Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has responded to criticism over a now-deleted tweet about Kiara Advani’s bikini appearance in the teaser of War 2. Addressing the backlash, the director said his remark was meant as a “backhanded compliment” and defended his stance on openly sharing opinions about what appears on screen.
The controversy began after the teaser for War 2 dropped, briefly featuring Advani in her first bikini scene. Varma reacted on social media with a comment that many users deemed “indecent”, sparking widespread criticism online. For context, the original tweet read: “Instead of our countries and societies, if the war between Hrithik and Jr NTR is on who gets her b**k, then 2 will be a b***buster (sic).”
Although the tweet was eventually deleted, the filmmaker has now explained that his observation was simply a reaction to what he believes the promotional material intended to evoke.
What did Ram Gopal Varma say?
Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Varma said he does not clearly remember the exact wording of the tweet because of how frequently he posts online.
“I really don’t remember what exactly I wrote or what I said in the tweet because I put so many tweets, and it was such a long time back,” he said.
The deleted tweet of RGV on Kiara:
However, he insisted the comment was not meant as an insult. According to Varma, his reaction stemmed from the way the teaser presented Advani’s appearance. “My whole point is if you’re putting an image like that in terms of a trailer — a beautiful girl in a bikini, which is supposed to provoke something,” he explained.
What did Varma mean by calling it a ‘backhanded compliment’?
Varma said his comment was intended to reflect his appreciation while acknowledging the provocative nature of the shot in the teaser.
“I thought it was a backhanded compliment in the context of how I felt about it,” he said. The filmmaker added that he has never hidden his opinions about female actors he finds attractive, even in earlier phases of his career.
Referring to his past, Varma said that since the days of Rangeela, he has spoken about female actors, including the late Sridevi. According to him, this openness has always been part of his public persona.
Why did he delete the tweet?
Despite the strong reactions online, Varma claimed he could not recall the exact reason he removed the tweet.
“I can’t recall why I did that, I rarely do that,” he said, adding that he does not usually delete posts from his social media accounts.
What is War 2 about?
War 2 was the sequel to the 2019 action film War and featured Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in lead roles. The film was directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films.
The sequel forms part of YRF’s expanding spy universe and generated considerable buzz following the teaser launch, particularly because it also marks Advani’s first on-screen bikini appearance.
While Varma’s remarks have reignited debate around his blunt social media style, the filmmaker maintains that he has no intention of changing how he expresses himself publicly. As he put it, “I will do everything the way I am. I’m not going to change myself as a person in the way I express my thoughts,” he said.
Neither Advani nor anyone else from the film’s team has addressed the controversy.
