Following the announcement of their partnership with choreographer Jani Master, who is currently charged with sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, actor-producer Nayanthara and director Vignesh Shivan are receiving backlash on social media.

Jani Master posts about working with Vignesh Shivan

The backlash erupted after Vignesh Shivan re-shared an Instagram Story announcing Jani Master's involvement in his upcoming film, Love Insurance Kompany. 

On July 1, Jani Master posted a photo and a behind-the-scenes video with Vignesh Shivan from the film’s set, writing: “Candid & crazy with the dearest #VigneshShivan Sir on the sets of #LoveInsuranceKompany. It’s always a joy working with you for the care, respect, and trust you shower on me, sir. Can’t wait to show the magic we created.”

The post quickly went viral, prompting outrage online. Many users questioned the couple’s decision to work with someone accused of a serious crime, with some accusing them of “platforming a sexual predator.” Nayanthara, one of the film’s producers, was also called out for her association with the project.

Internet reacts

Singer Chinmayi Sripada on X (formely known as Twitter) wrote, “Jani is out on conditional bail involving a minor’s sexual assault. We as a people seem to love ‘talented’ offenders and will keep promoting them and keeping them in positions of power which the offenders use to harangue the women more - “See nothing will happen to me.” It is just how we are. Sweeeeeet!”

A social media user wrote, “Nayan called herself a self-made woman who knows the struggles of female actors, urged stars to speak out, and thanked those who supported her. Yet she's fine with her husband backing a man accused under POCSO. Why the double standards? ”

On X, another user said, "This guy has something seriously wrong with him." Introducing this pedophile, calling him "sweet," and saying "love you ewwww," after bayilvan ranganathan, seeman, and now bringing him in. I wish the film fails miserably and that this awful l****a vanishes from the business forever.

"I don't know when wikki is going to realize he's no longer alone," one X user remarked. "Whatever he does or says is immediately connected to #Nayanthara." In the past, she defended herself and women in the film industry as a self-made woman. A joyful piece featuring a pedophile dance instructor is, in fact, a complete shambles (sic).

Another social media user wrote, “It's not news that Vignesh Shivan and Nayan support predators. Why are y'all surprised?”

Jani Master's POCSO case 

The backlash stems from a September 2024 case in which Jani Master reportedly admitted to sexually assaulting a junior colleague when she was a minor. He was arrested under the POCSO Act and later released on conditional bail.  Following his arrest, his National Award for Best Choreography, for the song Megam Karukkatha from Thiruchitrambalam, was revoked.

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