Did Raja Saab Director Maruthi's Touch Make Nidhhi Agerwal Uncomfortable? Viral Clip Sparks Debate

A video featuring director Maruthi and actress Nidhhi Agerwal at a recent public event has gone viral, igniting a wave of discussion across social media platforms. The clip, which has been widely circulated, captures a moment that many viewers have interpreted differently, leading to a divided online debate.

In the footage, Nidhhi Agerwal is seen posing gracefully for the cameras when Maruthi arrives on stage. The two then pose together, but what followed became the focal point of the controversy. Maruthi is seen placing his hand behind Nidhhi's back, near her lower back or hip, a gesture that some viewers perceived as inappropriate. Nidhhi, maintaining composure, subtly shifts her body and then holds his hand, after which Maruthi clasps her hand and continues posing for the photographers.

The video quickly became the talk of the town, with netizens offering sharply contrasting opinions. One user commented, "Clearly she's feeling uncomfortable.." while another remarked, "One must always take permission from a woman before placing his hand over her waist." These reactions highlighted concerns about personal boundaries and respect in public interactions.

However, not all viewers agreed with the criticism. A third user defended the director, writing, "No, she didn't feel uncomfortable at all. Maruthi Garu is a nice person. While taking the photo, they were discussing poses, and that's how they posed for the picture." Another netizen dismissed the outrage, saying, "Nowadays pretending became trend."

A fifth comment added yet another perspective: "Strange she put her hand on his shoulder. I've never seen anyone pose like that. Both are clearly making each other very awkward."

The incident has drawn attention not only because of the viral clip but also due to the professional association between the two. Nidhhi Agerwal is part of Maruthi's upcoming film The Raaj Saab, a romantic horror comedy produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment.

The film boasts a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan (making her Telugu debut), and Riddhi Kumar. Scheduled for a worldwide release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Sankranti festival, the film has already generated significant buzz.

While the debate over the viral video continues, it underscores how moments at public events can quickly become magnified in the digital age. For now, both Maruthi and Nidhhi remain focused on their upcoming project, which is expected to be one of the major releases of the new year.