In a recent podcast with Samdish Bhatia, Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, known for his unfiltered opinions, provided some candid thoughts on the film “Kalki 2898 AD.” The conversation covered a range of topics, from his illustrious career in the Indian film industry to his sharp critique of films he’s watched. However, it was his brutally honest review of “Kalki 2898 AD” that caught everyone’s attention.
Arshad began by lauding the film’s legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, noting his star power and ability to captivate audiences. “Maine Kalki dekhi, mujhe toh nahi acchi lagi. Mujhe bahut takleef hoti hai jab… Amit ji was (mind-blown sounds) unbelievable. I can’t understand that man. I swear if we got the power he has, life ban jaae (our lives would be set). He’s unreal,” Arshad said, expressing his amazement at Bachchan’s performance. However, the admiration for one actor didn’t stop him from being brutally honest about the overall quality of the film.
Taking to Twitter, Arshad Warsi didn’t hesitate to make his displeasure public. “Here it is, The real view of #Kalki2898AD from north India. #Prabhas looks like Joker in the film,” he tweeted. Arshad felt that the film had the potential to be a masterpiece similar to “Mad Max” but fell short due to the combined failures of the actor and the director. “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 (What have you made of it? Why do they do such things I never understand),” Arshad said.
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This comment came as a shock to many, given that Prabhas is one of the most popular actors in Indian cinema today. His role in “Baahubali” earned him international recognition, making Arshad’s critique particularly scathing. The juxtaposition of praising Amitabh Bachchan while harshly criticizing Prabhas highlights Arshad’s deep disappointment with the film’s direction and acting choices.
Yet, Arshad’s unapologetic tone is not just limited to his film critiques. On the professional front, he has been busy with various projects, including the much-anticipated “Jolly LLB 3”. Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and Huma Qureshi are all set to mesmerize the audience with this courtroom drama. Recently, Akshay Kumar announced that they had wrapped up the shoot in Rajasthan. He took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes video from the film’s set. The footage featured Akshay and Arshad riding bikes and covered in blood, suggesting an intense scene from the film. Akshay captioned the video, “And that’s a schedule wrap! As you can see both the Jollys had a jolly good time in Rajasthan. #JollyLLB3”
The excitement around “Jolly LLB 3” is palpable, especially considering the success of its predecessors. The original “Jolly LLB,” which released in 2013, starred Arshad Warsi and Saurabh Shukla and was followed by “Jolly LLB 2” in 2017 featuring Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi. The franchise has been known for its sharp storytelling and powerful performances, making the third installment highly anticipated.
Moreover, Arshad and Akshay have extended their collaboration beyond “Jolly LLB 3” as they are set to co-star in “Welcome 3”. Both actors have showcased individual brilliance in their careers, and their joint projects bring a blend of comedy and drama that fans eagerly await.
Though Arshad’s critique of “Kalki 2898 AD” might have ruffled some feathers, it serves as an important reminder that not all films strike the right chords, even with stellar cast members. Arshad Warsi’s forthrightness extends beyond mere critique; it speaks to a broader narrative that actors, directors, and producers must continually strive for excellence.
As for “Kalki 2898 AD,” the film has stirred various opinions, and Arshad Warsi’s comments add yet another layer of discussion around its artistic and entertainment value. Whether one agrees with him or not, his perspective underscores the dynamic range of opinions that contribute to the ever-evolving Indian cinema landscape.
