Even before its release, director Phanindra Narsetti faced heavy trolling for his controversial remarks.
His statement that critics lacked the “qualifications” (arhata) to review a Mani Ratnam film earned him the nickname “Arhata Star.”
He also claimed he could effortlessly direct high-octane action and mass entertainers if he simply put down his pen for a few minutes.
However, his bold claims didn’t stand the test of time. His second directorial, 8 Vasantalu, which hit theaters last weekend, turned out to be a major disaster.
Following its release, social media users mocked him further, with some sarcastically commenting that even the film’s poster expenses couldn’t be recovered from the dismal box office collections.
Adding to the controversy, Narsetti avoided facing the media during a so-called “success meet” held on Monday — an event many found tone-deaf given the film’s poor performance.
His absence was especially noted when GreatAndhra.com journalist Murthy raised a pointed question about a disturbing scene in the film involving the heroine and a Brahmin priest.
In the controversial sequence, the priest is shown attempting to rape the heroine in a slaughterhouse in the heart of Kashi — a depiction that has sparked outrage. But with the director choosing to skip the event, the question went unanswered.
