Ranbir Kapoor in tow, minister Malla Reddy says Telugu will rule Bollywood; sparks row

Hyderabad: A galaxy of special guests attended the `Animal' pre-release event in Hyderabad on Friday. These include actor Mahesh Babu, filmmaker SS Rajamouli, and Minister of Labour and Employment Malla Reddy.

However, a row erupted when Malla Reddy said Telugu would rule India in the next five years.

Taking the stage, Malla Reddy addressed Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor in Hindi, stating, “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 the next five years, Telugu people will rule 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).”

Many movie buffs from other parts of India condemned minister’s statement.

Kamaal R Khan, who is popular for his criticism towards Bollywood, once chose to take a stand for them, and said, "Sir Aapko Kuch misunderstanding Huwa Hai. Sir Aapke Telugu Jaise Gende looking actors Bollywood films main Villain Hote Hain Hero Nahi. Enjoy sir." ( sic)

Sir Aapko Kuch misunderstanding Huwa Hai. Sir Aapke Telugu Jaise Gende looking actors Bollywood films main Villain Hote Hain Hero Nahi. Enjoy sir. pic.twitter.com/zLjMul7ltp

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) November 27, 2023

Another Twitter user wrote, "Just look at # RanbirKapoor's face man. This is insulting. Ye #MaheshBabu jisne kaha tha ki “Hindi industry can’t afford me” is laughing”. Bas ruk jaao. Back on public demand. Daily pelayi hogi." (sic)

Just look at #RanbirKapoor face man 💔. This is insulting . Ye #MaheshBabu jisne kaha tha ki “hindi industry can’t afford me” is laughing” . Bas ruk jaao .
Back on public demand. Daily pelayi hogi. pic.twitter.com/ldrlhApT4g

— अपना Bollywood🎥 (@Apna_Bollywood) November 27, 2023

He also praised Telugu artists Rajamouli, and Mahesh Babu, Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, and actor Rashmika Mandanna. However, Malla Reddy's speech received mixed reactions, with some expressing embarrassment, while others commended Ranbir for maintaining composure. Some urged people not to take Malla Reddy too seriously, considering it as a political statement for votes.

Animal, an A-rated violent film with a runtime of 3.20 hours, is set for release on December 1 and stars Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol alongside Ranbir Kapoor.