Telugu minister sparks controversy at pre-release event of Animal; Read to know what he said

The cast of the movie Animal, along with a few special guests, attended the pre-release event on Friday in Hyderabad. In addition to actor Mahesh Babu and director SS Rajamouli, Telangana politician Malla Reddy served as Telangana’s Minister of Labor and Employment. His remark regarding “Telugu ruling over India” caused a stir.

Here’s what caused the controversy

Malla Reddy took to the stage as everyone else watched him from the audience section. Addressing Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, the film’s lead star, he said in Hindi, “Ranbir ji, aapko ek baat bolna chahta hu. Agla paanch saal mein, poore Hindustan ko, Bollywood, Hollywood, poora ruling karega humara Telugu people. Aap bhi ek saal ke baad Hyderabad shift hona padta. Kyu bole toh Bombay purana ho gaya. Bangalore traffic jam ho gaya. Hindustan mein ek hi city hai woh hai Hyderabad (Ranbir, I want to tell you something. In next five years, Telugu people will rule over India, Bollywood and Hollywood. You will also have to move to Hyderabad next year. Why? Because Mumbai is old now and Bengaluru has traffic jams. Hyderabad is the only city in India).”

Along with star Rashmila Mandanna and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga of Animal, he also lauded Telugu actors Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu.

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How did the internet react to this?

Telugu film fans and Twitter in general was ‘embarrassed’ by Reddy’s speech. Many praised Ranbir for smiling through it all. “Hats off to Ranbir for being so patient,” wrote one. “For all Hindi-speaking friends, he’s a politician. He wants votes. Take it like a pinch of salt,” recommended another.

Others were a bit more offended, “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.”

Others said that one should not take Malla Reddy too seriously. “Relax, we Telugu-speaking people ourselves don’t consider him serious. Why worry so much? Never create controversy for your reach,” wrote a person.