Amid online debates over the dance number ‘Janaab-e-Aali’ from the upcoming spy thriller War 2, Jr NTR has urged fans to refrain from pitting him against co-star Hrithik Roshan. Speaking at the film’s pre-release event in Hyderabad on Sunday, the actor addressed the speculation head-on.
“There is no competition between us in that song. The discussion about who danced better is pointless. When you watch it in the film, don’t try to see who won or lost in the dance. People on social media are spreading it wrong. I’m telling you now, it’s not a song where two dancers compete, it’s a song where two dancers appreciate and celebrate each other,” NTR stated.
Praising Hrithik, he added, “Twenty-five years ago, I didn’t know any dancer except Michael Jackson. But when I watched Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, I was blown away by Hrithik sir’s dance and performance. Hrithik sir is among the greatest actors in India.” NTR went further, calling Hrithik “the greatest dancer in the country” and saying it was a privilege to share the screen with him.
The actor revealed they worked together for 75 days on War 2, assuring audiences that the film “won’t feel like just a Hindi movie, but like a proper Telugu film as well.” He also reframed the collaboration: “This is not about me entering Bollywood, it’s about Hrithik stepping into Telugu cinema. I promise on behalf of my fans that we will welcome him with love and respect. Your responsibility is our responsibility.”
NTR concluded his speech raising his collar, which is a popular sentiment among his fans that when he raises his collar before his film, it turns out well. Interestingly Hrithik joined the RRR star and both gave a monumental still for the cameras.
War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films, also stars Kiara Advani. The climax was kept under wraps in promotions, with the makers releasing only a 30-second snippet of the much-discussed ‘Janaab-e-Aali’ track. The film releases in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil on August 14, clashing with Rajinikanth starrer Coolie.