Keerthiswaran's Controversial Response Sparks Outrage
Debut director Keerthiswaran, known for his film Dude, is now facing significant backlash for his reaction to criticism from an influencer. The situation unfolded when influencer Roshini Karthikeyan shared a screenshot of their conversation on her Instagram stories. In her message, Roshini expressed her thoughts about the film after watching it, stating that she expected a new filmmaker to be open to feedback. Instead, Keerthiswaran’s response included laughter emojis and a dismissive remark, advising her to "go have some life rather than sliding into my DMs."
This interaction sparked outrage on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). Many users criticized Keerthiswaran's approach, labeling it as rude and unprofessional. One user commented on his audacity, while another remarked that he should have responded to her message with respect. The general sentiment expressed by users was that a director, especially a newcomer, should be more receptive to constructive criticism rather than retaliate with mocking replies.
Roshini's post highlighted a crucial aspect of the film industry: the need for filmmakers to engage positively with their audience. After spending money to watch the film, Roshini felt entitled to share her honest opinion. Her disappointment was palpable, as she noted that Keerthiswaran's reaction revealed a lot about his mindset and his ability to accept feedback. In her view, this lack of professionalism not only reflects on him but also raises questions about the intentions behind his filmmaking.
The incident has led many to draw comparisons between Keerthiswaran and other directors known for their controversial responses to criticism. For instance, Sandeep Reddy Vanga was mentioned in discussions regarding how filmmakers should handle feedback. This comparison underscores a growing concern in the industry about the importance of humility and openness among creatives.
As of now, Keerthiswaran has not publicly addressed the backlash. His film Dude, which features Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, was released on October 17 and has grossed ₹113.25 crore worldwide. It is now available for streaming on Netflix. The situation serves as a reminder of the evolving relationship between filmmakers and audiences, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and understanding.
