Amid ongoing criticism targeting actress Ananya Panday’s performance in Kesari Chapter 2, the film’s director has stepped forward to address the backlash and offer a strong defense of her role. Speaking to the media, the director emphasized that despite the online chatter, the audience’s real-time reaction in theaters told a different story — one filled with appreciation and excitement.
“In the very first scene where Ananya makes her appearance on screen, there was thunderous applause from the audience,” the director shared, pointing out the contrast between digital criticism and the in-theatre experience. “People were clapping, cheering — it was a moment that validated our casting choice. That kind of response doesn’t happen unless there’s a genuine connection.”
The filmmaker further elaborated that Ananya’s dedication to the character was evident throughout the production process. “She put in a tremendous amount of effort to bring depth and emotion to her role. It’s unfortunate that some viewers are quick to judge based on preconceived notions rather than engaging with the film itself,” he said.
Social media has been buzzing with mixed reactions ever since the trailer was released, with some questioning Ananya’s casting in a project that carries a strong emotional and historical weight. However, the director insists that her performance should be evaluated in the full context of the film, not just through short clips or screenshots circulating online.
He also mentioned that Ananya had gone through rigorous training to embody her character authentically. “She worked with dialect coaches, immersed herself in historical research, and collaborated closely with the crew to make sure every aspect of her portrayal felt sincere.”
The director concluded his statement with a call for audiences to experience the film with an open mind. “It’s easy to jump to conclusions based on a few scenes or trailers. But the real magic of a performance is felt in the entire narrative. I believe once people watch Kesari Chapter 2 in full, they’ll see why Ananya was the right choice.”
With this strong backing from the film’s creative helm, it’s clear that Ananya Panday has at least one staunch supporter in her corner — someone who believes that her performance is being unfairly overshadowed by internet noise, and that the real measure of her role lies in the audience’s heartfelt reaction inside the cinema halls.
