Shanthnu took to social media to defend his father, Bhagyaraj, after a video of him resurfaced on the latter's birthday. In an earlier interview, the Bhagyaraj sharing an anecdote about how he made suggestions to Rajinikanth about Thalapathy (1990), which several netizens disagreed with.

Taking to his X handle, Shanthnu wrote, "No one is greater than anyone.. this is just his vision, his thought, his version of alternative climax… it could have worked, could not have worked."

He further added, "He is jus sharing his thought and a memory Let’s not do ‘what everyone does on this platform’ and create arguments. Peace."

Thalapathy was directed by Mani Ratnam, and bought together Rajinikanth and Mammootty in a rare collaboration. The film was a critical and commercial success at the time of its release.

Bhagyaraj turned 73 on January 7. The multi-hyphenate also announced his intentions to return to cinema.