Veteran actor Arshad Warsi recently ignited a firestorm of controversy with his candid assessment of Prabhas’ performance in the much-anticipated sci-fi epic, Kalki 2898 AD. In a no-holds-barred critique, Warsi expressed deep disappointment with the film and singled out Prabhas’ portrayal as a primary letdown.
Warsi initiated the conversation during a recent interview on Unfiltered by Samdish YouTube channel, where he openly shared his thoughts on the film. Rather than mincing words, he described the performance as “joker-like”, a stark contrast to the commanding presence expected from an actor of Prabhas’ stature.
Following this, Warsi elaborated on his stance, explaining that he expected a film of the calibre of Mad Max but found Kalki 2898 AD falling short of his expectations. While he showered praise on Amitabh Bachchan’s performance as Ashwathamma, he contrasted it sharply with Prabhas’ portrayal, emphasizing the stark difference in their screen presence.
Despite his criticism of the lead, Warsi showered praise on the supporting cast. He also singled out the performances of Rajkummar Rao in Srikant, Abhay Verma and Sharvari Wagh in Munjya, and Lakshay Lalwani in Kill, highlighting their impactful contributions to the film.
The controversy escalated when Prabhas’ co-star, Sudheer Babu, publicly criticized Warsi for his remarks. Babu defended Prabhas, asserting that such negative comments were unprofessional and unnecessary.
Amidst the growing uproar, Warsi remained steadfast in his opinion. He reiterated his disappointment with the film and defended his right to express his honest feedback. Arshad Warsi emphasized that criticism is a natural part of the industry and that he expected his comments to be taken in stride.
However, the damage was done. The controversy surrounding Kalki 2898 AD shifted focus from the film itself to the public spat between two prominent actors. The incident undoubtedly impacted the film’s overall reception, with audiences divided in their opinions.
Arshad Warsi continues to be an active presence in the film industry. He has several promising projects in the pipeline. Arshad Warsi is set to reprise his role in the highly anticipated Jolly LLB 3, sharing the screen with Akshay Kumar. He is also a member of the star-studded cast for Welcome To The Jungle, the third instalment of the popular Welcome franchise.
As the dust begins to settle, the long-term impact of this public feud remains to be seen. Will it damage Prabhas’ career? Will it elevate Arshad Warsi’s status as a fearless critic? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however: this episode has added a new chapter to the ever-evolving saga of Bollywood controversies.
