Controversy Erupts Among Both Telugu & Non-Telugu Communities As Telangana Minister Malla Reddy Predicts Tollywood Dominance During 'Animal' Pre-release Event

In a startling turn of events at the pre-release event of the highly anticipated movie 'Animal,' Telangana labour minister Chamakura Malla Reddy ignited controversy with his bold proclamation that Telugu people would dominate both Bollywood and Hollywood in the next five years. The event, graced by lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, and filmmaker SS Rajamouli, witnessed Reddy's audacious statement, triggering a cascade of reactions on social media.

During the event, Minister Reddy proclaimed, “In the next five years, our Telugu people will completely rule over India, Bollywood, and Hollywood.” He also extended an invitation to Ranbir Kapoor, urging him to move to Hyderabad, and citing Mumbai as 'old' and Bengaluru grappling with traffic woes. So, Hyderabad is the only city for India. He further praised SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, and 'Animal' director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, while commending actress Rashmika Mandanna, the film's female lead. ALSO READ: VIRAL NEWS OF THE DAY: Amit Trivedi Unveils Soul-Stirring Auto Driver's Concert On Wheels Amid Mumbai Streets!

However, the minister's assertion faced backlash on social media, with both Telugu and non-Telugu netizens expressing disapproval. Some deemed it as political rhetoric, while others saw it as an unnecessary spark in the ongoing Bollywood vs. South industry rivalry.

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Minister #MallaReddy sparked controversy at the #AnimalPreReleaseEvent, making bold statements. He declared, 'Telugu people will lead India; you must move to Hyderabad in a year. Mumbai is outdated Hyderabad is the only city for India.' #Animal

pic.twitter.com/AhnSKmhTrZ

— Anil Tiwari (@Anil_Kumar_ti) November 27, 2023

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“Hindi audience loves South actors and their movies without any discrimination. But here, the Telugu leader mocked the Bollywood and Hindi audience. We should show the true aukat of these people. Everyone should watch "#Dunki" instead of "#Salaar". Let's support our industry! #Bollywood pride of India,” read a comment.

Including non-Telugu people his speech was not well received by Telugu people too and one user even suggested that filmmakers should avoid inviting politicians to promotional events for movies. And another user asked Hindi audiences not to give importance to the minister’s comments. “North audience plz don't take the politician's words seriously it doesn't represent the entire industry,” read the comment. Another user wrote, “Dude that guy is a big fucking clown, don't pay any heed to him. He is a troll in Hyderabad.” And next comment read, “Well no one here takes his seriously here anymore so you shouldn’t too.”

A Reddit post questioned the minister's presence at the event, with users clarifying that the gathering occurred on the premises of the college founded by Malla Reddy. Some users dismissed his statements as political posturing, with one stating, “He is a minister from Bharat Rashtra Samithi and founder of the college where this event happened, so he is just flexing though most people don't take him seriously.”

Criticism on Reddit labelled Reddy's statement as cringe-worthy, with users expressing discomfort over the promotion of a Hindi film accompanied by what they perceived as unnecessary regional comparisons. Comments read like, “Cringe. When you are promoting a hindi film saying cringe stuff like telugu is great remaining is waste,” “Cringe flair pettandi ra ayya. Pallu noppi osthunai,” “It's giving cringe.” 

A thread read, 

As the social media storm continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the reception of 'Animal,' starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, set to hit theatres on December 1. Meanwhile, the film, already generating buzz after a recent trailer release, will be released in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil languages. Despite the controversy, advance bookings for the movie have reportedly surpassed Rs 10 crore, according to industry tracker Sacnilk.com.

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