Telugu netizens have called out Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi on the grounds that the word "golti" (also spelled golti/gulti/gulte) — a derogatory slur used by some Tamilians to refer to Telugu-speaking people (from Andhra Pradesh/Telangana) — was muted in the film by the CBFC. Some reactions highlighted perceived hypocrisy (e.g., supportive slogans like "Jai Telugu" in Telugu versions of films vs. derogatory terms in Tamil).
However, many have also come out in defense of the film, saying that the use of the word may not be in a derogatory sense. "In quite a few Telugu movies, the word 'sambar' and 'aravam' have been used in disrespectful ways," a netizen reminded. Also, it's routine for Telugu movie buffs to use 'sambar' as a slur while trolling Tamil actors like Thalapathy Vijay. In fact, even some YouTube reviewers use the word.
Parasakthi is set in the 1960s Tamil Nadu. Sreeleela plays a Telugu college-goer in the movie, which is drawing mixed reviews upon the release of its Tamil version today.
