Tamil actor and former video jockey Rio Raj is facing strong criticism from social media users after his recent comments about feminism went viral. The backlash comes during the promotions of his latest film Ram in Leela, which hit theatres on August 21.
During an interview on Sudhir Srinivasan’s YouTube channel, the host brought up Rio Raj’s previous film Aan Paavam Pollathathu, which had already sparked controversy over its gender politics when it released last year. The actor’s response to questions about feminism has now created a fresh wave of criticism online.
What Rio Raj Said About Feminism
When asked about feminism during the interview, Rio Raj shared his personal perspective. He said, “Feminism is not about taking a stand. We are the ones who talk without knowing what we’re talking about.”
The actor then spoke about his mother as an example. “My mother is a strong lady. She didn’t talk about feminism; she lived it. Without my father’s support, she raised two children,” he said. He clarified that his mother was not a single mother but still had to raise two children on her own.
The host pointed out that calling women who suffer and raise children alone as ‘strong’ while ignoring women who choose not to marry or have children is not what feminism is about. Rio Raj then responded, “Feminism is a feeling. It has no boundaries, principles or theories; it’s a feeling.”
He added, “That’s not the position we took. Both the characters in my film are flawed.”
In a separate interview with Cinema Express, Rio Raj clarified his position further. He said, “I do not mean to say that those who are not married or have not given birth are not strong women. Every woman who staunchly stands by their opinion is strong and independent.”
The Aan Paavam Pollathathu Controversy
The actor’s comments have also brought back attention to his 2025 film Aan Paavam Pollathathu, directed by Kalaiarasan Thangavel. The film, which stars Rio Raj and Malavika Manoj as a newlywed couple, faced criticism when it released in theatres and later on OTT platforms.
Many viewers called the film regressive and biased against women. The movie follows Siva and Sakthi, whose arranged marriage falls apart within 400 days, leading them to court for divorce.
Critics pointed out that the film portrays the female character as shallow and lacking intelligence. The male character, on the other hand, is shown sympathetically while the woman is depicted as arrogant and superficial.
India Today described the film’s gender politics as “problematic” and “one-sided.” The publication noted that the film “demands sympathy exclusively for men while systematically diminishing women.”
Some scenes in the film received particular criticism. In one scene, the husband worries that after divorce, his wife will struggle because she doesn’t know how to buy a dress for less than Rs 5,000. Critics called this portrayal outdated and ignorant of how women contribute to families today.
The film was also accused of mocking modern women and labelling them as “pseudo-feminists.”
Social Media Reactions
Clips from Rio Raj’s interview spread quickly on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. Many users expressed anger and disappointment over his comments.
One X user wrote, “Feminism is a ‘feeling’ – Rio Raj. To be subjected to that much nonsense and still keeping your hands, voice and sanity under control..That’s the level of incredible self control I need in my life.”
Another user commented, “As usual a man mansplaining about feminism…… Yikes.”
A third user wrote, “Rio is ultra cringe and gives me male chauvinistic vibes.”
Some users pointed out that other actors have faced cancellation for much less. One person said, “Loving the public’s response to @rio_raj ‘s f**kass misogynistic incel mentality from that interview. But all I’m saying is that other small actors were cancelled for much less.”
Many people on Reddit called the backlash against Rio Raj a “long time coming.”
Questions About His Personal Life and Film Choices
Social media users also questioned why Rio Raj continues to star in films with problematic views about women, especially since he is happily married to Shruti Ravi.
One comment read, “bro is happily married with love of his life…but why still complaining about women in marriage life constantly in his films? or u just creating cult among men so that they mess up with women who just want to be themselves?”
Another user wrote, “He is pandering to his target audience. In real life, he has a loving marriage and was a cheerful, romantic husband. However, in films, the scripts mostly portrayed the narrative that ‘men are the unfortunate ones, while there is nothing to be said against women.’”
Related:
Rio Raj’s Career Background
Rio Raj started his career as a video jockey on Star Vijay and Sun Music before moving into films. He gained popularity through his television work and has since built a career in Tamil cinema.
His recent film Ram in Leela released in theatres on August 21. The controversy surrounding his comments has overshadowed the film’s release, with social media discussions focusing more on his statements than on his new project.
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