Priyadarshan Expresses Hurt Over Arshad Warsi’s Remarks on Hulchul

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has expressed deep disappointment and shock over actor Arshad Warsi’s recent comments about the 2004 hit film Hulchul, saying the remarks have left him genuinely hurt.

In a recent interview, Arshad Warsi described his experience of working in Hulchul as unpleasant, claiming he was misled about the nature of his role. According to the actor, he was offered the film after being told that his character would be similar to Akshay Kumar’s role in Hera Pheri, but later felt the part turned out very differently, making the experience disappointing for him.

Reacting to these statements, Priyadarshan told Mid-Day that he was taken aback after reading Warsi’s comments. “When I read what he said, I felt very bad. Maybe I am mistaken or perhaps his words were misunderstood, but if he truly feels this way, I am shocked,” the director said.

Priyadarshan further recalled that after the film’s release, Arshad Warsi had personally called him to express gratitude. “He phoned me and said, ‘Sir, I never imagined I would receive such appreciation for this role.’ That is why it pains me to hear him now describe the film as a flop,” the director added. He emphasized that Hulchul was one of his successful films and was well received by audiences and critics alike.

The director also highlighted that Warsi’s performance was widely appreciated at the time. “People liked the film and praised his acting. I don’t understand why he feels there was any reason to complain now. His allegations have hurt me deeply,” Priyadarshan said.

Earlier, in an interview with The Lallantop, Arshad Warsi had clarified that he did not blame Priyadarshan personally for his experience. He stated that the issues mainly stemmed from costume and character treatment, which he found confusing and uncomfortable on set. Despite this, he completed the film as he had already committed to it.

Released on November 26, 2004, Hulchul was made on a budget of approximately ₹10 crore and enjoyed a successful theatrical run of about seven weeks. The film earned a net collection of ₹20.10 crore in India and grossed around ₹31.74 crore worldwide, firmly establishing it as a box-office hit. The ensemble cast included Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Arbaaz Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Farah Naaz, and Laxmi.

The contrasting recollections of actor and director have now sparked fresh discussion around the film, more than two decades after its release.