Director Quits X Over Death Threats

Director Rahul Ravindran has deleted X from his phone following severe online threats, including those targeting his children. The controversy stemmed from erroneous connections made by some users between his upcoming film, 'The Girlfriend,' and the Ketan Agarwal murder case in Pune. Ravindran issued a statement on June 30, explaining that he encountered a hateful tweet after briefly opening the app for football updates. The disturbing content led to intense emotional distress and the realization that he needed to exit the platform.

Ravindran emphasized that 'The Girlfriend' addresses broader social issues and systemic inequalities faced by women, a perspective he felt compelled to share as a man who benefits from the current power dynamics. He explicitly stated the film is unrelated to the Ketan Agarwal incident, clarifying that while he hadn't delved into the case's specifics, he doesn't view such crimes as a gendered battle. He also addressed characterizations of the male lead, affirming the film explores different themes than assumed.