Arshad Warsi Sparks Controversy Over Comments on Prabhas and Dubbed South Indian Films
Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi has found himself in hot water yet again, this time for comments made during a recent podcast interview with Samdish Bhatia. Arshad, known for his candid nature, made headlines when he referred to Telugu superstar Prabhas as a “joker” while discussing the actor’s role in the upcoming film *Kalki 2898 AD*. This remark didn’t sit well with fans, who were quick to criticize the actor on social media.
Arshad also reignited an older controversy during the same interview, when he commented on the popularity of dubbed South Indian films among Hindi-speaking audiences. When asked about the increasing reach of South Indian cinema, using the success of Yash’s *KGF* franchise as an example, Arshad remarked, “All the staff at my house watch dubbed South Indian films. It is highly entertaining. Rajinikanth is such a big star, there must be a reason for it. In that (cinema), you don’t have to think too much, wrack your brains. Cars are blasting, people are flying, and cigarettes smoke in style, it is all time pass. Eat popcorn, watch the film, and go home.”
These comments sparked a wave of backlash online. One Reddit user quipped, “He should have said it to Rohit Shetty as well, bro thinks Golmaal is Oscar-worthy.” Another critic expressed disappointment, saying, “I sympathized with Arshad Warsi in the Prabhas issue, but it seems he deliberately insults the Southern Industry! He talks as if Bollywood delivers *Inception* and *Tenet-level movies!”
Some netizens also took offense to Arshad’s description of his household staff as fans of dubbed South Indian films, interpreting it as a classist remark. “So he’s saying his ‘servants’ are all stupid. Why, because they’re poor? Does this man have a doctorate? He played a goofy sidekick in a movie two decades ago. And we’re applauding this?” one commenter noted.
As for the Prabhas controversy, Arshad’s critique of the actor’s role in *Kalki 2898 AD* was equally harsh. He lamented, “Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he… he was like a joker. Why? I want to see a *Mad Max*. I want to see Mel Gibson over there. Tumne usko kya bana dia yaar. Kyu karte ho aisa mujhe nahi samajh mein aata (What have you made of it? Why do they do such things I never understand).”
Despite the backlash, Arshad remains focused on his work. On the professional front, he is set to reprise his role in *Jolly LLB 3* alongside Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi. The first *Jolly LLB* film, released in 2013, featured Arshad in the lead role, with Saurabh Shukla and Amrita Rao. The 2017 sequel starred Akshay Kumar, making the upcoming third installment a highly anticipated reunion for fans.
Arshad and Akshay have also teamed up for *Welcome 3*, officially titled *Welcome to the Jungle*. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film is slated for release on December 20, 2024, and boasts a star-studded cast, including Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, and many others.