Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 13 hrs ago
Regina Cassandra says comments on Telugu cinema risk a North-South divide
Regina Cassandra has criticised comments about Telugu cinema by actors Janhvi Kapoor and Radhika Apte, saying they could deepen a divide between North and South Indian film industries.
Janhvi discussed the portrayal of her character in the Telugu film Peddi, while Radhika recalled disliking a role in a Telugu film.
Cassandra supports actors speaking up when they are uncomfortable with a scene or role.
She said actors who have a choice should be able to leave a film rather than feel they had no option.
She says the comments risk widening the divide between the two film industries, though she did not oppose actresses sharing their experiences.
Cassandra also said Dharma Productions did not tag or acknowledge her in promotions for Kesari 2, where she played Akshay Kumar’s wife.
She said she did not know why she was left out of the promotion.
Regina Cassandra said comments by Janhvi Kapoor and Radhika Apte about Telugu cinema risk creating a North-South divide.
She said actresses should speak up about uncomfortable experiences but should be able to leave a film if they feel uncomfortable.
Cassandra also described being left out of the promotional campaign for Kesari Chapter 2, in which she played Akshay Kumar’s wife.
She said the film’s song featured her, but Dharma Productions did not tag her when it shared the song on Instagram.
Her comments came amid discussion of Kapoor’s remarks about Peddi and Apte’s account of working in Telugu cinema.
- Who
- Regina Cassandra commented on remarks by Janhvi Kapoor and Radhika Apte.
- What
- She warned that the comments could create a North-South divide and said actors can leave films if they are uncomfortable.
- When
- November 5, 2026, when reports on her interview with India Today were published.
- Where
- The comments were made in an interview with India Today. The discussion concerned Telugu cinema and the wider South Indian film industry.
- Why
- Cassandra said the way actors from the Hindi film industry discuss South cinema can create a divide.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Janhvi Kapoor discussed the portrayal of her character in Peddi on Koffee With Karan.
Radhika Apte spoke about her experience working in Telugu cinema in an interview with Zoom.
Reports published Regina Cassandra’s comments on the actresses’ remarks and her experience promoting Kesari Chapter 2.
- Film
- Kesari Chapter 2
- Cassandra’s role
- Akshay Kumar’s wife
- Production company
- Dharma Productions
- Janhvi Kapoor’s film
- Peddi
- Interview outlet
- India Today
3 sources
‘You're Making North-South Divide’: Regina Cassandra On Janhvi, Radhika Apte’s Comments About Telugu Cinema
Regena Cassandra says Janhvi Kapoor creating ‘North-South divide’ by calling out Peddi
Regina Cassandra questions Karan Johar for ignoring her during Kesari 2 promotions, says Janhvi Kapoor, Radhika Apte comments fuel north-south divide
What people are saying
I really have a big issue with when a north Indian actor talks about south Indian cinema like that because you're making a north-south divide without you even realizing it and that's absolutely wrong.
At the end of the day, it is in an actor’s hands. If you feel uncomfortable, please walk out of the film.
There was a Telugu film I did where I had to marry my Mama (maternal uncle) in the film. It was the most challenging film. I hated everything about it.