Director Vishnuvardhan's comments on Rajinikanth's iconic film "Billa" have sparked controversy. In a recent interview, Vishnuvardhan mentioned that the original "Billa" was not successful when it was released. He recalled thinking, "Are we going to remake this film?" However, he admired the bold concept of designing a dark character during that era and found it to be an excellent idea for a remake.

These remarks, however, did not sit well with Rajinikanth fans. The statement ignited a strong reaction on social media, with many fans asserting that the 1980 "Billa" was a significant hit. Fans also shared proof to support their belief.

In response to the controversy, Rajinikanth's PRO, Riaz Ahmed, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "I wish to bring to your attention that the 1980 film 'Billa' was a Silver Jubilee hit. You can verify this with the original film's producer, Suresh Balaji. I humbly request you to ensure accuracy in your words to prevent misinformation."

Rajinikanth's loyal fan base continues to criticize Vishnuvardhan's comments, reaffirming their belief in "Billa" as a classic success.