Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is familiar with media attention, frequently due to his candid opinions. In a frank discussion with The Hans India, he shared insights on managing backlash, emphasizing that misunderstandings are unavoidable in today’s social media landscape, which amplifies everything rapidly. RGV asserted that everyone is entitled to voice their opinions, just as he does. He stated, “Everyone, if they open their mouth, will express something about somebody or something else. Whether you agree with it or not, you have to bear with that. That’s how a civilised society works.” He believes the core issue arises when social media distorts statements by lacking context. “Social media complicates it much more.
The only way to deal with it is to ignore it. I ignore it completely.” Addressing the recent controversy surrounding his comments about Rajinikanth, Varma clarified that his remarks were strictly technical and not personal. He drew comparisons of stardom across different periods, highlighting how technology influences performance styles. “Charlie Chaplin worked because of the 18-frame camera giving that skipping effect. If he came in the 24-frame era, he wouldn’t be the same star. Similarly, if the steady slow-motion camera hadn’t been invented, Rajinikanth wouldn’t have been the biggest star ever. No one carries slow motion like him.” RGV reiterated his viewpoint.
The filmmaker has recently re-released two of his earlier films: his debut film “Siva” with Nagarjuna Akkineni and his Hindi film debut, “Rangeela,” featuring Jackie Shroff, Aamir Khan, and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles. Both classics have been launched in 4K format and continue to receive acclaim from audiences even after 30 years since their original release.