Ajith's Billa Director Calls Rajinikanth's Classic A Flop, Triggers Controversy

Rajinikanth's fans have expressed their displeasure with director Vishnuvardhan over his recent comments about the 1978 film Billa. The controversy erupted after Vishnuvardhan, in an interview comparing the original movie and its 2007 remake starring Ajith Kumar, reportedly referred to Rajinikanth's version as a box office flop.

For context, Billa, originally released in 1980 and starring Rajinikanth, was a Tamil adaptation of the Hindi film Don. Vishnuvardhan's 2007 remake with Ajith Kumar was a modernized version of the classic. However, his remarks about the commercial performance of the original film have upset Rajinikanth's ardent fanbase.

Rajini's Manager Reacts

Riaz K Ahmed, manager of Rajinikanth, was quick to refute Vishnuvardhan's claim. He wrote on social media, "Dear @vishnu_dir sir, I would like to politely bring to your attention that the 1980 release Billa was a Silver Jubilee Hit. You may kindly confirm this with the producer of the original version, Mr. Suresh Balaji. I humbly request you to ensure accuracy in your statements to avoid sharing incorrect information."

Ahmed also appealed to the media to uphold journalistic integrity by ensuring the accuracy of statements made during interviews. "To maintain the highest standards of journalism, it's essential to verify the accuracy of statements made during interviews. This fosters a culture of transparency and accountability," he added.

Rajinikanth Praises Ajith Kumar's Recent Success

Amid the brewing controversy, Rajinikanth extended his congratulations to Ajith Kumar for his achievement at the 24H Dubai 2025 international car race. Taking to social media, the superstar wrote, "Congratulations my dear #AjithKumar. You made it. God bless. Love you. #AKRacing."

The Legacy of Billa

Rajinikanth's Billa is considered a milestone in Tamil cinema, remembered for its stylish narrative and iconic performances. Fans have hailed the film as a major success during its time, making Vishnuvardhan's remarks a sensitive subject among Rajinikanth's loyal followers.

As the controversy gains traction, the incident serves as a reminder of the influence of accurate reporting and respectful discourse in the entertainment industry.