Bhandari brothers Anup and Nirup are in damage-control mode, as they have been strongly condemned for their derogatory remarks made against Kannada film audiences, and the issue reached the Karnataka Film Chamber. To recall, a video clip, which went viral online, shows the cast of Rajaratha at a pre-release promotional event with Rapid Reshmi. They were asked what would they tell people who aren’t interested in watching Rajaratha, and Anup said, “Kachada nan maga,” the same comment was repeated by Avantika Shetty. Adding fuel to fire, actor Nirup added, “Kachada loafer nan maklu.”

Director Anup apologised for his comment and tweeted, “I sincerely apologize if we have hurt anybody with our comments. It was definitely not our intention.” He further wrote, “Whatever we have achieved is because of Kannada audiences. We have huge respect for Kannada cinema and Kannada audiences. Our love for the Kannada language can be seen through our songs. Our comments were not meant to hurt anyone.”

An immediate press meet was called by Sa Ra Govind, the president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce yesterday evening, and he gave the siblings some advice. Sa Ra Govindu tells Cinema Express, “More than taking action against them, I thought it is better to advise them and make sure that they don’t repeat such mistakes again. I also made sure that they apologise to the public for their comments. Secondly, the anchor Rapid Reshmi, who hosts this show needs to be taught a lesson, because she was seen clapping at the derogotary comments, which definitely does not go down well. Film is meant to entertain audiences, and as filmmakers, the first lesson should be not to be over-confident.”