It was an explosive speech by Pawan Kalyan at the pre-release event of 'Republic' on Saturday evening. He questioned the politics against him affecting the film industry negatively. We bring you the highlights of the speech.

Excerpts:

It's the wish of everyone in the film industry that films do well at the box office. The film industry has always been a soft target. Don't make a hue and cry about Sai Dharam Tej's accident. He was riding at 45 kmph. A hullabaloo has been made out of it (by the media). Why can't they talk about the murder of YS Vivekananda Reddy? Tej was unlucky to meet with the accident. A leader was attacked with a 'kodi katha' at an airport. Even the then Governor suspected conspiracy behind it. Why are they not talking about such things? A six-year-old girl was victimized recently. I don't know whether he has opened his eyes and whether he is still unconscious. Talk about big crimes.

Let's call Dil Raju Dil Reddy from today so that Jaganmohan Reddy garu might show mercy. (Pawan made the remarks referring to the politics played against 'Vakeel Saab', which was a Dil Raju production).

Theatres in Andhra Pradesh are troubled, unlike in Telangana. YCP leaders seem to think that targeting my films will scare the film industry. It would be a mistake on their part if they think we can be made to bargain with them through coercion.

If an actor takes remuneration of Rs 10 Cr, a TDS of Rs 1 Cr is deducted. An income tax of Rs 3.5 Cr is paid by the actor later to the IT department. I don't make money through foul means.

I entertain the audience and make money. Prabhas had to build his body to become a 'Baahubali'. Rana (Daggubati) too had to do that. Jr NTR dances amazingly and makes money. Ram Charan rides the horse wonderfully and makes money. A heroine has to dance in the presence of many people to earn remuneration.

On online ticket portal to be run by government: How can private investment be controlled by the government? It's we who invest money. Why does the government want to sell tickets? I want to warn the YCP leadership against harming the film industry. You are going to be burned away.