Dil Raju's statement made to IndiaGlitz:

"A week ago, I gave a 45-minute interview to a Telugu TV channel. A short clip from the interview has been circulated across social media platforms. I have been trolled over my comments that I made in the context of the two Pongal Tamil releases: Vaarisu and Thunivu. Besides those two films, two straight Telugu films are going to be released in theatres for the festival.

It was not my intention to degrade any actor. I love all stars. I am a lover of cinema who has made 50 movies so far. I made a reference to Vijay garu and Ajith garu only in the context of the theaters issue. I neither elevated one star nor demoted another star. If you listen to my interview, you will understand my point. I sincerely wish that all films become box office hit and benefit the film industry."