We all know that once upon a time, two castes that had long-standing feuds between them — especially in Coastal Andhra — eventually came together politically and are now ruling the state.
This political unity between the two communities was seen as a positive sign for the region’s culture and progress. However, in the film industry, a divide still seems to persist between these two caste groups.
This became evident recently with a controversial caption on the shirt of small films producer SKN, who is known to be a close associate of director Maruthi.
The shirt bore the word "Jathini!" — a term that, while not explicitly vulgar by itself, is commonly understood in Coastal Andhra slang when clubbed with a cussword becomes a deeply offensive caste-based slur.
A media person from SKN’s own community posted his picture wearing the shirt on social media, implying that the shirt's message speaks volumes — subtly suggesting an underlying caste insult.
This post sparked intrigue. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that a producer from a reputed film banner, who belongs to a different community, had reportedly made dismissive remarks about the film The Raja Saab when it was still in the planning stages with Maruthi as director.
Holding a grudge over those comments, the controversial T-shirt is now being interpreted as an indirect attack not just on that individual producer, but on his entire community.
If true, this reflects poorly on the character of those involved. Things have already been shaky for The Raja Saab — with Bollywood media and North Indian social media mocking its trailer, calling it a "disaster in the making."
While there is some positive buzz in the Telugu audience, such unnecessary controversies and divisive behavior risk damaging the film’s prospects.
Producer TG Vishwa Prasad and others should be cautious and ensure that irresponsible comments and actions don’t harm the film’s future.
While Prabhas’s star power is holding the film up, the immature behavior and toxic caste politics of individuals like SKN are dragging it down, says an insider familiar with the situation.
