# Suhas thanks Telugu fans after Mandaadi director’s racism claim

2026-09-18T11:41:31+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Actor Suhas released a note thanking Telugu audiences for their support after Mandaadi director Mathimaran Pugazhendi claimed at a success meet that Suhas faced racist comments over his skin colour in Telugu states, adding that Tamil Nadu does not discriminate. Suhas did not address the controversy directly but thanked fans for embracing him based on his work. Mathimaran later clarified on Instagram that he referred only to one person, not the Telugu audience or industry. Suhas, known for films like Colour Photo and Writer Padmabhushan, wrote that his journey from YouTube shorts to lead roles was possible because of audience love and encouragement.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Both sources report the same events neutrally, but Hindustan Times provides more detail on the director's original remarks and the ensuing fan backlash, while Times of India focuses on Suhas's note and his career journey. Neither outlet frames the issue as pro-government or government-critical, as the story is entirely about a film industry incident. The director's clarification that his comment targeted one person, not the entire Telugu audience, is included by Hindustan Times but absent from Times of India's coverage. The balanced reading is that Suhas avoided engaging with the controversy directly, instead reinforcing his gratitude to Telugu fans. The key watch item is whether Suhas will address the issue further in future interviews.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/suhas-addresses-mandaadi-success-meet-controversy-with-heartfelt-note-to-telugu-fans-you-supported-me-at-every-step/articleshow/134333213.cms>
  Reports Suhas's gratitude note without framing the controversy
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/fans-have-a-meltdown-after-mandaadi-director-claims-suhas-faced-racism-in-telugu-states-actor-doesnt-deny-it-101789722747657.html>
  Reports director's claim and fan reactions without editorial slant

Tags: Mandaadi, Mathimaran Pugazhendi, Suhas, Tamil cinema, Telugu cinema
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