy Suresh and Keerthi Shetty while shooting the first ceremonial shot for the project known as ‘Venky Anil 5’. As the clip went viral, social media users also revived an old video featuring Rao and Niharika Konidela, leading to renewed criticism over his interactions with women at public events.IBTimes India reported that the new stills were shot during the launch event of the project, which brought together Venkatesh Daggubati, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh, Krithi Shetty, and several members of the Telugu film industry. Online discussion grew after viewers shared the clip via X and Instagram, the report said.
K Raghavendra Rao is facing criticism for his ‘Venky Anil 5’ trailer.
The ceremony marked the official launch of Ravipudi’s next directorial venture.
In the video, Rao is seen guiding the actors through setting up the first shot, including where they should stand and what the frame should look like.Some viewers objected to the physical gestures seen in the clip. They argued that it was possible to direct the actors without moving their arm or holding them in position through physical contact. Others discussed the footage as part of a broader discussion about personal space and behavior at cinematic events.
The response shifted attention away from the launch itself and toward the video. The online conversation intensified after users started sharing a previous clip involving Niharika Konidela along with the latest footage.
Niharika Konidela’s video is back in the spotlight
The older video shows Rao posing with Niharika during a separate public appearance. It made its way back to social media feeds as users compared it with the latest stills from the ‘Venky Anil 5’ launch.IBTimes India also noted the return of the reaction
Taapsee Pannu
2017 comments on Rao’s visual style in song sequences.
Pannu had talked about her experience working in the film Jhumandi Naadam, which was released in 2010.Meanwhile, Anil Ravipudi shared pictures from the event and announced the beginning of the journey of the new film. He wrote, “Nothing gives me greater joy than entertaining audiences in theatres. With immense happiness, gratitude and a sense of responsibility, we begin the #VenkyAnil5 – #NKRAR2 journey today.”Rao has not issued a public statement on the online discussion around the latest video or the resurfaced clip of Niharika.