'Should've chosen words better'—Nag Ashwin on Arshad's 'joker' remark
What's the story
Nag Ashwin, the acclaimed filmmaker, has finally responded to Arshad Warsi's "joker" comment about Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD.
The director took a balanced approach on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that this is not a debate between Bollywood and South Indian cinema.
However, he suggested that Warsi could have chosen his words more carefully when expressing his opinion.
Director's advice
Ashwin calls for unity, advises Warsi on word choice
Ashwin urged for unity in the Indian film industry and advised Warsi on his choice of words.
"Let's not go backwards.. no more north-south or bolly vs. tolly. Eyes on the bigger picture. United Indian Film Industry," he wrote.
The director further added, "Arshad Saab should have chosen his words better.. but it's ok..sending buji toys to his kids.. il work hard so [he] tweets fdfs that Prabhas was the best ever in K2."
Call for peace
Ashwin urges netizens to avoid spreading hate
In a subsequent post on X, Ashwin urged netizens not to spread more hate over the issue and suggested they ignore it.
He also expressed his belief that Prabhas would have shrugged off such a matter.
"Too much hate in the world already bro...we can try not to add to it.. I know Prabhas Garu will also feel the same.." he wrote.
Warsi's comment
Background: What did Warsi say?
During an appearance on the podcast Unfiltered by Samdish, Warsi compared Prabhas's character to a "joker" and expressed disappointment with the film's overall execution.
While discussing recent films he watched and didn't enjoy, Warsi named Kalki 2898 AD.
He said, "Prabhas, I am really sad but why was he like a joker? Why? I want to see a Mad Max yaar, I want to see Mel Gibson over there. Why do filmmakers do this, I will never understand."
Industry reaction
MAA president expressed disappointment over Warsi's remarks
Following Warsi's statement about Prabhas, Vishnu Manchu, the president of MAA (Movie Artists Association), penned an open letter to Poonam Dhillon, the president of CINETAA (Cine & TV Artists Association).
He expressed his disappointment and that of the Telugu film community over Warsi's choice of words about Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD.
Additionally, actor Nani suggested that the controversy was giving undue publicity to Warsi, though he later clarified that he had reacted instinctively.