Rio Raj Explains Feminism? Here’s Why It Bothered Me

What happens when a film talks about “fake feminism” — and then its lead actor explains what feminism actually means? In this video, I talk about Rio Raj’s comments on feminism, Aan Paavam Pollathathu, and why both the film and his interview with Sudhir bothered me. Can a feminist woman be selfish, unreasonable or simply wrong? Of course. Feminism is not a character certificate. But when a woman behaves badly, does that make her feminism “fake”? And when a film repeatedly mocks “It’s my choice,” where does criticism of one woman end and commentary on feminism begin? I also talk about Rio’s statement that “feminism is a feeling,” the difference between choice and approval, why intention and impact aren’t always the same thing, and why men talking about feminism is NOT automatically mansplaining. My problem isn’t that men talk about feminism. They should. My question is what happens when women disagree with that interpretation — and instead of engaging with their criticism, we tell them they simply haven’t understood feminism correctly. Maybe she understood. Maybe she just disagrees. Would love to know what you thought of the film and Rio’s interview. Agree or disagree — tell me why. :) #RioRaj #AanPaavamPollathathu #Feminism #TamilCinema #Mansplaining