South India's leading ladies Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty have set the internet ablaze with their sizzling appearance in the freshly released dance number “Abdi Abdi” from the upcoming Tamil fantasy film Genie. Known for their strong character choices and memorable performances in blockbusters like Loka and Uppena, the actresses have surprised fans by embracing full-on glamour in this high-energy Arabic-style track.

Dressed in trendy, eye-catching outfits and grooving to A. R. Rahman’s infectious beats, Kalyani and Krithi’s dazzling dance moves have taken many by surprise. While the song is being praised for its catchy rhythm and vibrant visuals, a section of the audience seems conflicted. Social media erupted with mixed reactions as some fans voiced their discomfort with what they felt was an unexpected shift in the actresses’ on-screen image.

Comments such as “We didn’t expect this kind of body show from Kalyani and Krithi” and “Please focus on content like before, not glamour for the sake of it” have flooded timelines since the song’s release. For fans who admired their earlier dignified roles, the pairing with newcomer Ravi Mohan and the overtly glam presentation has raised eyebrows. The backlash seems rooted in the duo’s previously established image as performers who put content before spectacle.

Still, many have come to their defense, arguing that actresses have every right to reinvent themselves and explore diverse cinematic styles. “It’s 2025 — why should a dance number define a woman’s worth?” read one trending comment. With Genie's genre-blending plot and musical extravaganza, supporters believe this move is just a fresh layer in their evolving careers rather than a departure from substance.

Directed by Arjunan Junior and backed by Vels Film International, Genie promises a fantastical ride featuring stars like Devayani and Vamika Gabbi, along with Rahman’s dynamic soundtrack. Amid the heated debates, “Abdi Abdi” continues to climb the charts, and if one thing is clear, it’s that Kalyani Priyadarshan and Krithi Shetty know how to own the spotlight — even when it stirs up a storm.