Jani Master’s National Award Cancelled

Director Harish Shankar, known for his unapologetically outspoken nature, once again captured attention with his comments at the Telugu trailer launch of Gymkhana, the upcoming dubbed version of the Malayalam hit Alappuzha Gymkhana. While the event was focused on promoting the sports drama and its team, Harish’s off-script remarks quickly took center stage.

Gymkhana, directed by Khalid Rahman and starring Naslen (of Premalu fame), is set to release in Telugu on April 25. The trailer was unveiled by Anil Ravipudi and received a positive response from the audience. However, it was Harish Shankar’s unfiltered comment that overshadowed the celebrations. He expressed his disappointment with Telugu audiences, saying, “People rush to watch foreign films and ignore our own Telugu cinema,” suggesting that regional talent is often overlooked.

The remark sparked a flurry of reactions across social media. Some fans echoed his sentiments, pointing out the lack of appreciation for regional films, while others were quick to challenge his stance. Critics reminded Harish of his own work on remakes and questioned the validity of his claim. One commenter pointed out, “If you make quality films, Telugu audiences will support it, no matter who directs or where it’s from.” Others countered, highlighting that it was the same Telugu audience that helped Harish’s own films become massive blockbusters.

What was intended as a routine trailer launch has now sparked a broader conversation about audience preferences, film quality, and the challenges facing regional cinema. While opinions remain divided, Harish Shankar has once again achieved what he does best — getting people talking. With Gymkhana’s release just around the corner, all eyes will be on both the film’s performance at the box office and the ongoing debate about local versus foreign cinema.