Chiranjeevi’s “No Casting Couch” Claim Sparks Massive Online Debate

Chiranjeevi's remarks on the "no such thing as casting couch" in the Telugu film industry have drawn sharp criticism online. Many social media users, including singer Chinmayi Sripada, accused the veteran star of ignoring exploitation claims. The comments were made during a recent success meet for Chiranjeevi's latest film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu in Hyderabad.

The 70-year-old actor spoke at the event on January 25, addressing young people who want to enter films. While praising cinema as a career, Chiranjeevi dismissed accounts of harassment as individual responsibility. The reaction from women in the industry and fans was immediate, with several posts calling out "misogynistic" attitudes and victim blaming.

Chiranjeevi casting couch comments in Telugu film industry event

During the Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu celebration, Chiranjeevi denied that exploitation is a structural problem in films. Chiranjeevi said there is "no such thing as casting couch" in the industry. Expanding on this point, Chiranjeevi told the crowd, "There's no such thing as a 'casting couch' or anything like that. It depends on your behaviour. You shouldn't have any insecurity about how things might be. Be professional, and others will be professional too," he said.

Chiranjeevi framed the Telugu film industry as a place that mirrors personal conduct. Chiranjeevi said, "This industry is like a mirror; what you give is what you get back. So, for anyone who wants to enter this industry with courage, come with determination, strong resolve, and hard work as your support. This is a great industry...everyone will thrive, whether they are girls or boys," he added.

Chiranjeevi casting couch stance and Telugu film industry defence

Chiranjeevi went on to urge families to support both sons and daughters entering cinema. Emphasising individual responsibility again, Chiranjeevi said, "This is a great industry. If someone hasn't thrived here or says there are negative people or they've had a bitter experience, I strongly believe it's their own fault. If you are strict and serious, no one will try to take advantage of you," he said.

Those lines, especially the claim that bad experiences are "their own fault", sparked outrage. Many social media users argued such views ignore power gaps between senior figures and newcomers. Critics said this messaging puts pressure on survivors to stay silent and protects influential personalities within the Telugu film industry.

Chiranjeevi casting couch remarks challenged in Telugu film industry by Chinmayi

Among the earliest detailed responses was from singer and dubbing artist Chinmayi Sripada on X. She said, "Casting couch is rampant, women are refused roles if they don't offer 'full commitment' - a word that means completely different in the film industry." Furthermore, she added, "Legendary Chiranjeevi garu comes from a generation where they all were friends or even family friends with their female co-artists, mutually respected each other, worked with legends, and they are all legends themselves."

Chinmayi directly questioned Chiranjeevi's "mirror" claim about the Telugu film industry. Reacting to Chiranjeevi's statement that the Telugu industry is a "mirror" that reflects "who you are", Chinmayi added, "Girls are now aspiring to work in the film industry from either abroad, where they have a broad world view, are highly educated, and they know what's going on here. So, no - the Industry is not a mirror that reflects who you are."

Chinmayi also shared a longer thought in a detailed X post. "Casting couch is rampant, women are refused roles if they don't offer 'full commitment' - a word that means completely different in the film industry.If you come from an English educated background and believe 'commitment' means 'professionalism', showing up to work and being..." - Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) January 26, 2026

Chiranjeevi casting couch controversy and Telugu film industry backlash

Other X users also criticised Chiranjeevi's comments and called them harmful. One post read, "Chiranjeevi's denial of 'casting couch' & victim-blaming exposes deep, systemic misogyny entrenched at highest levels of film industries. Playing 'noble' roles on screen doesn't erase patriarchal/privileged/ignorant thinking off-screen. Telugu-like Kannada-needs Hema Committee probe." Some users demanded stronger formal investigations into harassment across southern film industries.

The tone of replies became more personal in several comments. One said, "How dare he, just after taking some dumbass cringe movie, this man is barking as if he did some great achievement. Blame for the casting couch on the victims who came out and spoke? Disgusting man, before a hero, you are human. Behave like that." Another Internet user commented, "Worst Industry TFI, and the so-called senior is such an insecure s**t. We saw his real face during Baahubali 1's first show review."

Some posts went further by recalling past public appearances and alleged behaviour. One person wrote, "I saw Chiranjeevi was making suggestive remarks to Keerthi Suresh in an audio launch function. There are also tweets I have seen about him doing the same with Pooja Hegde. The creepy behaviour of Ballayya is an open secret. Ofc these guys find nothing wrong." Another X user added, "Accusing victims of sexual exploitation and backing the abuse of power in already established hierarchy, wow. This industry is rotten irrevocably, your son's movie's choreographer is a pedophile. You don't deserve daughters," said another X user.

Chiranjeevi casting couch row and Telugu film industry film details

While the debate around Chiranjeevi's casting couch stance continued on social media, attention also stayed on the new film. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu released in cinemas on January 12, 2026, during the Sankranthi season. The film stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role, with Nayanthara and Venkatesh Daggubati as key co-stars.