Netizens school Crazy Star Ravichandran after his 'pay Rs 100' tirade at Rise of Ashoka event
Veteran actor V Ravichandran was speaking at a Rise of Ashoka event, when he told audiences to pay and watch movies in theatres whether it is good or bad to encourage passionate film teams
Ravichandran
Last Updated: 07.38 PM, Feb 20, 2026
Film promotions these days are often about the cast and crew literally begging audiences to come to theatres and watch what they’ve made, instead of waiting for it to, hopefully, drop on OTT. In 2025, Sandalwood could muster only 2 hits out of 250-odd releases and 2026 has not been off to a great start either. As filmmakers continue to struggle with not being able to bring audiences to theatres, Crazy Star V Ravichandran says that audiences should be willing to spend Rs 100 and go and watch movies in a theatre and not on OTT.
What does the Crazy Star want audiences to do?
The veteran actor-filmmaker was at an event for Sathish Ninasam’s upcoming Rise of Ashoka, which releases on February 27, 2026, when he went on a tirade. “When someone makes a film with great love and passion, can’t you just pay Rs 100 and go to the theatre and watch it? It doesn’t matter if you end up losing that Rs 100 if it is a bad film. Pay that Rs 100 and let a bunch of films succeed,” he said.
As noble as Ravichandran’s suggestion seemed, given the current situation in the Kannada film industry, netizens were surprised by his comment and wondered how out of touch he was given that no theatre has a ticket rate as low as Rs 100. The Karnataka government’s plan to cap ticket pricing at Rs 200 remains sub-judice. “When was the last time Ravichandran went to a theatre, not as a guest, but as a paying member of the audience,” asked a netizen, a sentiment that many others echoed.
Another added that even if one were to go by the Rs 100 logic, at 250 odd films, that’s Rs 25,000, much of which would be a waste of money and time. “Modalu cinema chennagi madu guru, remake alla,” retorted another.
The Rise of Ashoka FAQs
Q. What was The Rise of Ashoka called initially?
A. The Rise of Ashoka was initially titled Ashoka Blade, which, leading man Sathish Ninasam thought did not suit the narrative and then changed it.
Q. Why was The Rise of Ashoka delayed in the making?
A. The Rise of Ashoka's director Vinod passed away during the making, leading to production being stalled for a while. Much later, the film's editor stepped in and wrapped up the filming.