Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and Telangana labour minister Chamakura Malla Reddy has stirred a controversy over his “Telugu people will dominate film industry” remark at the Animal pre-release event in Hyderabad on Monday, November 27.
Minister Reddy, who also graced the event, said that Telugu people will dominate both Bollywood and Hollywood in the next five years.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “Ranbir ji, I want to tell you one thing. In the next five years, our Telugu people will completely rule over India, Bollywood and Hollywood.”
He even invited Ranbir Kapoor to shift to Hyderabad as Mumbai has become ‘old’.
“Telugu people will lead India; you must move to Hyderabad in a year. Mumbai has become old, Bengaluru is facing traffic jams, Hyderabad is the only city for India,” Reddy added.
“Ranbir ji, aapko ek baat bolna chahta hu. Agla paanch saal mein, poore Hindustan ko, Bollywood, Hollywood, poora ruling karega humara Telugu people. Aap bhi ek saal ke baad Hyderabad shift hona padta. Kyu bole toh Bombay purana ho gaya. Bangalore traffic jam ho gaya. Hindustan mein ek hi city hai woh hai Hyderabad,” Malla Reddy said, repoted Hindustan Times.
Minister #MallaReddy sparked controversy at the #AnimalPreReleaseEvent, making bold statements. He declared, 'Telugu people will lead India; you must move to Hyderabad in a year. Mumbai is outdated Hyderabad is the only city for India.' #Animal
pic.twitter.com/AhnSKmhTrZ— Anil Tiwari (@Anil_Kumar_ti) November 27, 2023
The promotional event ahead of the much-awaited movie was attended by lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and filmmaker SS Rajamouli, among others.
#AnimalPreReleaseEvent #MaheshBabu #RanbirKapoor #SSRajamouli #SandeepReddyVanga #BobbyDeol #AnilKapoor #RashmikaMandanna pic.twitter.com/5FokxqYX2D
— 𝐁𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 (@BheeshmaTalks) November 27, 2023
Reddy also praised SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu and Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. He also lauded actress Rashmika Mandanna, who is playing the female lead in Animal.
The statement has sparked a debate on social media bringing forth the Bollywood vs South industry rivalry. Meanwhile, many called it mere political rhetoric.
“Hindi audience loves South actors and their movies without any discrimination. But here, the Telugu leader mocked the Bollywood and Hindi audience. We should show the true aukat of these people. Everyone should watch "#Dunki" instead of "#Salaar". Let's support our industry! #Bollywood pride of India,” read a comment.
Hindi audience loves South actors and their movies without any discrimination. But here, the Telugu leader mocked the Bollywood and Hindi audience. We should show the true aukat of these people. Everyone should watch "#Dunki" instead of "#Salaar". Let's support our industry!… pic.twitter.com/kpNKneg8Jj
— @Sarcastic_Danu (@eyes_opner) November 27, 2023
A user also suggested that filmmakers should avoid inviting politicians to promotional events for movies.
However, another user asked Hindi audiences not to give importance to the minister’s comments. “North audience plz don't take the politician's words seriously it doesn't represent the entire industry,” read the comment.
Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Animal will be released in theatres on December 1. The film has already created a buzz among Ranbir Kapoor fans after the recent trailer release. The trailer of the movie gives a glimpse into a fierce character played by Ranbir Kapoor, who is out to avenge his father’s murder.
Ahead of the release, the movie has garnered nearly Rs 10 crore in advance booking, according to industry tracker Sacnilk.com. The film will be released in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil languages.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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