In a year full of manufactured controversies, Krish saying 'Khabardar' at the audio launch of 'Gautamiputra Satakarni' has raked one more controversy. A section of the media and many on social media have interpreted his words, "The film is arriving for Sankranthi, Khabardar!" as challenging Megastar Chiranjeevi's 'Khaidi No. 150'.

'I uttered the word out of anguish for the neglect of Telugu history in history-writing in India. This is my heartfelt anguish. I used the word Khabardar` with a touch of levity and in the context of the Telugus being called Madrasis," Krish has said in a statement.

Suggesting that it was hardly kept with 'Khaidi No. 150' in mind, Krish further says, "My second film 'Vedam' was with my closest friend Allu Arjun. My fourth film 'Kanche' was with Varun Tej. Ram Charan was very close to me before I entered the industry. Chiranjeevi is a great person and he invited me to his residence, hugged me, analyzed each and every scene in 'Kanche' and congratulated me. He is an inspiration to me. Please don't misinterpret my words. Thank you."