Gratitude Above Trolling: “Height Doesn’t Increase Through Envy”: Filmmaker Pravin Tarde Shuts Down Critics Over SRK Controversy

Following his viral revelation that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan stepped in to waive a ₹42 lakh post-production bill for Deool Band 2, writer-director Pravin Tarde has found himself at the center of an unexpected online backlash.

Netizens and certain industry insiders began trolling the filmmaker, questioning why a movie that has already grossed a massive ₹82 crore at the box office needs to publicly thank or rely on a Bollywood star.

Refusing to let the negativity slide, Tarde released a fiery video message on social media, taking a direct swipe at his critics and the double standards of the trade.

The Box Office Fueling the Fire

Released on May 21, 2026, Deool Band 2 has completed a spectacular one-month run in theatres. Made on a budget of ₹8–10 crore, the film’s ₹82 crore gross collection makes it a historic blockbuster. The massive financial success is precisely what triggered the trolls, who argued the production house could easily afford the ₹42 lakh DCP fee now. Tarde, however, emphasized that SRK’s help came before the film was a verified hit, when the team had no money to spare.

“Where Were You in the 48-Degree Heat?”

In his video response, a visibly tight-lipped Tarde pointed out the sudden surge in media attention only after a Bollywood name was dropped, contrasting it with the lack of support during the film’s grueling promotional phase.

“When we were traveling in the blistering 48-degree summer heat to promote this film, none of you posted anything. No one wrote a single word—not even the veterans of my own Marathi film industry. But the moment a Bollywood star’s name comes up? Your pens start moving with a bang.”

Tarde questioned the integrity of the critics trying to school him on how to handle regional cinema:

“What exactly should a Marathi man do for publicity? Do you want us to walk through the countryside, roasting in the sun to meet our grassroots audience, or should we just sit in a cool AC room chanting a Bollywood star’s name? Go ahead and write what you want. I have read your posts. But remember—no matter how much you try to pull us down, Deool Band 2 is unstoppable and will touch the ₹100 crore mark. Your criticisms do not matter.”

A Lesson in Culture and Gratitude

Concluding his response, Tarde quoted lines from the legendary Marathi poet Vinda Karandikar to emphasize that tearing others down doesn’t elevate one’s own stature.

“Height does not increase, it becomes envious. (Anandi hot nahi, dekhvekar hoto). Keep this much in mind: credit must be given where it is due. Whether it is a local crew member like Pitya or Sunya 32, or a global star like Shah Rukh Khan—whoever helped us get this film into theatres deserves to be publicly praised and acknowledged. That is our culture.”