Sandeep Reddy Vanga hits back at critics linking films to Andhra attack
The director accused critics of using a school chainsaw attack to target his work and settle personal scores.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has responded to critics who linked his films to a chainsaw attack on a Class 10 student in Andhra Pradesh. According to India Today, Vanga did not name specific individuals but addressed those drawing parallels between his movies, such as Animal and Dhurandhar, and the incident.
The filmmaker stated on X that the proper reaction to such a crime is to show empathy and examine the broader issue instead of using cinema as a scapegoat. He alleged that some people were using the tragedy as a way to settle personal scores rather than showing concern for the victims.
The controversy follows a report by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, who suggested that films like Animal and Dhurandhar could provide templates for criminals. Actor Kamaal R Khan also criticised the director, alleging that he glorifies violence against women.
The attack occurred in Raptadu, Anantapur district, where a 21-year-old man named Hemanth allegedly attacked a student with a mechanised chainsaw after she rejected his advances. The incident took place at a school in late October or early November.
While some social media users argued that violent portrayals in films could influence impressionable minds, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma defended cinema, comparing the blame to blaming the Ramayana for kidnappings. Vanga concluded that tragedies require empathy rather than opportunism.
Vanga is currently working on his next project, Spirit, starring Prabhas. The film's release has been moved from March 5, 2027, to October 29, 2027.