It is known that a recent "kissing incident" in Tollywood has sparked a minor controversy.
During a press conference, director AS Ravikumar Chaudhary kissed the heroine, Mannara Chopra. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek.
Mannara was surprised by the unexpected gesture but quickly composed herself and smiled.
Criticism quickly arose regarding the director's actions in front of the media.
The director promptly responded to the criticism, questioning whether it was wrong to show affection towards Mannara.
He explained that he had acted out of genuine affection and would treat his own daughter in the same manner.
However, he expressed some frustration for overreacting on a kiss with which the actress herself has no problem in the first place.
Mannara has now defended the director's actions, stating that he had no ulterior motives.
Throughout their professional relationship, AS Ravikumar has been addressing her as 'beti'.
Mannara believes that the director's cheek kiss that day was an expression of the same affection they had shared all along.
She emphasized that she did not find anything inappropriate about the director's kiss.
Mannara clarified that her initial surprise was momentary and that her subsequent smile indicated her comfort with the situation.
