Ashwin Kumar hits back at reporter's question on "sleeping" during script narrations: 'Haven't you slept in theatres?'

Ashwin Kumar, who is awaiting the release of Vignesh Karthick's Hot Spot 2 Much, recently hit back at a reporter who probed him "sleeping" during script narrations for films. The actor, known for his roles in Enna Solla Pogirai (2022), Meet Cute (2022) and Sembi (2022), expressed his anger on the reporter's question during a recent press interaction, saying, "Haven't you slept during story narrations? I have seen many people in theatres sleeping when the film is running. I have even given a clarification video for it."

The incident dates back to 2022 during the audio launch of Enna Solla Pogirai when the actor revealed that he had "dozed off" halfway through the narration of 40 stories due to weak scripts. It sparked controversy and was criticised by social media users. Later he apologised, stating that he was completely distorted by fans' love and never intended to disrespect anyone. In Hot Spot 2 Much trailer, a character recalls the incident in a light-hearted moment to Ashwin's character.

"I didn't intend to hurt anyone with my speech. I have also made a clarification video on the same. Why do you want to pin point that incident again and again? I am learning to become a better actor each day. I have learnt a lot from Vignesh Karthick the same way I have from other filmmakers. It's an endless process," he added.

Priya Bhavani Shankar leads the cast of Hot Spot 2 Much, which also includes MS Bhaskar, Thambi Ramaiah, Rakshan, Aadhitya Baaskar, Bhavani Sre, Brigida Saga, Sanjana Tiwari and others.

The first film Hot Spot was released in 2024, starred Gouri Kishan, Adithya Bhaskar, Sandy, Ammu Abhirami, Janani, Subash, Kalaiyarasan, and Sophiya.

While Hot Spot 2 Much's story has not been revealed yet, the trailer for the second film hints at a similar anthology structure which involves four stories with four different settings, set to once again discuss taboo topics in the society.

KJ Balamanimarbhan and Aneel K Reddy produced the film, with C Suresh Kumar and Indu Kumar M serving as co-producers. KJB Talkies and Ants to Elephants are the banners backing the film. KV Durai serves as a creative producer.

Sathish Ragunathan is composing music for Hot Spot 2 Much. The crew of the film also consists of Jagadeesh Ravi and Joseph Paul as the directors of photography, Muthayan U as the editor, and C Shanmugam as the art director.

The film is set for release in theatres on January 23.