“Haunted by My Own Words, I Couldn’t Sleep for 36 Hours,” Says Shivaji in Emotional Apology

Actor Shivaji addressed the media at a specially convened press meet, offering a sincere and emotional apology for the remarks he made during the pre-release event of Dhandoraa. Expressing deep remorse, Shivaji admitted that he used two unparliamentary words on stage and said he realised the seriousness of his mistake almost immediately after stepping down.

Speaking candidly, the actor revealed that the incident left him deeply disturbed. He said he could not sleep for nearly 36 hours, weighed down by the realisation that he had failed in his responsibility as a public figure. Shivaji shared that the first person he apologised to was his wife, followed by a public video apology acknowledging his lapse in judgment.

Explaining the emotional context behind his remarks, Shivaji said they stemmed from distressing incidents involving women at public places, including episodes faced by actress Nidhhi Agerwal and earlier by Samantha Ruth Prabhu. While stressing that his intent was protective, he firmly acknowledged that intent can never justify inappropriate language, especially on a public platform connected to cinema.

Reflecting on his long career in films and politics, Shivaji noted that he has never used such language before, even in the most heated debates. Visibly emotional, he said the impact of this episode would stay with him and his family for a long time, reiterating his deep respect for women and his commitment to accountability.

Shivaji clarified that the decision to hold a separate press meet was taken to ensure that his personal mistake did not overshadow Dhandoraa, a film he described as deeply rooted in social reality and strong storytelling.

Meanwhile, Dhandoraa continues to build impressive pre-release momentum. The first single Pilla struck an emotional chord and crossed 3.2 million views, while the title song composed by Mark K. Robin amplified the film’s intense tone. The teaser and trailer further strengthened buzz, clocking millions of views within days of release.

Directed by Muralikant and produced by Ravindra Benarjee Muppaneni under the Loukya Entertainments banner, Dhandoraa features an ensemble cast including Navadeep, Nandu, Ravikrishna, Bindu Madhavi, and others. The film tackles caste and social hierarchies within a rooted rural narrative, while retaining a fully commercial Telugu cinema format.

With a strong distribution network in place and early premieres underway, Dhandoraa is gearing up for a worldwide theatrical release on December 25, 2025. Backed by solid buzz and a socially relevant theme, the film is positioned as a powerful and impactful year-end release for Telugu cinema.