Overview
- Priyadarshan says he is upset and hurt by the remarks, adding he is surprised Warsi never raised such concerns at the time.
- He recalls Warsi phoning after release to say he was unexpectedly well received, and he rejects any suggestion the film was a flop.
- Warsi maintains the role was pitched by writer Neeraj Vora as a parallel lead like Akshay Kumar’s in Hera Pheri but became the hero’s friend, noting wardrobe issues on set.
- Coverage underscores that Hulchul was a commercial success, with reports citing about Rs 31–32 crore at the box office and strong audience appreciation for Warsi’s comic turn.
- The dispute rests on conflicting personal accounts from the actor and director, with no independent corroboration beyond the Lallantop interview and subsequent media reports.