On the sets of the blockbuster film “Kalki 2898 AD,” an intriguing camaraderie unfolded between legends of Indian cinema, Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Director Nag Ashwin shared heartwarming anecdotes revealing that Amitabh Bachchan, a stalwart of Bollywood, is quite the “fanboy” of South Indian superstar Prabhas. This mutual admiration came to light when Bachchan expressed his excitement about working with Prabhas, whom he watched in “Baahubali.” He even remarked on his disappointment when shooting schedules did not align for them to share screen time.

Further solidifying this admiration, Bachchan reached out to Prabhas after watching “Salaar: Part 1-Ceasefire,” praising his performance so much that he watched the film twice, leaving an enthusiastic voicemail for Prabhas complimenting his “amazing” work.

While “Kalki 2898 AD” has seen massive box office success, becoming potentially the biggest Indian grosser of the year, not all feedback has been positive. Arshad Warsi, another well-known actor, stirred controversy by criticizing Prabhas’s performance in the film, referring to him disparagingly as a “joker.” This comment did not sit well with Prabhas’s fans and members of the Telugu film industry, leading to a considerable backlash.

In a noteworthy response to the growing tension, director Nag Ashwin took a unique approach to calm the storm. Engaging with a netizen who disparaged Telugu cinema stars, Ashwin suggested sending a Bujji toy—a character voiced by Keerthy Suresh in the film and the AI assistant to Prabhas’s character—as a peace offering. This gesture, intended to diffuse the negativity, highlighted Ashwin’s diplomacy and wit in handling criticism. He even extended this olive branch to Arshad Warsi’s children, showcasing a spirit of unity and humor amidst controversy.

Despite the backlash, Warsi chose to remain silent on the matter, going as far as disabling comments on his social media to avoid the flood of negative reactions.

Nag Ashwin’s handling of the situation underscores a broader message of solidarity in the film industry, even when opinions clash, proving that even off-screen, the world of cinema can teach us about grace and camaraderie.