Bhairavam controversy: Director Vijay Kanakamedala apologises over old social media post

Director Vijay Kanakamedala has issued an apology after facing backlash from fans of actors Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, and Ram Charan over his controversial 2011 social media post. The post featured a morphed image parodying Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan during Chiranjeevi’s political phase. Fans began trending #BoycottBhairavam on social media platforms, prompting the director to respond publicly on Thursday.

On X, Vijay wrote, "That was not a post I made. Something happened; it must have been hacked. I've worked closely with Mega heroes, particularly with Pawan Kalyan gaaru on Gabbar Singh, and share a good relationship with Sai Dharam Tej gaaru. Like everyone else, I entered the industry inspired by Chiranjeevi gaaru and Pawan gaaru. Why would I intentionally distance myself from Mega fans? Nevertheless, I take full responsibility and will ensure such mistakes won’t happen again."

The old post recently resurfaced, causing distress among Mega fans who questioned the authenticity of the director’s claim about hacking, considering his limited public profile in 2011. All of this started with Vijay’s remarks at a promotional event in Eluru, perceived as politically sensitive, which intensified online criticism. Bhairavam, starring Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Manoj Manchu, and Nara Rohith, releases on May 30.