Nag Ashwin’s Instagram story, which has since been deleted, featured a new poster of Prabhas as Karna from “Kalki 2898 AD.” In his message, Ashwin expressed his gratitude to the audience and the actors who supported the film.He stressed that the success was particularly meaningful because it was achieved without resorting to provocative or exploitative content. This comment led to a flurry of reactions online, with some netizens viewing it as a critique of Vanga’s “Animal,” known for its intense and explicit scenes.
The internet quickly became divided over the issue. One user on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out the significant budget difference between the two films, noting that “Kalki 2898 AD” had a much larger budget and a star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Dulquer Salmaan. In contrast, “Animal” was made with a smaller budget and relied heavily on its music, screenplay, and the performance of Ranbir Kapoor.
Despite the backlash, some fans defended Nag Ashwin, arguing that he intended to celebrate the unique achievement of “Kalki 2898 AD” rather than criticize “Animal.” They appreciated the film’s ability to succeed without following typical commercial cinema tropes.
While “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Animal” cater to different tastes, both films have made significant impacts at the box office. As the discussion continues, it is clear that both directors have their own unique styles and strengths, contributing to the rich diversity of Indian cinema.