Singer and activist Chinmayi Sripaada has publicly criticized filmmaker Vignesh Shivan and actress-producer Nayanthara for working with choreographer Jani Master—who is currently out on bail after being booked under the POCSO Act in 2024 for alleged sexual assault of a minor.
The controversy erupted after Vignesh Shivan shared a post confirming Jani Master’s involvement in his upcoming film Love Insurance Kompany (LIK). Jani Master, whose real name is Shaik Jani Basha, had earlier posted a photo and video from the film’s sets, praising Vignesh Shivan for his “care, respect, and trust.”
However, the move sparked backlash online, with many questioning the couple’s decision to collaborate with someone accused in a serious sexual offense case. Nayanthara, who is also the producer of LIK, was criticized for endorsing the association.
Chinmayi Sripaada didn’t hold back. Sharing her reaction on social media, she 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!”
Social media users echoed Chinmayi’s sentiments, calling out what they see as blatant double standards. One X (formerly Twitter) 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 — not with survivors. And #Nayanthara is just okay with it? Some ‘power couple.’”
The criticism comes in light of Nayanthara’s previous vocal stance against abuse, with many fans now accusing her of hypocrisy for staying silent on the current controversy.
As the debate intensifies, neither Vignesh Shivan nor Nayanthara has issued a statement addressing the allegations or the online backlash.
