Mumbai: Filmmaker Atlee recently opened up about his journey and career while celebrating the success of his Tamil production ‘Baththa’.
He also addressed criticism surrounding his wife Priya’s ‘Anant’s Brigade’ outfit, which she wore at Anant Ambani’s 2024 wedding.
Calling Anant his “best friend”, Atlee recalled how the industrialist’s son supported him during his early struggles in Mumbai.
As the picture resurfaced and drew fresh criticism, Atlee said, “Let them say whatever they want. Yes, my skin is dark. They call me average, and they can have their own opinions. I was asked four times to play the lead in films, but I turned them down. I am just telling you about it.”
He then addressed the criticism surrounding Priya’s ‘Anant’s Brigade’ choli, saying, “Anant Ambani is my best friend. He is my closest friend. In Mumbai, when I was struggling, he stood by me. He has held my hand, so let people say a thousand things. He is my friend. Let them say whatever they want to say. We will prove with our work. My answer has always been my films.”
Ananya Panday, Khushi Kapoor and Shanaya Kapoor were also seen wearing similar cholis at the wedding.
Atlee last directed the 2023 blockbuster Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and marking his Bollywood debut.
The film went on to gross ₹1,000 crore worldwide. Since then, he has produced Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, and Baththa, featuring Vijay Sethupathi. Baby John is the Hindi remake of Atlee’s 2016 Tamil hit Theri, which starred Vijay.
The filmmaker is currently working on his upcoming sci-fi film Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles.
Speaking at the Baththa success meet, Atlee discussed both the film and Raaka, saying, “People would’ve laughed at me in school if I had said I was going to do a film with SRK and Vijay anna, but I did it. Just like that, I wish to take Baththa to the Oscars. I want to see what it feels like. I will do everything to stand on that stage and speak in Tamil.”
He also spoke about the response to Raaka, adding, “Tamil people will feel really proud of Raaka. The Hollywood people working on it were stunned by it. I’m so happy about that.”
