- By Ridhi Suri
- Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:25 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Animal pre-release event in Hyderabad was graced not only by the film's team but also by special guests, including actor Mahesh Babu, filmmaker SS Rajamouli, and Telangana's Minister of Labour and Employment, Malla Reddy. However, during his presence at the event, Malla Reddy sparked controversy with his statement 'Telugu ruling over India'. His comment stirred controversy and raised eyebrows due to its implications and subsequent discussions within the public sphere.
Malla Reddy's Statement
Malla Reddy took to the stage and addressing Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, the minister said, "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 (Ranbir, I want to tell you something. In next five years, Telugu people will rule over India, Bollywood and Hollywood. You will also have to move to Hyderabad next year. Why? Because Mumbai is old now and Bengaluru has traffic jams. Hyderabad is the only city in India)."
During his speech, Reddy praised Telugu artists like Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, and Rashmika Mandanna. However, his comments, particularly regarding 'Telugu ruling over India,' has lead to discomfort among Telugu film fans and on Twitter. Several users suggested taking Malla Reddy's statements with a pinch of salt, attributing them to political motives aimed at garnering votes rather than genuinely reflecting public sentiment. Others expressed offense at what they perceived as mocking Bollywood and the Hindi-speaking audience, calling for support for regional cinema instead.
What a ghatiya person he is, people like him are trying to divide our country, he is not a leader but a poison for our country. #AnimalMovie #MallaReddy #MaheshBabu pic.twitter.com/nn3gvm8dMz
— The Mauryan (@themauryann) November 28, 2023
A user wrote, "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." Another added, "This politician spoke bad about Karnataka too but some people won't show you this. This is not north vs south OK. He is just a politician doing this for vote bank. #MallaReddy #AnimalPreReleaseEvent." A third comment added, "Relax, we Telugu speaking people ourselves don't consider him serious. Why worry so much? Never create controversy for your reach."
About Animal
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, 'Animal' featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles. The film will release in theatres on December 1.
#AnimalPreReleaseEvent #MaheshBabu #RanbirKapoor #SSRajamouli #SandeepReddyVanga #BobbyDeol #AnilKapoor #RashmikaMandanna pic.twitter.com/5FokxqYX2D
— 𝐁𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 (@BheeshmaTalks) November 27, 2023