'What kind of language is that': Ravi Teja faces flak over remark for Irumudi child actor Nakshathra

Ravi Teja (Pic/X)

Ravi Teja has sparked controversy after his exchange with child actor Nakshathra at an event for their upcoming film Irumudi went viral. The actor's response to the young artiste's request for a nickname has drawn criticism online. Several netizens have questioned the choice of words used during the interaction.

Ravi Teja's exchange with child actor sparks backlash

Nakshathra, who plays Ravi Teja's daughter in Irumudi, requested the actor to suggest a nickname for her during the event. Ravi Teja replied, saying, "Muduru munda." When the actor said the term twice, as those around him awkwardly laughed, the child artist said, "Sorry, I don't know the meaning." Ravi replied, "I will tell you later."

The term refers to someone who is considered overtly mature. Munda is generally regarded as a derogatory term for a woman, although its exact meaning can vary depending on the local dialect. The meaning of muduru can also vary.

Netizens react to viral video

The exchange received mixed reactions online. Several social media users criticised Ravi Teja, arguing that the term was inappropriate. One X user wrote, "wrong on so many levels." A netizen also wrote, "She's a kid, what kind of language is that," while another called the remark "completely unwanted". A netizen also noted, "Would #Raviteja be okay if someone casually called his daughter ‘Munda' in public just like he did?" A user called him a disgusting human being and slammed, "He is a disgusting disgusting human being, can't remember the last movie of his that i watched and will never watch one again."

About Irumudi

The glimpse video released of the movie showed Ravi Teja lovingly taking care of his daughter in the film. The child, it is evident, is in a very happy space with her father. However, the glimpse video hints at something tragic happening. As a result, we see Ravi Teja turn violent. He also takes to drinking. When his daughter urges him to quit alcohol, we see him become an Ayyappa devotee and wear the sacred mala to take back control of his life and kick the dreaded habit.

Ravi Teja, at the time of the film's first look being launched, had said, "Some stories choose you at the right moment in life. Feeling blessed to be part of one such story again, letting belief lead the way. Priya Bhavani Shankar plays the female lead, with Baby Nakshathra portraying Ravi Teja's daughter in the film. The cast also includes Sai Kumar, Ajay Ghosh, Ramesh Indira, and Swasika in key roles."