Prabhas’ latest blockbuster Kalki 2898AD triumphed at the box office with more than 1000 Crores gross and emerged as only the seventh film in the history of Indian cinema to achieve the rare feat. Previously, films like Baahubali 2, Dangal, Animal, KGF 2 etc. managed to cross the highly impossible mark.
The film’s success made its director Nag Ashwin a pan-India sensation because he pulled off a difficult genre with ease and perfection. Now, the director has sparked a huge controversy with his comment which was later deleted to avoid further outrage.
As Kalki 2898AD entered the prestigious 1000 Crores, Nag Ashwin took to his Instagram and thanked everyone who are behind this achievement. He said ” This milestone…this number [₹1000 crores] is obviously massive for a young team like ours. But the fact that we achieved it without blood, gore, obscenity, provocative or exploitative content, means so much…a big thank you to the audience and the actors who stood behind us… Indian Cinema #Repatikosam,”
Whatever may his intention to claim that Kalki achieved the rare feat without any bloodshed and violence, his post appeared to target directors like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, SS Rajamouli and Prashanth Neel. Many feel that it is absolutely unnecessary to stoke up a controversy by talking pride that he didn’t encourage violence like others did.
Different stories demand different aspects in filmmaking and directors are at their freedom to make whatever genre they want. Ultimately, it is the box office numbers which speak out. While Kalki might have emerged as a huge hit without any violence, it should be noted that a film like Animal achieved big numbers without star-studded casting and heavy-duty VFX effects.
Netizens say that Nag Ashwin shouldn’t take this success into his head and make such statements. The story is now unavailable in his Instagram page.