CONTROVERSY | "Stop selling hate!": Actor Siddharth slams Thackeray biopic for making money from ‘hate speech against South Indians’

The trailer of the highly-anticipated biopic on late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray titled ‘Thackeray’ was launched on December 26 in Mumbai amid some amount of controversy over the Censor board objecting to certain dialogues in the film. Now, the controversy surrounding the film in which Bollywood actor Nwazuddin Siddiqui essays the iconic political leader has been ratcheted up significantly, due to tweets by actor Siddharth. 

Siddharth has taken to social media to slam the Thackeray's biopic. In a series of tweets, the Rang De Basanti actor has hit out at the film's trailer saying that it is trying to make money by promoting 'hate speech against South Indians'.

In another tweet, the actor has clearly cited political irony in the fact that Nawazuddin Siddiqui is playing the title character:

In a third tweet, he accuses the film of selling 'so much hate with such romance and heroism': 

WATCH: Nawazuddin Siddiqui Is Fierce As Balasaheb Thackeray In 'Thackeray' Trailer

Meanwhile, the trailer features Thackeray’s rise from humble beginnings to establish a political party as he felt it was important to get involved with the people to serve the people.

His party’s protests and actions to ensure priority for the locals of Maharashtra made it hard for the politicians who’d call him for discussions. Thackeray, however, is seen saying to a character based on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that he says ‘Jai Maharashtra’ after ‘Jai Hind’ as the nation comes before the state for him. 

READ: 'No Other Movie Should Be Released On The Day 'Thackeray' Movie Hits The Theatres', Threatens Shiv Sena

‘Thackeray’ has been directed by Abhijit Panse and written and produced by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Shrikant Bhasi along with Viacom Motion Pictures. The movie will hit the screens on January 25, two days after the birth anniversary of Bal Thackeray.