Telugu star Nani recently joined the growing chorus of criticism against Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, who found himself in hot water for making disparaging remarks about Prabhas’s performance in the upcoming film 'Kalki 2898 AD.' During a press conference for his own film, Nani didn't hold back when asked about the controversy. Without directly naming Arshad, Nani expressed his disapproval, suggesting that this incident was likely the "biggest publicity" Arshad had received in his career. He implied that the attention surrounding Arshad’s comments was undeserved and that the entire issue was being unnecessarily glorified by the media.
Speaking in Telugu, Nani stated, "I think the biggest publicity in that person's life just happened now. You are unnecessarily glorifying an unimportant matter." The press conference was part of the promotional campaign for Nani's upcoming film 'Saripodhaa SanivaaramRandom,' where he shared the stage with the film's producer, Dil Raju. Raju echoed Nani's sentiments, adding that the controversy, rather than harming Prabhas's reputation, had actually worked in his favor by bringing him even more into the spotlight. Raju commented, "Random people would go on to say many things. In this case, Prabhas has just got more limelight because of the incident."
This incident has resonated strongly within the Telugu film industry, where Prabhas is not just a superstar but also a beloved figure. Other prominent actors, including Sudheer Babu and Siddhu Jonnalagadda, have also taken Arshad to task for his comments. Sudheer Babu, known for his straightforwardness, took to Twitter to describe Arshad's remarks as "unprofessional" and "small-minded." Siddhu Jonnalagadda, in a more detailed response on Instagram, pointed out that while criticism is an inherent part of the industry, it should be constructive and respectful. He emphasized that using derogatory terms like "joker" not only undermines the actor's hard work but also reflects poorly on the person making such comments.
The controversy originated when Arshad Warsi appeared on a podcast and shared his thoughts on 'Kalki 2898 AD,' a film that has generated massive buzz due to its star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas. While Arshad praised Amitabh Bachchan’s performance, he was highly critical of how Prabhas was portrayed, saying, "Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he... he was like a joker." He went on to lament that Prabhas’s potential was wasted in the film, drawing a comparison to the iconic Mad Max character played by Mel Gibson. Arshad's statement, "Tumne usko kya bana dia yaar. Kyu karte ho aisa mujhe nahi samajh mein aata [What have you made of him? I don't understand why they do such things]," quickly went viral, triggering a wave of backlash from Prabhas's fans and supporters.
The Telugu film community, known for its strong sense of camaraderie, quickly rallied behind Prabhas. Many saw Arshad’s comments as not just an attack on Prabhas but also an affront to the entire South Indian film industry, which has been steadily gaining recognition on a global scale. The incident has reignited the ongoing discourse about the differences in the treatment of Bollywood and regional film industries, with some industry insiders feeling that the South’s contributions are often undervalued or misunderstood by their Bollywood counterparts.
Moreover, this controversy has shed light on the broader issue of film criticism and the responsibilities of being a public figure. While actors like Nani and others have defended the right to critique films, they have also underscored the importance of maintaining a level of respect and professionalism in such discussions. The backlash against Arshad Warsi serves as a reminder that in an industry as passionate and dedicated as the Telugu film community, words carry weight, and disrespect towards its stars will not be taken lightly.
As the dust settles on this controversy, it remains to be seen whether Arshad Warsi will respond further or if the matter will quietly fade away. However, what is clear is that Prabhas continues to enjoy unwavering support from his fans and peers alike, with his stardom only growing stronger in the wake of this incident. Meanwhile, the anticipation for 'Kalki 2898 AD' remains high, with audiences eagerly waiting to see what the film has in store and how Prabhas will shine in this highly-anticipated project.
Â
