Industry calls for truce as duel between Prakash Raj and Vaitla turns ugly

As the war of words between National-award winning actor Prakash Raj and ace Telugu film-maker Srinu Vaitla is taking an ugly turn, seniors in the Telugu film industry want an early truce between the two stalwarts.
It all started the day Prakash Raj walked out of Vaitla'sAagadu (featuring Mahesh Babu), citing creative differences. However, the main reason for Prakash to quit the project was his alleged boorish behaviour with one of Vaitla's assistants. Vaitla alleged that Raj had abused an assistant director on the sets of Aagadu, leading to an altercation. Things turned ugly when reports started surfacing that top Telugu filmmakers may not work with Raj again.
The row got reignited when Raj, one of the highest-paid villains in the South, took objection to Vaitla using a poem composed by him in Aagadu.Never in the recent past has a wellknown director convened a press conference to make his stand clear on controversies. Vaitla not only clarified why he used the poem, but also poked fun at Raj, further intensifying the war. Raj was quick to react to Vaitla's charges.
“Their war of words has become an entertainment for others. This should not continue for long. Both are highly rated in Tollywood. We cannot afford to see them slug it out in open like this. It is not a development that will be appreciated by all. We wish they end this ugly scene at the earliest,“ a renowned Telugu film producer, who has already taken up the job of patching up the two, said.
In fact, Raj has worked with Vaitla in Dookudu. Trade sources say Raj is known for his frequent run-ins with directors and producers. In the past too, there was a call to impose a ban on Raj in Tollywood. But this time, the producers do want the issue to reach a flashpoint. Another producer too has requested the two to arrive at a truce.
WHAT PRAKASH RAJ SAYS
With the war of words between Raj and Vaitla escalating day by day, Prakash targeted Srinu as he allegedly insulted PawanKalyan and Junior NTR. “He is making baseless allegations against me. I can tolerate that, but why is he insulting top stars like Pawan and NTR? I think Vaitla owes an answer to public as they are keenly watching his cheap tactics,“ said Prakash. “He had removed me from the movie and I have no issues but why is he pressing for a ban on me. I think the failure of Aagadu has forced him to behave in a boorish manner. He has even dragged Mahesh Babu to the whole issue.Mahesh and I share a good rapport. I only suggest that if he changes himself, it will be better for him. I have nothing personal against Vaitla. If things work out well, I am willing to work with him in future as well. I know he is seeking a ban on me, but I will never ever stoop to his level to demand a ban against him.
WHAT VAITLA SAYS
Prakash has alleged that I have used his poem without permission. Do you know the origin of that poem? When he was removed from the movie, he had convened a press conference to recite a poem for me. When he can write a poem addressed to me, then I thought I had every right to use that poem in my film. I think Raj couldn't digest the fact that he has been ousted from my movie.
Let me clarify Prakash was thrown out not because I am arrogant, but because of my self-respect. For the record, he used the most filthiest language against my assistant director. Raj has termed Aagadu a flop. Being a film personality, how can he say a movie is flop when it's running to packed houses? If Aagadu is a flop, so is his recent directorial venture, UlavacharuBiriyani. On his accusation that I insulted Pawan and NTR, let me say that a few satirical dialogues used in the flick are not meant to vilify anyone.
I think Prakash, who has had the maximum number of bans to his credit, need not teach me how to behave or direct a film. It is high time Prakash Raj mended his ways.