Arshad Warsi's Old Video Discussing South Cinema Emerges, Netizens Brand Him 'Classist' | WATCH

Arshad Warsi has found himself at the center of controversy after an old interview clip resurfaced on Reddit and X, in which he made dismissive remarks about South Indian cinema.

The clip gained attention following his recent critique of Prabhas' character in Nag Ashwin's 'Kalki 2898 AD', sparking backlash online.

Photo Credit: PTI

In the old interview, Arshad was asked if South Indian cinema would resonate in the North, especially after the success of Prashanth Neel's Kannada film 'KGF', reported Hindustan Times.

He replied, "I think mere ghar mein jitne log kaam karte hain, vo sab dubbed south films dekhte hain, sab ke sab. It is highly entertaining. Rajinikanth jo itne bade star hain; kuch reason to hoga hi. Zyada sochne ki zaroorat nahi hain, zyada dimaag crack karne ki zaroorat nahi hain. Aap dekh lo gadiyaan ud rahi hain, log udd rahe hain. Sab popcorn khao, picture dekho, ghar chale jao." (Everyone who works at my house watches dubbed South films. There must be a reason why Rajinikanth is such a big star. They don't require much thinking. You see vehicles and people are flying everywhere. Eat popcorn, watch the film, and go home.")

The comments did not sit well with many on social media. Some users accused him of being dismissive and classist.

One person remarked, "Looks like people don't want to be associated with liking the same thing as their house help or people who work in their homes do. Classism is quite evident by the title," while another added, "So he's saying his 'servants' are all stupid. Why, because they're poor?"

Warsi's critique of Prabhas in 'Kalki 2898 AD' only added fuel to the fire.

In a podcast with Samdish, Arshad expressed his disappointment, saying, "Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he... he was like a joker. Why? I want to see a 'Mad Max'. I want to see Mel Gibson over there. Tumne usko kya bana dia yaar. Kyu karte ho aisa mujhe nahi samajh mein aata."

Director Nag Ashwin responded to the growing controversy on X by advocating for unity in the Indian film industry.

He tweeted, "Let's not go backwards..no more north-south or bolly vs tolly..eyes on the bigger picture.. United Indian Film Industry..Arshad saab should have chosen his words better..but it's ok..sending buji toys 4 his kids..il work hard so tweets fdfs that prabhas was the best ever in k2."