'Extremely rude': Varalaxmi Sarathkumar slams writer Sai Madhav Burra over insensitive language on 'S Saraswathi'

Actor-director Varalaxmi Sarathkumar has hit back at veteran writer Sai Madhav Burra following a heated public disagreement over her directorial debut, 'S Saraswathi.' After the film’s theatrical release on March 6, 2026, Burra took to social media to claim the final product was a "completely different story" from his original script, using controversial and insensitive metaphors to describe the changes. During a recent press meet in Hyderabad, Varalaxmi defended her creative decisions and strongly condemned the writer's choice of words, labeling his comments "insensitive and extremely rude."

Sai Madhav Burra's social media post

After the film was released in theatres on Friday, the writer shared a message on Facebook. He said the film started with his story but ended as a completely different one. He wrote in Telugu, “It starts with my story and ends with another story. They changed it as they pleased without saying a word. They ra**d the story. Mine is not a revenge drama. My soul is different. The story itself is different.”

His comments received a mixed reaction online.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar responds at press meet

Recently, at a press meet in Hyderabad, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar was asked about the comments. She said she respects the writer because he is a senior. She also explained why she made changes to the story. She mentioned that the writer was busy with many big films and could not spend time reworking the script with her. Even then, she said she still gave him credit as the writer.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar objects to the word used

She further strongly reacted to the choice of words the writer made. She said, “To use the word r*pe on such a sensitive issue—that should not have come from a man like him. I’m sorry. It’s insensitive and extremely rude. You should know what word you’re using, especially given the topic you’ve touched on in the film. You should be careful about what words to use.”

More about 'S Saraswathi'

features actors Prakash Raj, Priya Mani, Kishore, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nasser, Thulasi, Sapthagiri, Srikanth Iyengar and others.

Thaman composed the music.It was released on March 6, 2026.


Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”