Director Karan Singh Tyagi has spoken out in support of actress Ananya Panday, who has been facing criticism following the release of Kesari Chapter 2. Tyagi revealed that it was her performance in Gehraiyaan that convinced him to cast her in this historical drama.

Released in theaters on April 18, 2025, Kesari 2 features Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday in lead roles. The film, directed by Tyagi, is centered around the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of April 13, 1919.

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While the film industry has largely praised the cast's performances, public reactions have been more divided—particularly regarding Panday’s role. However, Tyagi offered a different perspective. Speaking to News18, he said, “I prefer to focus on the appreciation she’s receiving. Just a couple of days ago at a screening in Hyderabad, I received videos showing audiences applauding during her entry scene. She plays a lone female lawyer in a courtroom full of men—just that visual earned a strong response and, to me, that counters the negativity.”

Commenting on the current social media climate, Tyagi added, “That’s just the world we live in now. People are quick to judge and clickbait headlines only add fuel to the fire. But like they say, people will always talk. We need to keep working. I welcome healthy criticism because it can help us grow, but a lot of the negativity online is unwarranted and often turns toxic. It’s unfortunate, but part of the digital age.”

Tyagi wrapped up by commending Ananya's commitment to the role. He highlighted how she spent a full year preparing for her character, Dilreet Gill, working on her dialect and body language to convincingly portray a female lawyer.

Source: NDTV