In a recent podcast interview that has set Bollywood circles buzzing, Murder 2 actor Prashant Narayanan said that Kartik is “one of the most terrible actors” in the film industry. He further added that Aaryan is simply an extremely lucky person, stating that the actor is surviving because of his parents’ blessings.
The veteran actor, known for his intense villain roles, made these remarks during an appearance on the Bollywood Bubble podcast called “Off The Fame,” where host Dinesh Jethani examined how power operates within Bollywood while exploring its hidden political activities.
What Exactly Did Prashant Narayanan Say?
“I think he is one of the most terrible actors we have over here, but an extremely lucky person,” Prashant said in the interview. “He is only surviving because of his parents’ blessings.”
But the criticism didn’t stop there. “I feel that he is an extremely non-communicative and boosted by people around him kind of person.”
Interestingly, despite his harsh words, Prashant admitted, “I liked him in the first film that he did (Pyaar Ka Punchnama).”
“People Are Laughing AT Him, Not WITH Him”
When the podcast host asked why audiences continue watching Kartik’s films and making them successful, Prashant delivered another stinging response:
“I don’t know how many people are appreciating them, but I have seen people laughing at them. So, if you can make people laugh, that is a good enough thing. There is a difference between when you are laughing with somebody and when you are laughing at somebody.”
“The Indian audience is mostly laughing at somebody.”
Who Is Prashant Narayanan?
Prashant Narayanan started his career as an art director in the early 90s and also worked as a costume director for the television series Chanakya. He made his acting debut with the 2002 film Chhal and went on to carve a niche for himself through powerful negative roles. It was his performance in Murder 2 that raised him to fame and even earned him the Screen Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role.
He has also appeared in notable films like Ghost, Raaz, Mai, and Manjhi – The Mountain Man.
Kartik Aaryan’s Career: The Context Behind the Controversy
The timing of Prashant’s comments is significant, coming right after one of Kartik’s biggest career setbacks:
| Film | Box Office Performance |
|---|---|
| Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri | The Kartik Aaryan movie turned out to be a big disaster at the box office, with nearly Rs. 100 crore of losses for the makers. |
| Budget | It was reportedly mounted at a massive budget of 90 crores. |
| Collections | Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri concluded its box office journey in India within 15 days, accumulating 39.14 crore net. |
Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri stands out as perhaps the worst performer in this trend. Not only did it debut with a disappointing opening, but it also completely failed to establish any kind of successful run.
Kartik’s Gesture: Returning ₹15 Crore
In a noteworthy move following the film’s failure, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has reportedly returned around ₹15 crore from his fee for Tu Meri Main Tera, following the film’s underwhelming box office performance.
The actor’s decision to reduce his fee was aimed at sharing the financial impact of the film’s performance and was not mandated by any contractual obligation. Industry insiders noted that this is not the first instance of Kartik adjusting his pay after a project underperforms, citing a similar situation with Shehzada.
🎯 The Hits vs. The Misses: Kartik Aaryan’s Track Record
Despite the recent criticism, Kartik Aaryan has had significant commercial successes:
| Success Stories | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa Franchise | He starred in parts 2 and 3, both of which earned over Rs 250 crore worldwide. |
| Chandu Champion | The actor received critical acclaim for his performance in Kabir Khan’s sports biopic Chandu Champion, with the filmmaker even stating that Kartik deserved a National Award for his role. |
Kartik Aaryan has starred in popular films such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Shehzada, and Satyaprem Ki Katha, among many others.
🎬 What’s Next for Kartik Aaryan?
Despite the controversy and recent flop, Kartik continues to be busy with major projects:
He is currently filming Dharma Productions’ supernatural thriller Naagzilla in Delhi.
In the movie, the actor will be playing the role of Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, an Ichadaari Naag in Naagzilla. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Sujit Jain.
Next, Kartik has a yet-to-titled film, directed by Anurag Basu and co-starring Sreeleela in the lead.
🤔 Analysis: Is Prashant Narayanan Right?
The debate around Kartik Aaryan’s acting abilities has been ongoing for years. Here’s a balanced look:
| Arguments Supporting Prashant | Arguments Against Prashant |
|---|---|
| Recent box office failures suggest star power alone isn’t enough | Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise success shows he can carry a film |
| Critics often note limited range in performances | Chandu Champion proved he can do serious roles |
| The story, screenplay, direction, and performances of the lead actors were met with criticism in recent film | Has a massive, loyal fan following |
| Critics and audiences alike felt the “family vs. love” plot was dated and lacked the “monologue magic” Kartik is known for | Box office numbers don’t lie—he’s delivered multiple hits |
📱 Social Media Reactions
The controversy has sparked intense debate online:
Team Prashant:
- “Finally, someone said what everyone was thinking!”
- “Commercial success ≠ acting talent”
- “Kartik is a product of great PR and luck”
Team Kartik:
- “Who is Prashant Narayanan to judge a star like Kartik?”
- “Jealousy is a disease; get well soon”
- “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 crossed ₹500 crore—talk about that”
- “This is just a desperate attempt to stay relevant”
The Bollywood Debate: Star Power vs. Acting Skills
This controversy opens up a larger discussion about what makes an actor successful in Bollywood:
| Star Power | Acting Skills |
|---|---|
| Fan following | Critical acclaim |
| Box office pull | Versatility |
| Social media presence | Award recognition |
| Brand endorsements | Industry respect |
Kartik Aaryan clearly excels in the “Star Power” column, but the “Acting Skills” column remains debatable—as Prashant Narayanan’s comments highlight.
📝 Conclusion
Whether you agree with Prashant Narayanan or not, his comments have ignited a much-needed conversation about the definition of success in Bollywood. Is commercial success the ultimate measure of talent? Or should acting prowess be evaluated separately from box office numbers?
One thing is certain: Kartik Aaryan’s career will continue to be closely watched, especially with Naagzilla on the horizon. Will he prove his critics wrong, or will the “lucky person” label stick?
