Shivaji Apologises at Press Meet Over Remarks Made at Dhandoraa Event

 Shivaji Apologises at Press Meet Over Remarks Made at Dhandoraa Event

Actor Shivaji held a special press meet to apologise for the remarks he made during the Dhandoraa pre-release event. Speaking openly to the media, he said he deeply regretted using two inappropriate words on stage and realised his mistake immediately after the event ended.

Shivaji said the incident affected him mentally and emotionally. “I couldn’t sleep for nearly 36 hours. Those words kept disturbing me,” he shared, adding that the weight of his mistake stayed with him continuously. He said this reflection made him realise his responsibility as a public figure.

The actor revealed that he first apologised to his wife before addressing the public. He later released a video apology accepting full responsibility for his words. Shivaji explained that his comments came from an emotional reaction after seeing troubling incidents at public events, including those involving actresses Nidhhi Agerwal and Samantha, which had deeply disturbed him. However, he admitted that emotions do not justify the use of wrong language.

He said that while elders often speak emotionally about culture and values, choosing such words on a public film platform was a serious mistake. Shivaji stressed that he has always maintained restraint in his public life, including during his time in politics, and had never used such language even in intense debates.

Visibly emotional, Shivaji said the impact of this incident would not only affect him but also his family. He reaffirmed his respect for women and admitted that he does not know how long it will take him to recover from this experience.

Explaining the reason for holding a separate press meet, Shivaji said he did not want his personal mistake to overshadow Dhandoraa. He described the film as a content-driven project rooted in social reality and said it deserves attention for its message, not controversy.

Meanwhile, Dhandoraa continues to build strong pre-release momentum. The first single “Pilla” crossed 3.2 million views, while the powerful title song composed by Mark K. Robin received strong response. The teaser has crossed 1.7 million views, and the trailer surpassed 2.1 million views within four days.

Directed by Muralikant and produced by Ravindra Benarjee Muppaneni under Loukya Entertainments, Dhandoraa is a rural drama that addresses caste and social hierarchies. The film stars Shivaji, Navadeep, Nandu, Ravikrishna, Manika Chikkala, Mounika Reddy, Bindu Madhavi, Radhya, and Aditi Bhavaraju.

Mythri Movie Makers have acquired the Nizam distribution rights, while Prime Show Entertainment is distributing the film across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and the Ceeded regions. Overseas rights are with Atharvana Bhadrakali Pictures, and T-Series holds the audio rights. The film has completed censor formalities with 16 cuts and has begun early premieres.

Dhandoraa is set for a worldwide theatrical release on December 25, 2025, aiming to end the year with a strong, socially driven cinematic impact.