Prakash Raj says ‘boycott Pathaan’ gang are ‘just barking, they don’t bite’ | Bollywood

Prakash Raj, who was attending a literature festival in Kerala as a guest, spoke out about those who wanted to boycott Pathaan and see the film fail. He shared that they are only ‘barking’ and can’t say anything else against the blockbuster Hindi film. The actor also pointed out the film’s box office collections which disproved those who wanted the film to be boycotted. (Also read: Prakash Raj supports Deepika Padukone over Besharam Rang row, calls out ‘Besharam bigots’)

Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, came under controversy after the release of its first song Besharam Rang. A few politicians and celebrities objected to Deepika’s attire, especially the colour of her bikini, in the song. There were several calls of boycotting the film online. However, once the film, directed by Siddharth Anand, released on January 25, it went on to break box-office records both at home and internationally.

Attending the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters in Kerala over the weekend, the actor was one of the invited speakers at the festival along with Kabir Bedi, Amitav Ghosh and Sudha Murthy. This year, the actor was seen in the Tamil film Varisu and the Telugu film Waltair Veerayya. Prakash said, “They wanted to ban Pathaan. It’s going 700 crores. These idiots, who wanted to ban Pathaan, did not run Modi’s film for 30 crores. They are just barking, they don’t bite. Don’t worry. Sound pollution!”

The actor’s advice was to ignore them as their plans to boycott the film had not worked. Last year, Prakash supported Deepika after the Besharam Rang controversy. Sharing a news article, he had written on Twitter, “#Besharam BIGOTS.. So it’s okay when Saffron clad men garland rapists..give hate speech, broker MLAs, a Saffron clad swamiji rapes Minors, But not a DRESS in a film ?? #justasking (sic).” On the film’s release date, he had also congratulated the Pathaan team, including actor John Abraham, on its record opening.

In 12 days, Pathaan has earned ₹429.9 crore at the domestic box office. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand, has grossed ₹832.20 crore worldwide, according to the production banner, Yash Raj Films.