Arshad Warsi says his ‘joker’ comment was taken in a wrong sense, calls Prabhas a ‘brilliant’ actor

New Delhi, India

Arshad Warsi is explaining what he meant when he called Prabhas' performance in the epic Kalki 2898 AD a 'joker'. 

Arshad's comment garnered huge criticism from Prabhas' fans and several prominent personalities. Kalki director Nag Ashwin, actor Nani, and Sudheer Babu were among the few who reacted from South Indian showbiz world. 

Arshad Warsi breaks silence on his 'joker' comment

At the IIFA Awards 2024, Arshad explained that his joker comment was taken in a wrong sense. 

While interacting with media present at the event, the Munna Bhai actor said that his comment was for Prabhas' character Bhairava, not on him.

Also read: Netizens go gaga over Rekha's performance at IIFA, say, 'age is just a number for her'

"That's taken in a wrong sense,'' Arshad said in a statement as quoted by ANI.

He added, "Everybody has their point of view, and people like to make noise. I spoke about that character, not the person. He (Prabhas) is a brilliant actor, and he has proved himself over and over again. We know about it. But when you give a bad character to a good actor, it is heartbreaking for the audience."

What Arshad said about Prabhas' character?

The controversy started in August when the actor shared his disappointment with Prabhas' performance in the sci-fi epic. 

During his interview on Unfiltered by Samdish podcast, he said, "Amit ji was unbelievable... 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 diya yaar. Kyu karte hain aisa mujhe nahin samajh mein aata (What did you make him? Why do they do such things?)."

Arshad's comment quickly drew a lot of criticism from Rebel star fans, which sparked a south vs north debate. Even director Nag Ashwin expressed his disappointment with the actor's choice of words. 

Reacting calmly, he wrote, "Let's not go backwards… no more north-south or bolly vs tolly (Bollywood vs Tollywood)… eyes on the bigger picture… united Indian film industry… Arshad saab (sir) should have chosen his words better… but it's ok… sending Buji toys for his kids…''

Prabhas has not reacted to the comment yet.