Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra has sparked an intense debate following a scathing rant against social media influencers during a masterclass at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Chopra criticised the culture of overnight celebrity on social media platforms, questioning how simply “dropping a shirt” can suddenly earn millions of followers and influence brand endorsements.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra SLAMS influencer culture in fiery rant at IFFI 2025: “What the f**k is going on?”
Expressing his frustration candidly, Vidhu Vinod Chopra said, “Kya word use kar sakta hun… Ch****a hain… Woh net pe jaake aisa khada hota hai.. 5 million hogaya. Waise khada hota hai 10 million hogaya, 20 million ho gaya” (What word can I use? These are a**. They go on the internet, stand in a certain way, and get millions of followers).
He added sharply, “Usko lagta hai ke mein baap hun and brands go to that fellow and aya baap humara product bechdo… Woh phir khada ho jaata hai .. what the f**k is going on?” (The influencer thinks he is a legend, and brands ask them to sell products, and they blindly oblige). Chopra emphasised the importance of choosing happiness and genuine achievement over chasing fleeting online fame.
The rant triggered a backlash from many influencers and content creators who countered his remarks as dismissive of the hard work involved in building a digital presence. Actor Aahana Kumra responded with clapping emojis, while influencer Shray Rai Tiwari sarcastically praised Chopra’s blunt language. Other social media personalities questioned casting directors’ growing preference for influencers in film roles, highlighting the shifting dynamics of celebrity and opportunity in the entertainment industry.
Influencers like Kasturi Rout called for Chopra to address casting directors directly, while others like Aashish Bisht and Divyanshu Agrawal urged for a celebration of self-made creators and ethical brand collaborations. Some industry voices, such as Kapil Arora, noted that casting agents now routinely inquire about social media metrics, including follower counts and engagement screenshots, underscoring how digital influence shapes casting decisions.
Speaking of the professional front, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s last venture was the critically acclaimed film 12th Fail, which also won a National Award.
Also Read: Vidhu Vinod Chopra brings the house down at IFFI 2025 with unfiltered stories, music, and cinema secrets
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