Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan face backlash for working with sexual assault accused Jani Master
Actor-producer
Nayanthara
and filmmaker
Vignesh Shivan
are getting criticised online for collaborating with choreographer
Jani Master
. The choreographer was previously accused of sexual assault under the POCSO Act in 2024.
The backlash erupted after Vignesh Shivan shared a behind-the-scenes post with Jani from the sets of his upcoming film Love Insurance Kompany, which is being co-produced by Nayanthara.
Social media erupts over collaboration
The controversy began when Jani Master posted photos and a video with Vignesh from the film's sets on July 1. 'It's always a joy working with you for the care, respect and trust you shower on me,' Jani captioned the post.
Vignesh re-shared the post with the words: "Sweet master ji. Team LIK - love you and your vibe a lot", accompanied by heart emojis.
Nayanthara celebrates her birthday with her husband Vinesh Shivan and kids
Netizens react
Soon after, social media users called out the director for praising someone accused of a serious offence. Many also held Nayanthara accountable, pointing out that as a producer and public figure who has previously spoken against abuse, her silence was disappointing.
An X user wrote, 'There's a reason people are losing respect for #VigneshShivan.
First it was Dileep. Now it's Jani Master. Keep calling accused predators a 'vibe' and we see exactly where you stand. And #Nayanthara is just okay with it? Some 'power couple'.'
Another one wrote, "And Nayanthara is the Producer She gave chance to Jani master."
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada wrote, "Jani is out on conditional bail involving a minor's sexual assault. We as a people seem to love 'talented' offenders and will keep promoting them and keeping them in positions of power which the offenders use to harangue the women more - 'See nothing will happen to me.' It is just how we are. Sweeeeeet!"
Jani Master's controversial past
In September 2024, Jani Master confessed to sexually assaulting a minor colleague, a junior dancer, during a private rehearsal session. He was arrested and later released on conditional bail. The National Award he had received for Best Choreography (for Megam Karukkatha from Thiruchitrambalam) was suspended following the charges.
Despite these developments, his presence on the sets of 'Love Insurance Kompany' and the warm reception from the team have sparked outrage among netizens.
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