Arshad Warsi's "Kalki 2898 AD" Critique Sparks Controversy, Igniting North-South Divide
Arshad Warsi's scathing critique of Prabhas' performance in "Kalki 2898 AD" has ignited a firestorm within the Telugu film industry, prompting a wave of backlash and stoking the long-standing north-south divide.
In an interview, Warsi, known for his comedic roles, labeled Prabhas a "joker," expressing disappointment with his portrayal in the sci-fi epic. "I'm really sad," he lamented, "Prabhas was like a joker. I wanted to see a Mad Max, a Mel Gibson. What have you made of him? Why do they do such things? I don't understand."
His comments were met with swift condemnation from prominent figures in the Telugu film industry, who rallied to defend Prabhas' performance. The controversy quickly spiraled into a social media war between Bollywood and South Indian fans, fueling existing tensions.
Amidst the growing storm, "Kalki 2898 AD" director Nag Ashwin stepped in, urging for unity and perspective. "Let's not go backwards," he implored, "no more north-south or Bollywood vs Tollywood. Eyes on the bigger picture. United Indian Film Industry. Arshad saab should have chosen his words better...but it's ok. Sending buji toys for his kids. I'll work hard so tweets flood that Prabhas was the best ever in K2."
"Kalki 2898 AD," released in June, has emerged as a resounding success, captivating audiences with its grand vision and star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan. The film's widespread acclaim further highlights the disparity between Warsi's criticism and the film's general reception.
The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the sensitive nature of regional film industries and the potential for divisive opinions to ignite tensions.