Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has publicly reacted to actor Arshad Warsi’s recent remarks about their 2004 comedy Hulchul, calling the comments shocking and deeply hurtful. Hulchul, an ensemble comedy featuring Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, and others, has been widely remembered for its humour and box-office success. Despite this legacy, Warsi’s recent interview with The Lallantop stirred fresh debate when he described his experience working on the film as “bad.”
In that conversation, Warsi said he had been told his part in the film would be significant, comparable to Akshay Kumar’s role in Hera Pheri. However, once shooting began, he realised the part was more of a supporting character. According to him, this mismatch between expectations and reality shaped his perception of the experience.
Reacting to these remarks, Priyadarshan told Mid-Day that he was taken aback when he read Warsi’s comments. “I was very upset when I read what he said. I could be wrong, and maybe it has been misinterpreted, but if he has [said it], I am shocked,” the director said.
Priyadarshan also recalled a conversation he had with Warsi after Hulchul was released, in which the actor expressed surprise and appreciation for the audience’s response to his performance. He questioned why Warsi would now label the film a flop despite its success, saying the remarks pained him. “After the release, he called and told me, ‘Priyan sir, I never thought that I would get this kind of appreciation.’ Why would he say that when it was one of my hit films?” Priyadarshan added.
The director maintained that Warsi had no reason to complain and pointed to the continued affection audiences have for Hulchul and the character Lucky Bhalla, played by Warsi. He said that while Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) was initially a turning point for the actor, Hulchul further showcased his comic timing.
Warsi, for his part, clarified that his comments were specifically about his experience during the shoot and not about personal matters. He also indicated that Priyadarshan may not have been fully aware of the pitch he received before the film went into production. “I don’t think Priyadarshan knew about it. It’s not his fault,” Warsi has been quoted as saying in coverage of his interview.
On the professional front, both Priyadarshan and Warsi have ongoing projects: Priyadarshan is working on Haiwaan, and Warsi is involved in upcoming films, including Dhamaal 4 and King.
More Pages: Hulchul Box Office Collection , Hulchul Movie Review
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