Akshay Kumar opens up on Bollywood vs Tollywood debate after the blockbuster success of Pushpa

Akshay Kumar is readying for the release of Bachchan Pandey, and during a promotional event for the film, he was asked to share his comments on the Bollywood vs Tollywood debate.

According to Koimoi, Kumar was asked whether Telugu-language films are gaining more traction compared to their Hindi counterparts. 

To this, the actor said, "Aisa nahi hai. Abhi joh Gangubai release hui woh bhi aacha chal raha hai (This is not the case. Recently Gangubai Kathiawadi released and it has been doing well in cinemas)."

In recent times, Telugu films like KGF and Pushpa: The Rise have taken the Hindi-speaking box office by the storm to the point that Allu Arjun's signature move from the film is being aped in viral reels, and recently by Virat Kohli during the India-Sri Lanka Test match.  

The actor was also asked whether he agrees that Bollywood has more masala films, while Tollywood is content-focused. Kumar disagreed and said that both approaches work. But if there's good content in a masala film, then it's the icing on the cake. 

Kumar said that he prays every film that releases is liked by audiences and his priority right now is to see sold-out shows. 

Citing the pandemic-related blow that the film industry has suffered, Kumar added that the industry has suffered a lot. "Many films have been held back for release and interest in them is just increasing, I know," he said. 

Directed by Farhad Samji and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Bachchan Pandey also stars Kriti Sanon and Jacqueline Fernandez. The film is based on Karthik Subbaraj's 2014 Tamil gangster flick Jigarthanda. 

Bachchan Pandey will be released on March 18.