- By Aarushi Raina
- Tue, 06 Jan 2026 03:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Priyadarshan's film Hulchul remains one of the most beloved comedy films among fans and continues to enjoy cult status years after its release. However, the film recently found itself at the centre of controversy after actor Arshad Warsi described his experience of working on the film as 'bad'. His statement sparked a widespread discussion online and even left filmmaker Priyadarshan shocked and upset after he read what Warsi said in an interview. He also stated that Warsi had no reason to complain.
Priyadarshan Reacts To Arshad Warsi’s 'Bad Experience' Remark On Hulchul
In an interview with Mid-Day, Priyadarshan addressed the accussation made by Arshad, including claims of being offered a bigger role than what he ultimately played in Hulchul. He said, "I was very upset (when I read what he said). I could be wrong and maybe it has been misinterpreted, but if he has (said it), I am shocked."
Recalling his conversation with Arshad Warsi after the film's release, the director stated, "After the release, he called and told me, ‘Priyan sir, I never thought that I would get this kind of appreciation.’ Hulchul was a big hit, but Arshad said it was a flop film. That has pained me; why would he say that when it was one of my hit films?"
He added, "People loved and appreciated his performance in Hulchul. I am very upset and deeply hurt by these accusations from Arshad. He had no reason to complain."
What Did Arshad Warsi Say About Hulchul?
In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Arshad revealed that working on Hulchul was a bad experience for him. He also opened up about realising the difference between being projected as a central friend in the story and ultimately playing a more sidelined character.
Recalling his days on Hulchul, Warsi said, "Neeraj Vora told me that there is a film which is being directed by Priyadarshan. I was like wow, and said, ‘Done!’ I asked for my role, and I was doing good work at that time. Neeraj told me that my role in the film would be similar to what Akshay Kumar played in Hera Pheri. He told me it was one of the leads. He said it is the same thing as Akshay’s role, and Akshay’s role was superb in Hera Pheri, and I said yes thinking that."
ALSO READ: Akshaye Khanna's Hulchul Was A Bad Experience, Says Arshad Warsi: 'Mujhe Dhakka Laga...'
He added, "But in that film I realised there is a huge difference between 'aap dono iss film main dost hain aur aap iss film mein inke dost hain. We reached the set aur aisa mujhe dhakka laga. and I don't think Priyadarshan knew about it. It's not his fault."
Recalling his experience on Hulchul set, the actor stated, "I was given a shirt which was till my knee length and three-fourths sleeves. Samanjh nahi aaraha tha nighty hai yaa shirt. I was like this is a mess. But since I had given a commitment, I did the film. I wore my own clothes in half of the picture. So that was a bad experience."
More About Hulchul
Directed by Priyadarshan, the romantic comedy starred Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Arbaaz Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Farha Naaz and the late Asrani. The film was reportedly made on a budget of Rs 10 crore and went on to collect over Rs 32 crore at the box office.