Prakash Raj like his colleagues in Tamil Nadu, Kamal and Rajini is actively voicing his criticisms against the state and central governments in Karnataka.  On a televised debate with BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, the seasoned politician had the upper hand over the National Award winning actor.

Prakash Raj took it as a lesson and posted on social media "LESSON LEARNT at Times conclave...Yes ..Yes..Yes...I lost my way in putting forth my concerns against a very manipulative..smart..well prepared..Dr. Subramanian Swamy ..I’m growing ..I will overcome.. such setbacks chisel me.. my resolve to fight for inclusive india got stronger.."

In the question and answer session one of the members of the audience told Prakash Raj " I recently saw Mahesh Babu's 'Bhara Ane Nenu' in which you slap a cop.  You are cast as a negative character because filmmakers see a villain in you".  The veteran actor got angry and shot back "How do you judge people by the roles they play?..My Producers/Directors see an actor in me and not a villain.  How dare you call an actor a villain.  I wont talk with you."