A debate between Bollywood and South Indian cinema has been reignited after Arshad Warsi’s recent remarks about Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD. Warsi’s comments, where he questioned Prabhas’ screen presence and called him a “joker,” have sparked discussions online, with fans and critics taking sides. In the midst of this, an old video of renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli has resurfaced, adding fuel to the ongoing debate.
Rajamouli’s Controversial Remarks on Hrithik Roshan
The viral video, shared by a user on social media, dates back to 2007 when Rajamouli was promoting Prabhas’ film Billa. In the clip, Rajamouli compares Hrithik Roshan to Prabhas, stating, “When Dhoom 2 (2006) released in Hindi, I felt sad. Why does Bollywood not produce good quality films? Why do we have heroes like Hrithik Roshan? After watching the song, poster, and trailer of Billa, I now want to say that Hrithik Roshan is nothing compared to Prabhas. Telugu cinema is far better than Bollywood, and now we are at par with English films.”
These remarks have not sat well with Hrithik Roshan’s fans, who have expressed their displeasure on social media. One user tweeted, “If @ssrajamouli talks rubbish, then #ArshadWarsi is justified. #HrithikRoshan is miles ahead of #Prabhas in acting, dancing, physique, and screen presence. Hrithik cannot be compared to Prabhas.”
Rajamouli’s Clarification and Allu Arjun’s Support
Following the backlash, Rajamouli clarified that his intention was never to disrespect Hrithik Roshan, as he holds the War actor in high regard. However, the debate did not end there. In another video from the same event, actor Allu Arjun echoed Rajamouli’s sentiments, saying, “Prabhas has the best looks. He fights well and is number one in everything. As Rajamouli said, Hrithik Roshan is nothing compared to Prabhas. It’s true.”
This has further intensified the debate, with fans of both actors expressing their views online. One user tweeted, “No hate to Hrithik fans, but #AlluArjun allegedly called #HrithikRoshan useless compared to #Prabhas! Why are some fan pages praising Allu while hating on Prabhas and posting only SSR videos? Why the sudden video about Bollywood’s global change?”
Arshad Warsi’s Comments on Prabhas
The recent controversy began when Arshad Warsi shared his thoughts on Prabhas’ performance in Kalki 2898 AD during a podcast appearance on Unfiltered with Samdish. Warsi said, “Prabhas, I am really sad. Why did they make him look like a joker? Why? I wanted to see Mad Max, to see Mel Gibson in there. What have you made him into, man? I don’t understand why they do this.”
Warsi’s comments have divided audiences, with some supporting his candid review while others defend Prabhas’ performance and presence in the film. The ongoing debate highlights the evolving dynamics between Bollywood and South Indian cinema, with both industries producing megastars and blockbuster films.
This controversy, fueled by past and present comments, showcases the strong opinions fans and industry insiders hold regarding their favorite actors and the films they represent. The comparison between Hrithik Roshan and Prabhas has reignited discussions about the influence and reach of Bollywood versus South Indian cinema, a conversation that continues to shape the Indian film landscape.
