Amar Kaushik Slams ‘Mahavatar’ Rumors: Director Tells Media to ‘Bandh Karo’ Spreading False News About Vicky Kaushal’s Diet

In an era where every minute detail of a film’s production and an actor’s preparation is scrutinized and amplified, the line between fact and speculation often blurs. This was recently the case with the highly anticipated mythological epic, Mahavatar, starring Vicky Kaushal and directed by Amar Kaushik. Reports had begun circulating online suggesting that both the actor and the filmmaker had decided to completely abstain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food as a part of their preparation for the film, a gesture supposedly made to show respect for the character of Lord Parashurama, an immortal warrior-sage. However, the film’s director, Amar Kaushik, has now stepped forward to vehemently dismiss these claims, delivering a sharp and direct message to the rumor mill: “Bandh Karo”.

Kaushik’s forthright denial not only brings clarity to the situation but also serves as a strong reminder for audiences to rely only on official sources for information regarding major Bollywood projects. The incident underscores the pervasive nature of unverified news in the entertainment landscape and the pressure actors and filmmakers face when working on culturally significant subjects.

The Rumor Mill Goes Overtime: The ‘Lifestyle Change’ Narrative

The buzz surrounding Mahavatar is immense. Tipped to be one of the most ambitious Hindi films ever made, the movie is a cinematic retelling of the legend of Chiranjeevi Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The sheer scale and spiritual nature of the subject led to an inevitable flurry of speculation, including details about the cast and crew’s personal commitments to the project.

Reports, initially citing an unnamed source, suggested that to fully immerse themselves in the disciplined, purer lifestyle associated with the great sage Parashurama, both Vicky Kaushal and Amar Kaushik had allegedly resolved to quit what is often referred to as ‘taamsik’ food—specifically non-vegetarian items—and alcohol. The claims added that this decision was a way of dedicating themselves to the challenging project and honoring the mythological character. One report even suggested that the director had already given up the habits, and Vicky Kaushal was set to follow suit once he wrapped up his current filming commitments, such as the shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War.

Such narratives often gain traction because they align with a public expectation for ‘sacrifices’ from actors portraying divine or ascetic figures. The idea of adopting a monk-like discipline for a role adds a layer of reverence and PR value to the film. However, the narrative was quickly debunked by the person best positioned to confirm it: the director himself.

Amar Kaushik’s Firm Response: ‘Jab Hum Bolein, Tabhi Uska Vishwas Karo’

In a recent interview, Amar Kaushik was directly asked about the veracity of the viral rumors concerning the dietary and lifestyle changes he and Vicky Kaushal were supposedly undertaking. The filmmaker, known for hits like Stree and Bhediya, did not mince words in his strong repudiation of the unverified reports.

Kaushik expressed clear frustration over the ease with which such baseless stories spread online. His statement was a mix of bewilderment and a stern appeal for caution. “Again, main wohi bol raha hoon ki yeh kaha se kuch bhi cheez nikalti hai. Please bhaiyon, bandh karo. Jab hum bolein, tabhi uska vishwaas karo,” he stated.

The Hindi phrase translates powerfully to: “Again, I am saying the same thing: where do such rumors even come from? Please, brothers, stop it. Only believe it when we officially say so.”.

The Significance of ‘Bandh Karo’

This simple, colloquial phrase, “Bandh Karo” (meaning ‘Stop it’), is a direct and unambiguous command that cuts through the typical diplomatic language of celebrity interviews. It reflects a growing exasperation among filmmakers and actors with the media’s practice of citing anonymous sources for personal details that have no official confirmation. Kaushik’s demand for the rumors to be ceased is a pushback against the practice of creating speculative news around a project that is already massive in scale and scope. He emphasized that any genuine updates regarding the film’s preparations, including any personal choices made by the cast or crew, will be communicated through official channels.

Mahavatar: An Epic Awaited on the Big Screen

The controversy, while distracting, inadvertently highlights the immense public interest in Mahavatar. The film is a collaboration between Amar Kaushik and producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. It is slated to be an action epic, showcasing the story of the eternal warrior of Dharma, Lord Parashurama, who is famous for his fierce warrior spirit, his axe (Parasu), and his encounters with other figures like Lord Ram, Bhisma, and Karna in the Hindu epics.

Key Details on the Film’s Status:

• Subject: Lord Parashurama (Chiranjeevi Parashurama), the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Lead Actor: Vicky Kaushal, marking his first venture into a full-fledged mythological role.
• Production: Maddock Films, known for a diverse slate of successful films.
• Production Timeline: The film is currently in pre-production. The shooting is scheduled to commence in 2026, after Vicky Kaushal completes his prior commitments.
• The Vision: Kaushik has spoken about the creative challenge of approaching such a subject, noting its requirement for “significant resources and extensive VFX” to do justice to the vision of the grand cinematic spectacle. The makers had initially announced a theatrical release for Christmas 2026.

The True Preparation: Beyond Dietary Restrictions

While rumors focused on what Vicky Kaushal and Amar Kaushik might be giving up, the reality of preparing for a mythological epic is far more demanding. Vicky Kaushal is already known for his intense dedication to roles, evident in his transformations for films like Uri: The Surgical Strike and the historical epic Chhaava.

For a role as physically and mentally taxing as Parashurama, the actual preparation would involve a rigorous regime focusing on:

1. Weapon Training: Mastering the Parasu (battle-axe), a signature weapon of Lord Parashurama.
2. Physical Transformation: Building the physique of an immortal warrior, which requires a strict, high-protein diet and intense weight training—not necessarily a restrictive, purely ascetic one. One fan noted that for an actor like Kaushal, who has spoken about the challenge of bulking up, limiting essential caloric intake via a restrictive diet would be counter-productive to the physical demands of the role.
3. Mythological Study: Deep immersion into the scriptures and existing lore to understand the character’s temperament, philosophy, and history.
4. VFX Collaboration: Working closely with the VFX team to understand the scale of the action and green-screen requirements, which is a key component given Kaushik’s acknowledgment of the film’s extensive VFX needs.

Conclusion: Focus on the Craft, Not the Rumors

A massive mythological saga like Mahavatar already carries the weight of public expectation and cultural significance. The director, Amar Kaushik’s, curt yet crucial statement—“Please bhaiyon, bandh karo”—serves as a necessary filter, pushing the focus back onto the creative process and the official announcements.

As the team moves closer to the 2026 shooting schedule, the audience is urged to trust the process and await official updates from Maddock Films. The true measure of their dedication will be the spectacle they deliver on screen, not the unconfirmed details of their private lives or dietary choices. The anticipation for Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of the legendary warrior Parashurama remains high, and the industry is collectively holding its breath for an official glimpse into the making of what promises to be a cinematic event.