Shehzada makers defend Kartik Aaryan amid allegations of unprofessional behaviour

Producer Manish Shah recently alleged that actor Kartik Aaryan had threatened to walk out of the upcoming film Shehzada unless the release of the Hindi version of the Telugu blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapuramuloo (2020) was cancelled. Shehzada is the Hindi remake of the Allu Arjun-starrer.

The makers of Shehzada, T-Series, have now issued a clarification suggesting that the decision not to release Allu Arjun's film was a production call and that Aaryan had nothing to do with it.

Shah, the promoter, director and chairman of Goldmines Telefilms, told the website IndiaToday.com, "The makers of Shehzada were not keen to release the Hindi version in cinemas. Also, Kartik Aaryan said if the movie were released in theatres, he would walk out of the film, which would have caused the producers a loss of Rs40 crore. It was extremely unprofessional of him." 

Following the success of the Allu Arjun-led Pushpa: The Rise (2021), the makers had announced the re-release of Ala Vaikunthapuramuloo, in Hindi. However, the decision was revoked in order to avoid raining on Shehzada's parade.

Cinestaan.com tried to contact Shah but received no response. Goldmines Telefilms holds the rights to the Hindi version of Allu Arjun's film. It has now announced the decision to release the Hindi version on its YouTube channel. 

In the interview, Shah also said, "I have known Shehzada producers for 10 years. I cannot have people who are close to me losing Rs 40 crore, so I dropped it. By doing this, I ended up losing Rs20 crore. I spent Rs 2 crores only on dubbing. I wanted this film to be bigger than Pushpa: The Rise. If I do not release the film I lose money, so now I am releasing it on my channel." 

Producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series, however, said, "We, the producers, felt that Shehzada should be released in theatre first and not the Hindi version of Ala Vaikunthapuramuloo. Hence we requested Goldmines not to release the Hindi version, and release of the film is always the producer's decision and not the actor (sic).” He added, "I have known Kartik since the beginning of his career. We have done multiple films together. He is one of the most professional actors I have worked with."

Underlining Aaryan's commitment to the film, director Rohit Dhawan remarked, "Kartik’s intent and excitement for Shehzada is unquestionable. It’s been a joy working with him. As director and actor, we share a solid bond and nothing can come in the way of our love for the film.”

Announced in October 2021, Shehzada also stars Kriti Sanon. The film is expected to hit the theatres on 4 November.