Ravi Teja’s ‘Nickname’ for Irumudi Co-Star Nakshathra Sparks Online Debate: ‘Why Would You Say That to a Young Girl?’

A comment made by Telugu actor Ravi Teja at the pre-release event of his upcoming film Irumudi has triggered a debate online, after the actor used a particular term while suggesting a nickname for his young co-star Nakshathra.

The exchange, which took place during the promotional event, has drawn mixed reactions after clips from the interaction began circulating on social media.

While some viewers criticised Ravi Teja’s choice of words, others defended the actor, pointing out that the term can reportedly be used affectionately for children in parts of Telangana and other Telugu-speaking regions.

What happened at the Irumudi event?

During the event, Nakshathra asked Ravi Teja what nickname he would like to give her.

The actor responded by repeating a particular term twice, prompting laughter from people around them and reactions from the audience.

Nakshathra then said that she did not know what the word meant.

Ravi Teja reportedly replied that he would explain its meaning to her later, while the audience continued to laugh and cheer.

The moment might have passed as a light-hearted exchange at the event, but clips later circulated widely online, bringing greater attention to the terminology used by the actor.

Why did Ravi Teja’s comment become controversial?

The debate largely revolves around the different meanings and regional usage of the word.

According to explanations shared online, the term can reportedly be used affectionately in parts of Telangana when referring to children. Some speakers use it as a playful or affectionate expression while doting on young kids.

However, the same word can also carry a derogatory or suggestive meaning in certain contexts, particularly when directed towards women.

That difference in interpretation appears to have fuelled the online debate.

Several social media users questioned why the word was used while addressing a young female co-star.

One user questioned the appropriateness of using such a term for a young girl, while another described the exchange as “wrong on so many levels.”

Others defend Ravi Teja

Not everyone interpreted the exchange negatively.

ALSO READ : Jana Nayagan OTT Release: Vijay’s Final Film Gets Streaming Date Here’s When and Where to Watch It Online

Some social media users from Telangana explained that the word can have an entirely different meaning when used affectionately towards children.

One user pointed out that people from Telangana would understand the regional context, describing it as an expression used while affectionately doting on small children.

This has resulted in a split online response, with one side focusing on the word’s potentially derogatory meaning and another arguing that the actor’s intention may have been playful and affectionate.

The controversy therefore appears to be driven partly by the difference between regional usage and the word’s interpretation in other contexts.

Nakshathra plays Ravi Teja’s daughter in Irumudi

The discussion has received additional attention because of the relationship between the two actors’ characters in Irumudi.

Directed by Shiva Nirvana, the upcoming film features Ravi Teja as an alcoholic father with a violent past who decides to undertake Ayyappa deeksha.

The spiritual journey requires his character to give up his usual lifestyle and habits, setting up a major conflict within the story.

Nakshathra plays his daughter, while Priya Bhavani Shankar is also part of the cast.

The film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 21.

Irumudi arrives amid the controversy

For now, the discussion surrounding Ravi Teja’s comment has added an unexpected layer to the promotional campaign for Irumudi.

The incident also highlights how regional expressions can sometimes be interpreted very differently once clips from public events reach a wider audience online.

Whether viewed as an affectionate regional expression or an inappropriate choice of words, the exchange has certainly caught the attention of social media users ahead of the film’s release.

With Irumudi scheduled to hit theatres on August 21, the focus will now gradually shift back to the film itself and to Ravi Teja’s unusual father-daughter story with Nakshathra.