Fans of the popular Brazilian novela, Mania de Você, have found themselves embroiled in controversy following the dramatic and controversial death of Rudá, played by Nicolas Prattes. This shocking twist has not only stirred emotions among viewers but has also ignited discussions about the show's narrative direction.
Rudá's demise originates from a sinister ambush planned by Molina (Rodrigo Lombardi) and Mércia (Adriana Esteves). The plot sees Rudá becoming the victim of treachery, which leads to the start of a police investigation as his body is discovered. This event significantly alters the character of Viola, portrayed by Gabz, who is deeply affected by the loss and embarks on a quest for justice.
Barely able to catch her breath after this shocking development, Viola is no longer the same character. The transformation she undergoes highlights the emotional weight of the narrative. Viewers can feel the palpable tension as the young woman grapples with the consequences of Rudá's death, showcasing the darker themes of love and betrayal prevalent throughout the novela.
The death of Rudá has elicited mixed responses from audiences, with some fans even going so far as to create a petition requesting his character's demise. The petition claimed: "Rudá é um personagem de Mania de Você que não agrega em nada na novela, inclusive todo mundo odeia..." indicating widespread dissatisfaction with his role and plot development. This controversy demonstrates how passionately viewers engage with the characters and their arcs.
Nicolas Prattes, speaking at the recent Baile da Vogue 2025, addressed the criticisms and the petition directly. He confidently stated, "Eu faço a novela para o público, não para mim, a resposta do público é a resposta de Deus." His remarks aim to remind fans of the artistic purpose behind the storytelling process, emphasizing the importance of viewer reception.
While some critiques have been constructive, others have been harshly negative. Gabz, who plays Viola, expressed her commitment to the craft, remarking about the strong relationships among the cast. She noted, "A gente se ama muito, a gente está muito perto um do outro..." illustrating the camaraderie and support within the production, which can be pivotal for actors during challenging plot points.
The emotional turmoil has not limited itself to the characters on-screen. Agatha Moreira, who plays Luma, reflected on the broader audience’s response to Mania de Você and the fluctuated ratings. She suggested, "Olha… Para ser sincera acho que preciso mudar esse formato de medir a audiência ou popularidade de uma novela," implying discontent with traditional audience measurement standards and emphasizing the positive feedback she receives directly from fans on the streets.
Moreira added, "O pior de tudo são críticas que não são nem um pouco construtivas..." pointing out the importance of separating constructive criticism from detrimental remarks. This perspective highlights the complicated dance between public perception and artistic expression, especially within the world of television drama.
Rudá’s death marks not just the end of his character but also signifies turning points for other key players, particularly Viola and Luma. With the audience's investment and emotional ties to the characters laid bare, the aftermath of Rudá's storyline raises questions about viewer engagement and the balance of narrative satisfaction.
The poignant themes arising from Rudá’s assassination tap deeply at the heart of the novela’s core, forcing the characters—and, by extension, the audience—to confront the realities of loss and change. It will be interesting to observe how the producers handle the fallout and whether the responses recorded will shape future character arcs and storytelling techniques as they seek to navigate viewer sentiment.