Hyderabad: In the glitzy world of cinema, where opinions fly as freely as the camera rolls, a single comment can spark a firestorm of debate. Such is the case with Arshad Warsi’s recent remarks about Prabhas’ performance in the film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.

During a podcast with Samdish Bhatia, Warsi, known for his sharp wit and memorable roles in films like ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ and ‘Jolly LLB’, didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment with Prabhas’ performance in the much-anticipated film. While he praised Amitabh Bachchan’s “unbelievable” performance, Warsi went on to describe Prabhas as “a joker,” a comment that has since ignited a flurry of reactions across the internet.

Warsi’s critique seems particularly harsh when considering the success ‘Kalki’ has achieved. The movie, despite its polarizing reception, has performed exceptionally well at the box office, amassing worldwide collections of rs 1,050 crores. This figure underscores the film’s popularity and solidifies its status as a blockbuster. Moreover, ‘Kalki’ has recently been released on Netflix, further expanding its audience and adding to its success.

The film’s achievements are a testament to the hard work of its cast and crew, including Prabhas, whose role was instrumental in driving the movie’s widespread appeal. Fans are already eagerly awaiting the sequel, eager to see how the story will continue and how Prabhas’ character will evolve.

Amid the brewing controversy, Prabhas has remained notably calm, choosing not to respond to Warsi’s comments. His dignified silence speaks volumes, highlighting his confidence in his work and his unwillingness to be drawn into public spats.

He seems content to let his performances and the success of ‘Kalki’ speak on his behalf, rather than engaging in public disputes.

Prabhas’ journey to stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting his career in 2002 with ‘Eashwar’, Prabhas gradually climbed the ranks of Indian cinema, gaining widespread recognition with hits like ‘Varsham’ and ‘Chatrapati’. However, it was his portrayal of the heroic ‘Baahubali’ in SS Rajamouli’s epic saga that catapulted him into the limelight, earning him not just national but international fame. His rise to fame has been meteoric, solidifying his status as a pan-Indian star with a massive fanbase.

Ironically, Arshad Warsi, the man behind the critique, is himself no stranger to the world of cinema. Warsi is well-regarded for his role as Circuit in ‘Munnabhai MBBS’, which remains one of the most beloved characters in Bollywood, and his performance in ‘Jolly LLB’ showcased his versatility as an actor.

However, Warsi’s career has largely been defined by his comedic roles, which makes his “joker” remark about Prabhas all the more intriguing. Given the number of comedy roles Warsi has performed over the years, the label he applied to Prabhas might be more fitting for himself, raising questions about whether Warsi was projecting his own cinematic persona onto Prabhas.

Critics and fans alike have pointed out that even the greatest actors experience failures. Prabhas’ recent films, such as ‘Radhe Shya’ and ‘Saaho’, may not have lived up to expectations, and his portrayal of Lord Ram in ‘Adi Purush’ faced significant backlash. However, attributing the failure of these films solely to Prabhas’ performance ignores the complex interplay of factors that contribute to a movie’s success or failure. This reality holds true for all actors, including industry titans like Amitabh Bachchan and the Khans, who have also faced their share of box office disappointments.

The reactions to Warsi’s comments have been varied, with some industry insiders and fans defending Prabhas. Star producer ‘Dil’ Raju dismissed the remarks, stating that they do nothing to diminish Prabhas’ stature.

Telugu actor Nani was particularly vocal, suggesting that Warsi was receiving more attention from this comment than at any other point in his career. Although Nani later apologized for his strong words, his initial reaction underscored the deep respect and affection many in the industry have for Prabhas.
Other Tollywood stars, such as ‘Prema Katha Chitram’ hero Sudheer Babu and Siddhu Jonnalagadda of ‘DJ Tillu’ fame, also condemned Warsi’s comparison of Prabhas to a “joker.”

Saswata Chatterjee, who played a key antagonist in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, offered a more balanced perspective, praising Prabhas’ larger-than-life screen presence and calling him the perfect choice for the role.

Not everyone, however, disagreed with Warsi. Some social media users echoed his sentiments, critiquing Prabhas’ portrayal in the film. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, ‘Arshad Warsi didn’t say anything wrong here. He didn’t like the character Prabhas was playing, and one should be critical about that. Prabhas was literally a joker in #Kalki to be honest, he had all the cringy scenes in the film.’
Ultimately, Warsi’s comments have opened up a broader conversation about the expectations placed on actors, the nature of criticism, and the challenges of maintaining stardom in a highly competitive industry. Prabhas, with his enduring appeal and proven track record, remains one of India’s most beloved stars. The success of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and the anticipation for its sequel only reinforce his enduring status and the excitement surrounding his future projects.