Ajay Devgn claimed Karan Johar paid KRK to support his film. Here’s everything that has happened till now

Stakes are running high on Shivaay, as Ajay Devgn returns in an out-and-out action avatar.

Shivaay got thumbs up for its high octane action but ADHM stole the thunder for its intense storyline, sizzling chemistry between the lead trio and echoing title track. And while Karan Johar was cashing in on all the glory for his new directorial, Ajay Devgn came up with something unexpected. He accused KJo of manipulating the response to the teaser. How? He brought in self-proclaimed film critic Kamaal Rashid Khan aka KRK into the controversy, alleging Karan paid him Rs 25 lakh to promote ADHM.

Let’s begin from the start. Just when the nation was swooning by the first look of ADHM, KRK, infamous for his offensive comments on Twitter, began posting tweets thoroughly praising the posters and the teaser of the film. Everywhere he wrote about how impressive the film looked and how it is set to take down Shivaay completely on its release. Check out the tweets.

This poster says that #AeDilHaiMushkil is an emotional family film which will storm the box office. pic.twitter.com/epgX8ufzpe

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) August 29, 2016

If Karan’s enemy @RGVzoomin is also praising #AeDilHaiMushkil means it’s an extra ordinary film. Superb! https://t.co/Qwugi9cjEf

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) August 30, 2016

#ADHMTeaser released Few hours ago n it has left #Shivaay much behind in survey means clash like #Rustom n #MohenjoDaro is going to happen.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) August 30, 2016

I personally suggest Ajay Devgan to avoid clash with #ADHM Coz #Shivaay has to do min200Cr business at DBO to recover 150Cr investment only.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) August 30, 2016

KRK even wrote something for Ajay Devgn directly.

#Relaxed pic.twitter.com/eZhHSb3uGO

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) August 30, 2016

Ajay Devgan is showing here that how will public watch #Shivaay in theatres. https://t.co/lGLG29z50J

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) August 30, 2016

While everything looked in place for Karan Johar’s next directorial film, hell broke loose! Reports began coming in that KRK had reportedly accepted Rs 25 lakh from KJo to badmouth Shivaay on social media. Backing it with a proof, Ajay Devgn posted an audio clip of an alleged telephonic conversation between Shivaay producer Kumar Mangat and KRK.

Hear what self proclaimed no. 1 critic and trade analyst Kamaal R Khan has to say. https://t.co/wRc7moSlsZ

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) September 1, 2016

Also read: Is KRK so influential his tweets should worry National Award-winner Ajay Devgn?

Devgn later even issued a statement to confirm how KRK was dissing Shivaay, saying that the movie will falter against ADHM. He said, “I have been a part of the Indian film industry for the past 25 years and have been associated with over 100 films. My father was a professional action director and I have an emotional connection with this industry. It therefore pains me to see that people like Kamaal R Khan are holding the film industry to ransom by spreading negativity about films to extort money from producers. It is very sad that people from our own industry are supporting such elements and spoiling the ethos of the film industry. I would strongly demand that this be thoroughly investigated by competent authorities to clarify if Karan Johar was indeed involved in this.”

Karan Johar is back to direction with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. His last directorial was Student of The Year.

Also read: KRK contradicting himself in explanations: Ajay Devgn

We have seen in the past how KRK slams his haters or anyone who points a finger at him. This time was no exception too. KRK, in his defence, wrote a series of tweets and said Karan never offered him any money. He even turned the tables and revealed that it was actually Devgn who offered him the same amount to bash ADHM, but he refused. Read some of the main tweets from the long chain.

I am not friend or enemy of @ajaydevgn or @karanjohar so I don’t care which film will be hit or flop. As a critic I have to remain unbiased.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 1, 2016

Whatever I have said about trailers of #Shivaay n #AeDilHaiMushkil that’s 100% without any favour to any1 n on the basis of my liking only.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 1, 2016

Kumar Mangat requested me to give good review of Wahiyat film #ActionJackson n I didn’t criticise @ajaydevgn at all. U can watch tat review.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 1, 2016

If @ajaydevgn believes his film #Shivaay then he should fight with #ADHM all alone with full confidence instead pulling others in the fight.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 1, 2016

Let me clear it. Karan Johar has never paid me or asked me to bash #Shivaay n you can hear it in the tape. I said 25 Lakhs to avoid Kumar.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 1, 2016

Kumar+Ajay offered me money to bash #AeDilHaiMushkil as he is offering in the tape also but I refused. I told them that I will do it free.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 1, 2016

Today both films #Shivaay n #AeDilHaiMushkil got free publicity of millions of ₹ with my name and this is the power of The Brand KRK. G.N.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 1, 2016

If you are talking with Kumar Mangat or @ajaydevgn then you should be careful because they can tape you.

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 2, 2016

Ajay sir this proclaimed actor @aamir_khan is bashing #Shivaay and praising #AeDilHaiMushkil so m sure Karan has paid him. Correct Naa sir?

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) September 4, 2016

Devgn has now demanded an investigation into the matter and how Karan allegedly paid the amount to KRK to give good reviews to ADHM, and speak bad about Shivaay. On his part, even KRK rejected all the accusations at a press conference and called the audio clip fake.

Also read: Ajay Devgn is using me to target Karan Johar: KRK

Karam Johar said he prefers his respect and silence rather than getting entangled in the controversy.

Karan who has until now maintained a peaceful stand on the entire issue, finally broke his silence during recent Express Adda. Without divulging much, he said, “My self-respect, reputation, company reputation and my upbringing doesn’t allow me to dignify this question with a response.” Karan’s signature politically correct stand was indicative that he did not want to offend anyone, nor was he interested in becoming a part to the ugly controversy where even he has been tagged.

Read: #ExpressAdda Karan Johar on Ajay Devgn-KRK controversy: My upbringing doesn’t allow me to dignify this question with a response

While the two sides have remained silent since then, filmmaker Prakash Jha has come out in support of Ajay Devgn, who is a regular face in many of Jha’s films – Apaharan, Gangaajal, Raajneeti and Satyagraha.

Will this controversy end here or are we likely to see more fireworks before the two big starrers land on Diwali?