The upcoming Telugu film "Laila", starring Vishwak Sen, has unexpectedly found itself at the center of controversy as the hashtag #BoycottLaila trends on social media. Supporters of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) are calling for a boycott of the film after comedian 30 Years Prudhvi made comments perceived as offensive to YSRCP and its leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy during a pre-release event.
What Sparked the Controversy?
During the pre-release event for "Laila", held on February 9, 2025, comedian 30 Years Prudhvi made satirical remarks about the YSRCP’s political performance. His statement referenced the party's decline in legislative seats from 151 to 11, implying a drastic fall in political influence.
Key Remarks by 30 Years Prudhvi:
- Suggested that YSRCP’s political dominance was fading.
- Joked about the party’s electoral struggles, which YSRCP supporters found offensive.
- Criticized YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership in a lighthearted manner.
These comments did not sit well with YSRCP supporters, who quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms to express their outrage.
#BoycottLaila Gains Momentum
Shortly after the event, YSRCP loyalists launched an online campaign, urging moviegoers to boycott "Laila" in protest. The hashtag #BoycottLaila quickly started trending, with thousands of tweets demanding that audiences stay away from the film as a form of protest.
Supporters’ Reactions:
"Disrespecting YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will not be tolerated. This film should be a FLOP! #BoycottLaila"
"We are united, and we will show the power of YSRCP supporters. #BoycottLaila – Let this be a lesson!"
"Insulting our leader for movie promotion? Not acceptable! We will make sure Laila FAILS at the box office!"
Some users even tagged distributors and theater chains, asking them to withdraw support for the movie in Andhra Pradesh.
Industry Response & Film Team’s Stand
Vishwak Sen, the lead actor of "Laila," has yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversy.
The production team has remained silent, hoping the backlash will subside before the film’s February 14, 2025 release.
Supporters of the film argue that cinema and politics should remain separate, with some urging moviegoers to watch the film based on its merit rather than political disputes.
However, controversies of this nature have previously affected box office performances in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Given the strong political sentiments in the region, the impact on "Laila"’s box office collections remains uncertain.
Political and Entertainment Industry Reactions
Political analysts note that this is not the first time a film has faced backlash due to political comments. In the past:
🔹 Films linked to controversial political remarks have faced bans or poor performance in certain regions.
🔹 Stars and comedians have been forced to apologize to ease tensions and prevent damage to their careers.
🔹 Political parties and fan bases have used boycotts as a tool to assert their influence over entertainment industries.
If the #BoycottLaila campaign gains further momentum, it could negatively impact ticket sales in key YSRCP strongholds.