Samantha's Dilemma: Steamy Scenes The Only Talking Point? Then The Family Man, Now Citadel

Citadel Honey Bunny: The Prime Video spy series landed on November 7, with six episodes of the Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan starrer instantly creating a buzz on social media. While many have shared their reviews on X and other platforms, Samantha's steamy kissing scenes with the Badlapur actor became a subject of discussion, with clips making their way online. The Telugu star captured the attention of fans in the Hindi belts after she featured in the second installment of the web series The Family Man, and now, with the Indian version of Citadel dropping, the spotlight is back on her again.

Samantha's steamy clips leaked, a repeat of 2021

In Citadel: Honey Bunny, Samantha shares some intimate scenes with Varun Dhawan, as part of the script. The same was teased in the show's trailer as well. However, it seems like Sam's performance as Honey took a back seat and all the internet was obsessing about was her kissing scenes. Comments like “Samantha Ruth comeback in Hotty Mode”, "That Kiss with Varun was fire" and “Sam 2.0 is fire (a reference to her life post divorce)” flooded social media. Additionally, morphed photos of the actress in various states of undress were also shared online.

A similar thing happened when The Family Man 2 released in 2021. A rape scene scene which turns violent trended on social media. Over time, Samantha's "bold" turn was the only thing netizens could talk about as acting took a back seat. Song sequence Oo Antava from Pushpa: The Rise is another example of her “hotness” being glorified. 

Triptii Dimri: Bulbbul star turned 'Bhabhi 2' faces similar trolling

Samantha doesn't seem to be the only victim of review bombing on social media. Triptii Dimri's steamy scenes went viral after Animal released. Questions over how the "intimate" scenes were shot on set and whether she and her family were "comfortable" with this side of her were posed and repeated over and over.

When Triptii shot a romantic song for Bad Newz with Vicky Kaushal, similar scenes trended online, with netizens flooding the comments with often crass remarks. Are these celebs warranting such scrutiny by making bold choices in their profession or they are just victims of the male gaze? The question lingers.