Animal promotion turns controversial; Netizens slam Telangana minister for insulting Bollywood

A grand event was organised in Hyderabad a day ago for the promotion of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. Lead stars Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna were in attendance whereas RRR director and Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu were also present on the stage to promote Animal. Everything was going as planned when a speech by the Telangana Minister created a storm.

While no one reacted immediately, it was quite evident from the face of Ranbir Kapoor who was the sole representative of Bollywood in Hyderabad along with Anil Kapoor yesterday that it was quite humiliating, and only decency stopped the Animal actor from saying anything.

Telangana Minister Malla Reddy when asked to say a few words during the event said, “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.”

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 Mumbai is outdated Hyderabad is the only city for India.'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

He did not stop here. Malla Reddy further praised Telugu artists including Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu which left these celebs embarrassed. Even Tollywood fans and the Telugu-speaking audience were not happy with this controversial speech by their minister that seemed to belittle Bollywood and its actors.

Netizens called out this embarrassing behaviour from the Telangana minister and instead appreciated Ranbir for his patient behaviour. A few even penned that since he is just a politician everyone should take it with a pinch of salt.

A few even believe that these words from the minister may have been inspired by the statement made by Ranbir Kapoor during one of the promotions of Animal. The Brahmastra actor earlier said that he loves coming to Hyderabad and wants Telugu states to adopt him.

The Bollywood superstar also recalled giving his first autograph in Nizam City during the release of his first movie Saawariya.