Joju George Faces Backlash for Alleged ‘Threatening’ Call Over Pani Review

Even as his debut directorial Pani continues its theatrical run, actor-filmmaker Joju George is at the center of a controversy. A voice clip surfaced online, allegedly capturing Joju threatening a person who posted a negative review of his film. The review criticized the portrayal of sexual violence in Pani, a topic that quickly became the subject of heated discussions on social media, leading Joju to address the issue.

On Friday, a netizen named Adarsh HS, who identifies as a research assistant at Reporter Live, posted a four-minute voice clip on Facebook, claiming that Joju had called him in response to his review. According to Adarsh, Joju not only mocked him but also issued veiled threats. The review, which Adarsh shared in various movie discussion groups, argued that Pani’s depiction of a rape scene was insensitive and objectified the female character.

In the recorded phone call, Joju reportedly asked Adarsh, “Do you have the guts to face me?” When Adarsh expressed that the portrayal of sexual violence should have been handled with more care, Joju responded with sarcasm, saying, “Please teach me. I’ll come to you. Where will you be tomorrow?” He continued the sarcastic exchange, suggesting Adarsh’s respect was essential for his career, a comment that further escalated the conversation.

Adarsh countered, asking why Joju was so bothered by one review, to which Joju replied, “Kid, if I had truly been provoked, you would have peed your pants.” Adarsh responded, “I don’t need you to provoke me to pee. I do it every day.” The back-and-forth caught the attention of social media, with users divided over Joju’s reaction.

Joju George Responds to the Controversy

As the clip gained traction online, Joju took to Instagram Live on Saturday to share his perspective. He confirmed that he had indeed called Adarsh, explaining that while many people reviewed Pani, he only contacted Adarsh because he had shared his review across multiple platforms. Joju accused Adarsh of not only criticizing the film but also discouraging people from watching it by repeating his post in several comment sections.

Joju clarified that he respects freedom of expression but took issue with what he saw as deliberate “spoilers” that affected his work’s reception. He further explained that his reaction was not born of arrogance but stemmed from his life experiences, which, he said, have always placed him in “survival mode.”

The controversy has sparked a range of responses. Some social media users empathized with Joju, arguing that it’s natural for filmmakers to feel protective of their work. Others, however, condemned Joju’s response as overly defensive and intolerant, especially in light of the sensitive subject matter raised by the critic.

Joju’s Future Steps and Reflections

Concluding his Instagram Live session, Joju stated his intent to pursue legal action, maintaining that he holds no personal grudge against Adarsh. He added that the incident was more about standing up for his work rather than attempting to suppress someone’s opinion. His reaction, he emphasized, came from a place of personal struggle and resilience.

As Pani continues its run in theaters, Joju George’s reaction has left many reflecting on the pressures filmmakers face when their work receives criticism. For now, Joju appears determined to defend his project while acknowledging the value of constructive criticism, a sentiment that has resonated with some viewers while sparking debate among others.

Also Read: First Look of Madhavan’s Adhirshtasaali: Dual Roles or Mithran Jawahar’s Unique Twist?