Andrew Tate, a self admitted misogynist is a British American internet personality controversial for promoting toxic masculinity, violence against women, and regressive gender roles. Andrew Tate currently faces multiple criminal charges in atleast three countries around the world, and as a result is always being extradited from one to another.
In recent times, Telugu film writer and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has been christened 'Andhra Tate' by the Indian internet, juxtaposing Vanga's public personality, and his depiction of toxic male figures in his movies, with Andrew Tate's real life personality.
Andhra Tate
— রাজ শেখর (@DiscourseDancer) December 9, 2023
Who else could it be but the famous Telugu Auteur
— রাজ শেখর (@DiscourseDancer) May 29, 2025
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's unabashed display of his 'Andra Tate'-ism recently reached its peak, when he over rejection of his film role, accused Bollywood star actress Deepika Padukone of being "unprofessional". Deepika Padukone is a mother to an 8-month old daughter, and was in discussion to play the female lead in Vanga's self-produced film Spirit since before her daughter's birth.
However the discussions fell through, and Vanga went on a PR rant about how Padukone's ask of a work environment conducive to a new mother was "demanding". This became a huge topic in film circles across India, with journalists often questioning filmmakers and producers, whether they view ask as unfair.
Bodied Andhra Tate. https://t.co/qrqTy2n13B
— ℝ 𝕀 𝕊 ℍ 𝕀 (@Broken__Bad__) May 29, 2025
Andhra Tate will never miss an opportunity to insert feminism when it has nothing to do with the power struggle and bitching between two privileged cinema bourgeoisie https://t.co/bGMkhcaA7P
— Dr. s₳₳uce ☭🇮🇳🔻 (@Sauce_69_) May 27, 2025
Thug Life is a Tamil film that is releasing on June 5, 2025. The film's lead star, co-writer, and co-producer Kamal Haasan has shared a Telugu film with Deepika Padukone before, but not screen space. Thug Life's other writer, and director Mani Ratnam is an ace filmmaker in the Tamil film industry.
Recently Mani Ratnam was also questioned on this Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga situation, and the director who is famously silent otherwise, had a lot to say about new mothers getting an accommodative environment on film sets.
"I think so (that it is time for the industry to come together and make the environment conducive for new mothers). I think it (an 8 hour shift or civil timings for young mothers) is a rightful demand, I think it is there and she can ask.
I'm glad Deepika Padukone's in a position to ask for it, and open the doors for the rest of them (actresses) also, to ask for it if needed. And as a filmmaker I think you will take that into consideration, when you cast you know.
It's not an unreasonable thing that they are asking for, it is an absolute necessity. I think that should be the priority."
In a separate interview with NDTV, Mani Ratnam was also asked if young mothers like Deepika Padukone should stay active in the film industry. The Thug Life director said, "I think young mothers should stay where they need to. If she is a young mother and needs to take care of a child, she chooses something that will give her that without any hindrance. So I think it is nice that women ask for what they want. And get what they want. It (Deepika Padukone asking for an 8-hour shift) is a very healthy sign."
Mani Ratnam also said, "I think if it doesn't fit into your film, you should move on. But they should be respected for what they are asking. They (new mothers) are asking for not an unfair thing. Asking a very fair demand which is absolutely necessary. So we should acknowledge it and see how to live with it."