Actor Sanam Shetty has ignited a debate by questioning why Mamitha Baiju’s name was excluded from the ‘Vishwanath and Sons’ film poster. She slammed the makers for this oversight, advocating for equal recognition for lead heroines in the entertainment industry, sparking a wider conversation.
Key Points
Sanam Shetty called out 'Vishwanath and Sons' makers for omitting Mamitha Baiju's name from the film's song poster.
She argued that lead heroines deserve equal credit on promotional materials, regardless of their market value.
Sanam clarified her criticism targets industry-wide norms and not specific actors like Suriya or Vijay.
The controversy highlights a broader call for evolution and equality in crediting practices across the film industry.
Poster Sparks Credit Controversy
Vishwanath and Sons is an upcoming Tamil film starring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju in lead roles. The film is directed by Venky Atluri.
The makers of the upcoming Tamil film Vishwanath and Sons released the first song from the music album, titled Pattampoochi. It featured Suriya and Mamitha Baiju . But the song poster did not mention Mamitha’s name on it, which has now been flagged by actor Sanam Shetty.
In the caption, she wrote, “What is stopping the makers to mention Lead Heroine’s name on the poster? All other main names are mentioned except hers! This is unfair and high time we change this trend! @_mamithabaiju has earned her name that’s why she is cast in such a big film! But even if she was a newbie the heroine rightfully deserves to get equal credits everywhere. Cinema Industry needs to evolve…one change at a time!”
Meanwhile, another X user questioned her why she used the poster of a Suriya film to target the issue and not see how the same standards are used everywhere in the industry. Sanam responded to this and wrote, “Someone has to question at some point! We can’t change the past but I hope to see a positive change in our film culture going forward! This is definitely not a clash of JN vs VAS !”
Sanam Shetty’s Bold Stance on Equality
She added, “I have met @Suriya_offl sir and I have immense respect for him as an actor and as a socially responsible human. My question has nothing to do with him personally… And I’m not being partial to @actorvijay sir either …although I’m his fan. I’m asking everyone and the industry as a whole. This is a general Film culture which we have normalised/overlooked for so long …not just in Tamil or Telugu Cinema… but nationwide!”
She concluded, “My point is simple. If the heroine is important in the script and if her presence is used to promote the film then she deserves to get mentioned in posters! Whether she has market value or not is irrelevant for poster credits! Cinema evolves with us. It’s all about equality and respect.”
The makers of the film have not responded to the matter so far.
Industry-Wide Call for Change
About Vishwanath and Sons
However, things change when Maddy falls in love with Sanjay, to his dismay. She says their 20-year age gap does not bother her, but he says it does. He tells her, “At the snap of your fingers, many boys in your age group will come running after you.” In response, Maddy snaps her fingers twice and says, “I can snap many more times; why don’t you fall for me? That’s what I want.” The teaser then ends with Sanjay carrying a toddler.
The film is produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas and presented by Srikara Studios. It is set to release in theatres on August 14.
This incident, highlighted by Sanam Shetty, underscores a persistent issue within the film industry regarding equitable crediting. It serves as a crucial reminder for makers to evolve their practices and ensure all key contributors receive due recognition, fostering a more inclusive environment.
