Vijay Antony’s upcoming film Romeo, under the direction of Vinayak Vaithianathan, has sparked a debate with its first look poster, drawing attention to its portrayal of gender norms around alcohol consumption. The poster, which depicts Antony and co-star Mrinalini Ravi on their marriage night with Antony holding a jar of milk and Mrinalini making herself a drink, has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about the film’s message regarding women and drinking.
During a press conference in Chennai, Antony addressed the controversy head-on, challenging the notion that alcohol consumption should be gendered. “Let’s not demarcate that alcohol is only for men. Drinking is for everyone. If men can drink, women too can,” he stated, clarifying that the film does not promote drinking but aims to question gender-specific norms around it. Antony also dismissed claims that the film suggests women are drinking due to the IT revolution, pointing out that alcohol consumption has been a part of human culture for millennia, citing historical references to justify his argument.
This isn’t the first time a film has faced scrutiny for promoting unhealthy habits. Previously, Vijay’s Leo encountered backlash for its portrayal of smoking, leading to complaints from social activists and subsequent censorship by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), including altering lyrics, scenes, and even a poster featuring smoking imagery.
Romeo, produced by Vijay Antony himself under his banner Good Devil Productions and edited by him, is eagerly awaited by audiences. The film features Mrinalini Ravi as the female lead, with supporting roles by VTV Ganesh, Thalaivasal Vijay, Ilavarasu, Sudha, and Sreeja Ravi. The cinematography is handled by Farook J Basha, with music by Barath Dhanasekar. The film also has a Telugu version titled Love Guru, and its distribution rights have been secured by Red Giant Movies, though a release date is yet to be announced.
Antony’s comments at the press meet have not only gone viral on social media but also highlighted the actor’s knack for addressing societal issues with a touch of sarcasm. As Romeo continues to garner attention for its bold themes and aesthetic, it’s clear that Antony and the team are not shying away from stirring the pot, using cinema as a platform to challenge and reflect on societal norms and expectations.
For more insights and updates on Romeo and other films making waves for challenging societal norms, stay tuned to www.climaxahh.com, where we dive deep into the stories that push the boundaries of conventional cinema.
