Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra has found himself at the center of growing public scrutiny even as promotions for his upcoming feature film, The One: Force of the Forest, gather steam. Scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 25, 2026, the project features Tamannaah Bhatia alongside him in a leading role. The movie centers heavily around regional folklore from Bihar, untamed forest landscapes, and indigenous beliefs, creating notable excitement among film enthusiasts. A key highlight of the promotional campaign has been the devotional track Chhathi Maiya, dedicated to the revered festival of Chhath. However, this positive reception has been dampened by the sudden revival of an old video clip from 2018, in which the actor made a crude remark comparing the sound of speaking Bhojpuri to a visit to the latrine.
Celebration of Regional Traditions in The One
The One: Force of the Forest places special emphasis on the sacred observance of Chhath Puja, which holds immense cultural importance across Bihar and the wider Purvanchal region. The recently unveiled musical track Chhathi Maiya has resonated deeply with listeners across social platforms. In the video, Sidharth and Tamannaah Bhatia are seen participating in solemn prayer rituals, offering arghya to the sun while dressed in conventional regional attire.
Rendered by playback singer Vishal Mishra, the composition quickly earned widespread appreciation for its earnest portrayal of indigenous rituals. Members of the Bhojpuri creative industry and residents of the state initially welcomed the gesture, viewing the inclusion of their centuries-old customs in mainstream cinema as a long-overdue acknowledgement of their rich cultural heritage.
Resurfaced Clip Triggers Criticism
While the promotional material showcases reverent depictions of folk traditions, the reappearance of the actor's past commentary has triggered a strong wave of public criticism online. Many viewers have pointed out the stark contrast between his current onscreen reverence and the derogatory remarks he voiced years earlier. Critics have accused him of opportunism, alleging that regional sentiments are being embraced purely for commercial appeal after having once been the subject of casual ridicule.
The 2018 Reality Show Incident
The controversy traces back to early 2018, when Sidharth appeared on the sets of the reality show Bigg Boss 11 to promote his theatrical release Aiyaary. He was joined on the platform by co-star Manoj Bajpayee, while Salman Khan hosted the broadcast.
During an unscripted segment, Manoj Bajpayee playfully prompted Sidharth to deliver a few dialogue lines in Bhojpuri. While attempting to mimic the dialect, Sidharth concluded the exercise with a disparaging quip, remarking that speaking the language gave him a latrine-like feeling. The statement drew swift public condemnation at the time, with notable personalities, including actor Neetu Chandra, publicly rebuking him for insulting a language spoken by millions.
As public outrage escalated following the original broadcast, Sidharth issued an apology on social media. In his clarification, he stated that he had merely attempted to speak an unfamiliar tongue during a television appearance and expressed regret for inadvertently hurting public sentiments, assuring audiences that he never intended any disrespect.
Renewed Debate Over Cultural Authenticity
With his upcoming cinematic release leaning directly into the local faith and heritage of Bihar, internet users are once again circulating the old footage to question the sincerity of the production. Online commenters have argued that embracing a culture for cinematic gains carries little weight when the actor had previously trivialized its regional linguistic identity on a national platform. As a result, the actor continues to face sharp pushback as the release date of his project draws near.
