Actor Rio Raj can be seen in the latest film Ram in Leela, which hit theatres on Friday. In a promotional interview for the film, the actor also talked about the criticism for his previous outing, Aan Paavam Pollathathu. At the time of its release, Aan Paavam Pollathathu critics called out its portrayal of the female lead, played by Malavika Manoj, and described her actions in the film as a critique of the modern feminism concept. However, in an interview with Sudhir Srinivasan, Rio Raj disputed the notion that the film is a takedown of the so-called 'fake feminism'.

Responding to the criticism, the actor said, "That is not the case. We have not taken such a stance in Aan Paavam Pollathathu. It talks only about those who advocate feminism without knowing what it truly is." He went on to add that it is not a characteristic of "boldness" if one merely speaks about an issue in a forthright way. "As far as I am concerned, my mother is very bold. She is a strong lady. She never spoke about feminism but has lived it. She raised two children without our father's support," Rio Raj stated.

Further clarifying his perspective, the actor added, "I do not meant 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." Rio Raj opined that Aan Paavam Pollathathu makes this distinction clearly.

"Feminism is a feeling," the actor shared before noting that if a woman sticks by their stance, this is a true definition of feminism for him. "How that perspective should be is something society decides," the actor clarified.