Directors Mahesh Bhatt and Ram Gopal Varma shared their opinion on the 'Bollywood can't afford me' remark made by actor Mahesh Babu Superstar Mahesh Babu's film Sarkaru Vaari Paata has released today to a mixed reception from the audience. Apart from acting, Mahesh Babu has produced the biopic film Major, which is scheduled to release on June 3, 2022. Though Mahesh Babu is a global actor, he has never done any other language film, apart from Tamil, just once. During the trailer launch event of 'Major', where Mahesh Babu was present, he was asked whether he thought of doing a film in Bollywood. To which, he replied "I may sound arrogant. I did get a lot of offers in Hindi but I don't think they can afford me". He also went on add that, he wouldn't want to waste his time in any other industry, and that he is content with the dubbed films being released. While his remarks on Bollywood caught different reactions, he mostly received backlash for his comments. His team made a statement just after the controversy was created and clarified Mahesh Babu's statements. They said "Mahesh has clarified that he loves cinema and respects all languages. He said he is comfortable doing the film where he has been working. Mahesh said he is happy to see his dream coming true as Telugu cinema is going places". However, two directors from the industry had two different opinions on the controversy. One is the famous yesteryear Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt, who is also the father of Alia Bhatt, and he has also directed the Telugu film Criminal, and the other is director Ram Gopal Varma. While one director had a subtle opinion on the remarks, another expressed his confusion. Mahesh Bhatt said that "If Bollywood can’t afford his price, then very good. I wish him all the best. I respect where he comes from. He has talent and he has an ‘X’ value for the talent that he has generated over the years. He is a very successful actor and keeping to his requisite of what he wants to get in terms of gratification of our films, if Bollywood cannot work to his expectations, then there is nothing wrong with it. I wish him all the best. Each one to its own. (sic)” While Mukesh Bhatt had a positive opinion on the remarks, director Ram Gopal Varma shared a diverse opinion. In an exclusive interview to India Today, RGV said "It is his choice as an actor. But I honestly didn't understand what he meant by Bollywood can't afford him. I am still unable to figure out what he meant by that because the point is, if you see the recent South Indian films, they were dubbed and released and they made whatever money they did. Also, first of all, Bollywood is not a company. It is a label given by the media. An individual movie company or a production house will ask you to do a film at a particular cost, so how can he generalise Bollywood, I don't understand that. Bollywood is not a company, so his context is not understood.(sic)" While there are separate sections of the industry supporting and condeming Mahesh Babu, it is not the first time an actor has made comments on another regional industry during the promotions of their films. Bollywood actor John Abraham had also spoken about being a Bollywood actor and expressed his disinterest in regional films.