Is producer Naga Vamsi turning arrogant?

Telugu film producer Naga Vamsi has ignited controversy with a bold and defiant statement during a press conference on April 1, 2025. Addressing the media about the mixed reception to his latest release, Mad Square, Vamsi lashed out at critics and journalists, daring them to “ban me and my films” if they could, while asserting that he could promote his projects without their support.

Arrogance or confidence?

His outburst has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many labeling him “arrogant” and accusing him of being consumed by his recent string of successes. The press conference, held in Hyderabad to discuss Mad Square’s box office performance, took a dramatic turn when Vamsi reacted to criticism that the film’s success was exaggerated or benefited from the underwhelming response to its competitor, Robinhood.

Visibly agitated, he fired back, “Ban me and my films, don’t write reviews, don’t take my ads—I dare you! I’ll still find a way to promote my movies. But how will you survive? Your websites and channels exist because of this industry.”

He further dismissed reviews as mere personal opinions, urging audiences not to take them seriously, adding, “If a reviewer fights with his wife and trashes a film, should you trust that?”

Social media reacts

Vamsi’s remarks come as Mad Square reportedly grossed ₹70 crore worldwide in its first four days, a figure he touted while challenging detractors to verify it themselves. However, his confrontational tone has not sat well with many.

Naga Vamsi’s success has gone to his head. This arrogance is unbecoming, wrote one social media user. Another commented, “Challenging the media to ban him? He’s drunk on power after a few hits.”

Not the first time

This isn’t the first time Vamsi has courted controversy. In January 2025, he clashed with Bollywood figures like Hansal Mehta and Boney Kapoor during a roundtable, claiming that South Indian cinema had reshaped Bollywood’s approach. His comments were widely criticized as “disrespectful” and “overconfident.”

Critics now see this latest episode as part of a pattern, warning that his brash attitude could alienate the very audience and industry he depends on.

Supporters and detractors

Despite the backlash, Vamsi has his defenders. Some fans and industry insiders argue that he is simply standing up to a media ecosystem they see as biased or overly influential.

As Mad Square continues its theatrical run, the spotlight has shifted from the film’s performance to Vamsi’s polarizing persona. With high-profile projects like Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom and Suriya’s Retro under his Sithara Entertainments banner, all eyes are on whether his fiery stance will bolster his reputation as a fearless producer—or cement perceptions of him as an arrogant figure consumed by success.