Vijay Antony Lashes Out: Critics Don’t Get My Films!

Vijay Antony, the music composer-turned-actor known for Telugu blockbusters like ‘Bichagadu’ (1 & 2), is making waves on social media. His latest film as an actor, ‘Romeo’ In Telugu (Love Guru), was released on April 11th to mixed reviews. While it didn’t dominate the box office, it garnered a decent turnout. However, Antony seems unhappy with the critical reception and has taken to social media to express his displeasure.

In a fiery statement, Antony lashed out at critics, particularly one referred to as “Mr. Blue Sattai Maaran”. The statement, loosely translated, expresses his frustration with critics who “mislead” audiences and “criticize good films” like ‘Romeo’. He urges audiences to form their own opinions and not be swayed by negative reviews. Antony emphasizes that ‘Love Guru’ is a good film and encourages viewers to watch it for themselves, adding a plea: “Don’t make Romeo(Love Guru) into another ‘Anbe Sivam.'” (‘Anbe Sivam’ is a critically acclaimed film that reportedly underperformed at the box office.)

Antony’s statement has sparked a social media debate. Directed by Vinayak Vaithiyanathan, ‘Romeo’ is a romantic comedy-drama featuring Vijay Antony and Mirnalini Ravi in lead roles. The story explores the life of Arivazhagan (Antony), a Malaysia returnee who enters into an arranged marriage with Leela (Ravi), an aspiring actress.

The film navigates the couple’s journey and how their marriage shapes their lives. Despite the controversy surrounding the film’s critical reception, Vijay Antony has a busy schedule ahead. He has several films in the pipeline, including ‘Agni Siragugal’, ‘Hitler’, ‘Khakee’, and ‘Valli Mayil’. Whether these upcoming projects will spark similar debates or garner unanimous praise remains to be seen.

250 Crores Spent On Actors’ Remuneration Alone?

The upcoming science fiction film “Kalki 2898 AD” is poised to become one of the most expensive Indian productions ever made. This highly anticipated project, which blends elements of mythology and fantasy with a time travel narrative, has generated significant buzz with its constant updates and impressive visuals.

While the release date remains undisclosed, speculation surrounding the film’s budget has reached a fever pitch. Reports suggest a staggering total budget exceeding ₹600 crore (US$75 million), with a significant portion dedicated to actors’ remuneration.

Leading the cast is Prabhas, reportedly receiving a hefty ₹150 crore for his role. Deepika Padukone is estimated to have commanded ₹20 crore, while veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan are rumored to have received similar fees. Rounding out the cast is Disha Patani, reportedly pocketing ₹5 crore. Industry insiders estimate that the combined remuneration for the cast and crew could reach ₹250 crore, constituting nearly half of the film’s total budget.

Despite the substantial investment in talent, the high budget also reflects director Nag Ashwin’s commitment to crafting a visually stunning experience. Early reports suggest that the production value is exceptional, potentially justifying the significant financial outlay.

The film boasts a talented crew, with music composed by Santosh Narayanan and cinematography handled by Djordje Stojiljkovic. With a star-studded cast, a renowned director, and a dedicated team, “Kalki 2898 AD” has all the makings of a cinematic spectacle. Its ability to recoup its investment and achieve critical and commercial success remains to be seen, but the film undoubtedly promises to be a major event in Indian cinema.