Nearly two decades after Hulchul cemented its place as a comedy classic, the film has unexpectedly returned to the spotlight — this time for a disagreement between its director and one of its actors. What began as a reflective comment from Arshad Warsi has now turned into a public back-and-forth, with Priyadarshan expressing visible disappointment.
Arshad Warsi’s comment that sparked it all
In a recent interview, Arshad Warsi revisited his experience on Hulchul and described it as “bad,” explaining that the role he was promised before signing the film felt significantly reduced once shooting began. According to the actor, he had expected to play a more central character, only to realise on set that his part was far smaller than anticipated.
While Arshad was careful to say he didn’t believe Priyadarshan was at fault, his remarks quickly caught attention — especially given the film’s enduring popularity.
Priyadarshan reacts with shock and hurt
Priyadarshan has now responded, clearly taken aback by Arshad’s comments. Speaking in a recent interview, the filmmaker said he was deeply upset after reading the remarks and struggled to reconcile them with his past interactions with the actor.
He recalled that following Hulchul’s release, Arshad had personally called him to express happiness over the appreciation he received. For Priyadarshan, that memory made the recent criticism particularly painful, especially since Hulchul was a commercial success.
The director also addressed Arshad’s reference to the film being a “flop,” calling the statement confusing and hurtful. From his perspective, there was no reason for dissatisfaction, given the response the film received at the time.
Arshad’s clarification
Earlier, Arshad had explained that his disappointment stemmed from expectations versus reality. He described the experience as a shock upon arriving on set and maintained that the situation was likely not Priyadarshan’s doing. The actor framed his comments as personal disillusionment rather than a direct accusation.
Still, the contrast between the two recollections has reopened old wounds.
Both move ahead with major projects
Despite the disagreement, both Priyadarshan and Arshad Warsi are firmly focused on the future. The director is preparing for Haiwaan, a big-ticket 2026 release starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, and a remake of a successful Malayalam film.
Arshad, meanwhile, has a packed slate. He is set to return to familiar comic territory with Dhamaal 4, scheduled for an Eid release, and will also be seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated King later this year.
Final words
Hulchul may still be remembered for its laughs, but this resurfaced disagreement is a reminder that behind beloved films often lie complicated creative journeys. As perspectives clash years later, the truth likely sits somewhere in between — shaped by expectations, memories, and time.
