In a whirlwind of excitement, actor Rajendra Prasad found himself at the center of controversy after his comments about Australian cricketer David Warner during the pre-release event for the Telugu film Robinhood. The remarks, intended as light-hearted humor, were taken as insults by many, igniting a backlash on social media.
Rajendra Prasad, known for his comedic timing and charm, issued a video apology, clarifying that he never intended to offend anyone. He explained that prior to the event, he, along with actor Nithiin and David Warner, had shared a playful interaction where they challenged each other to showcase their skills in their respective fields. "At the pre-release Robinhood event, I unknowingly said something about David Warner. You know me; I did not do that intentionally. Even before we went to the event, we were all having fun together. I told Nithiin and him they were like my children," he stated in his apology.
During the event, Rajendra Prasad joked about Warner's affection for Telugu cinema, especially his enthusiasm for the film Pushpa. He humorously imitated Warner's dance moves from the film's popular song "Srivalli," suggesting that Warner's dance skills might be more prominent than his cricketing prowess. However, despite Warner smiling throughout the exchange, many viewers felt the comments crossed a line.
Director Venky Kudumula stepped in to clarify the situation, emphasizing that Rajendra Prasad's comments were meant in jest and that Warner might not have fully grasped the context due to a language barrier. Warner himself addressed the uproar, stating that he has experienced similar banter in cricket and perceived it as a lighthearted joke.
The film Robinhood, which stars Nithiin and Sreeleela, marks David Warner's debut in Indian cinema. The movie is set to be released on March 28, 2025, and has generated significant buzz due to Warner's involvement.
Warner's appearance in the film was highly anticipated, especially after a teaser trailer unveiled his surprise cameo, which sent fans into a frenzy. Known for his viral dance moves and love for Telugu films, Warner's cameo adds an exciting layer to the film's appeal. The trailer launch event showcased Warner joining the cast on stage for a dance performance, where he even displayed his favorite hook step from the song "Srivalli." This light-hearted moment was met with applause from the audience, further solidifying Warner's popularity among fans.
In a behind-the-scenes video released by the film's creators, Warner was seen humorously struggling to learn Telugu phrases from Nithiin and Sreeleela. In one amusing segment, Nithiin playfully replaced a board that said "I am in SRH" with "I am in RH," showcasing the camaraderie among the cast.
As for Warner's compensation for his cameo, reports suggest that he received a staggering fee of ₹2.5 crores for a role that lasts just 2 minutes and 50 seconds. His shooting schedule spanned only two days, with Warner reportedly charging ₹1.25 crores per day. This hefty fee has raised eyebrows among fans, with mixed reactions flooding social media. Some expressed surprise at the amount, while others questioned whether the investment would be worthwhile. One user remarked, "He is also becoming a part of the promotion," while another added, "I hope it's worth it and the money is not wasted."
Robinhood is directed by Venky Kudumula and produced under the Maitree Movie Production House. The film features Nithiin as a charming thief who unexpectedly takes on the role of a personal security officer. Sreeleela portrays Neera Vasudev, a pivotal character in the storyline. The film promises to blend humor, slick action, and fast-paced storytelling, with a soundtrack by G.V. Prakash Kumar.
As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build around Robinhood, especially with David Warner's unique crossover from cricket to cinema. Fans are eager to see how the cricketer's debut will be received, and whether his charm and charisma will translate onto the big screen.
In light of the recent events, Rajendra Prasad's apology and Warner's lighthearted response seem to have calmed the waters, but the incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between humor and offense in public discourse. With the film's release just around the corner, all eyes will be on Robinhood and its ability to deliver both laughs and engaging storytelling.
