Shanthanu Bhagyaraj defends Puri Jagannadh after he was trolled for his upcoming film with Vijay Sethupathi

Shanthanu responded firmly, stating that both Puri Jagannadh and Vijay Sethupathi deserve respect.

Director Puri Jagannadh has given some best movies his recent films have not performed well at the box office, leading some to question his current standing in the industry. He has recently announced his upcoming film with actor Vijay Sethupathi and this has drawn lot of backlash from audience and netizens call him 'outdated'. However, actor Shanthanu Bhagyaraj stood up for him.

On Ugadi (March 30), Puri Jagannadh announced his next film with Vijay Sethupathi. However, as per TOI, an X user, in a now-deleted post, criticized Vijay’s choice to collaborate with an "outdated" director. The user expressed disappointment, expecting the actor to be more selective after delivering a hit like Maharaja.

Shanthanu responded firmly, stating that both Puri Jagannadh and Vijay Sethupathi deserve respect. “Never say that about someone brother…Please use words wisely on public platform… eod he is a reputed filmmaker and there’s a certain amount of respect we shud give another person. Did not expect this from you.”

Never say that about someone brotherPlease use words wisely on public platform eod he is a reputed filmmaker and theres a certain amount of respect we shud give another person ..Did not expect this from you https://t.co/Ieapsl1N49
Shanthnu (@imKBRshanthnu) March 30, 2025

Several other netizens pointed at him for and to utilize this opportunity and make a good comeback. One user wrote, "Puri can't afford to undo another opportunity. He has to be at his best." Another wrote, "There is no storyline failure from @VijaySethuOffl in last decade.. so @PuriConnects going to taste the HIT after so many years.. we want the greatest comeback from our own #PuriJagannadh .. neninthe lanti cult aina parledhu anna.." A comment also read, "This is ur last opportunity Puri Sir, if Vijay Setupathi is still willing to work even after such a disaster as Liger and double smart shankar. Give your best or stop making movies. We don’t you to be trolled again."

On this auspicious day of #Ugadi Embarking on an electrifying new chapter with a sensational collaboration Dashing Director #PuriJagannadh and powerhouse performer, Makkalselvan @VijaySethuOffl join forces for a MASTERPIECE IN ALL INDIAN LANGUAGES Produced by Puri pic.twitter.com/Hvv4gr0T2Z Puri Connects (@PuriConnects) March 30, 2025

The user later deleted their post and responded with an apology, stating that it was merely their opinion and that they would be more mindful of their choice of words in the future.

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Despite Shanthanu’s firm defense of Puri Jagannadh and Vijay Sethupathi, fans remained divided. While some acknowledged that Puri had delivered several box office failures in recent years, others speculated whether Shanthanu himself was involved in the project. Many supported his stance on showing respect to filmmakers and actors, whereas others engaged in discussions about whether Vijay Sethupathi’s film choices were open to fair criticism.

Apart from the recently announced film with Puri, Vijay Sethupathi has several projects lined up including Train, Ace and an untitled project.